About this disease
What it is about
In Switzerland, about 200 people per year develop malignant mesolithic pleura. 85% of those affected are men and 15% women. Almost 40% of those affected are 50 to 69 years old at the time of diagnosis, and about 60% are 70 years old or older. Asbestos exposure is considered the most important factor in the development of malignant mesolithic. The latency period after asbestos exposure is long and amounts to about 33 years until the first symptoms appear.
Symptoms and consequences
A pleural effusion can affect the entire pleura and also spread to neighboring organs such as the lungs or diaphragm. The consequences are, for example, shortness of breath, chest pain and loss of appetite.
What we do for you
Examination and diagnosis
Imaging techniques such as computed tomography are used for diagnosis. In addition, tissue samples or fluid are taken from the pleural effusion.
Treatment
The type of treatment depends on how far the tumor has spread. Usually, pleural effusion is treated with surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. These therapies are used individually or in combination.