Pleural Mesothelioma
"We perform surgery with curative intent after properly selecting patients through a multidisciplinary session with the departments of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology and Pneumology".
DR. MARÍA RODRÍGUEZ PÉREZ
COORDINATOR. LUNG CANCER AREA
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer in which cancer cells invade the pleura (membrane covering the lungs).
It constitutes approximately 3% of malignant pleural neoplasms and, when its diagnosis is confirmed, its course is usually fatal in the long term.
We have an Area of Lung Cancer that coordinates the medical teams involved to achieve more precision, better diagnosis, reduces its cost (avoids duplication of tests/explorations) and makes a specific therapeutic offer for each patient in less time.
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Pleural mesothelioma symptoms
Diffuse chest pain
This is the most common symptom, with pain that may be pleuritic (intensified by breathing or movement) or radiating to the shoulder. It is usually associated with the presence of pleural effusion.
Cough
Generally dry and persistent, although it may become productive in advanced stages.
Dyspnoea (shortness of breath)
Progressive, initially on exertion and later at rest, due to pleural effusion or tumour infiltration.
Do you have any of these symptoms?
If you suspect that you have any of the above symptoms,
you should consult a medical specialist for a diagnosis.
Cuáles son las causas del mesotelioma pleural
In 80% of cases, the aetiology is exposure to asbestos dust, with a latency period of 20-40 years from the onset of exposure.
How is pleural mesothelioma diagnosed?
The diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is evident when pleural thickening is found surrounding the lung trapping it and attaching to the mediastinum.
Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, followed by a complete physical examination including a chest x-ray and respiratory function studies.
Computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) are very helpful in determining the extent and location of the lesion.
Biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the stage of the disease must be determined in order to best treat it.
How is pleural mesothelioma treated?
Three types of surgery are used in the treatment of mesothelioma:
- Diagnostic surgery. To obtain a sample for biopsy. It is performed by thoracoscopy or open pleural surgery.
- Palliative surgery, which includes pleurodesis, thoracoscopy with pleurodesis and, more rarely, pleuroperitoneal shunt.
- Curative surgery involves performing a pleuropneumonectomy or pleurectomy/decortication.
These are aggressive surgeries whose aim is to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
Treatment of pleural mesothelioma, with curative intent, involves the administration of surgery-associated chemo-radiotherapy.
Where do we treat it?
IN NAVARRA AND MADRID
The Lung Cancer Area
of the Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra
The Lung Cancer Area is made up of specialists in Pneumology, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Thoracic Surgery, Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, as well as researchers from the Solid Tumors and Biomarkers Program at the Summit.
The diagnostic process integrates tumor molecular biology to achieve the most complete diagnosis possible.
Diseases we treat
Why at the Clinica?
- Integral evaluation of the patient.
- Possibility of beginning personalized treatment 48 hours after the first consultation.
- Minimally invasive surgery for the prompt recovery of our patients.
Our pleural mesothelioma team of experts
