Pleural Mesothelioma
"At the Clínica Universidad de Navarra, the mainstay of treatment for pleural mesothelioma is systemic therapy, immunotherapy or chemotherapy, adjusted to the subtype of mesothelioma and the clinical situation of each patient. In addition, we have active lines of research and innovative clinical trials specifically aimed at this pathology".
DR. MARÍA RODRÍGUEZ PÉREZ
COORDINATOR. LUNG CANCER AREA
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer in which cancerous cells affect the pleura, the membrane that covers the lungs.
It accounts for approximately 3% of malignant pleural tumors, and once diagnosed, its long-term prognosis is usually unfavorable.
At the Lung Cancer Area of the Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra, we have a multidisciplinary team of experts that ensures more accurate diagnoses, greater agility in decision-making, and access to the latest treatments available for this disease.
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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 suspected pleural mesothelioma begins when there is evidence of pleural thickening surrounding the lung, trapping it and attaching it to the mediastinum.
A review of the patient's medical history is essential, 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 useful in determining the extent and location of the lesion.
A biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the stage of the disease must be determined in order to proceed with the best treatment.
How is pleural mesothelioma treated?
A comprehensive approach
Systemic therapy (mainstay of treatment)
- Immunotherapy or chemotherapy, selected according to the subtype (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic), tumor burden, and the patient’s overall condition.
- Review by a multidisciplinary committee (Thoracic Surgery, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and Pulmonology) to personalize the treatment plan and its sequence.
Research and clinical trials
- Access to cutting-edge clinical trials and translational research programs that expand therapeutic options beyond current standards.
- Proactive assessment of the patient’s eligibility for these trials at different stages of the care process.
Surgery (in selected cases)
- Diagnostic: thoracoscopy for biopsy, with minimal risk.
- Palliative: management of pleural effusion and related symptoms.
- With curative intent: pleural resection to minimize tumor burden, reserved for highly selected patients after multidisciplinary evaluation.
Radiation therapy and supportive care
- Radiation therapy for local control in specific indications.
- Comprehensive management of symptoms, pleural effusion, and pain, with supportive measures to maintain quality of life.
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
