Diagnosis and Treatments for Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma lung cancer is a type of malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer affecting internal organs. In the lungs the condition is called pleural malignant mesothelioma. This is the most common form of mesothelioma, and affects the tissue surrounding the lungs.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of mesothelioma lung cancer include shortness of breath, painful and dry coughing, chest pain under the ribs, painful breathing, unexplained weight loss, and unusual lumps under the skin of the chest.

Causes

• Mesothelioma lung cancer is caused by a genetic mutation of cells which causes them to multiply uncontrollably. Contributing factors are environment, inherited conditions, health conditions, and lifestyle choices.

Diagnosis

• Mesothelioma lung cancer is diagnosed with a doctor's exam and a biopsy, which is the surgical removal of part of the affected tissue for laboratory examination.

Treatment

• Treatment of mesothelioma lung cancer is designed primarily to make patients comfortable, since it has no cure and is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease.

Removal

• Surgery is used to remove the cancer and may help relieve or reduce symptoms. Procedures include surgery to remove excess fluid, cancerous tissue around the lungs, or an entire affected lung.

Chemotherapy/Radiation

• Chemotherapy and radiation are also used to kill cancerous cells and prevent their spreading. Doctors may combine chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery to treat the cancer.