Papillary mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that affects the peritoneum, or abdominal lining.
This cancer is caused by asbestos exposure and can be difficult to treat. Fortunately, advances in medical technology have resulted in improved treatments for this cancer, including hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).
In this article, we will discuss the history of asbestos exposure and its relation to papillary mesothelioma before delving into treatment options such as HIPEC and prognosis information.
Symptoms: Shortness of Breath
Papillary mesothelioma can cause shortness of breath due to the finger-like projections that develop in the pleura and lungs. The projections, known as papillae, are caused by abnormal growths that can inhibit breathing and cause inflammation.
This type of mesothelioma is usually found in the abdomen but can also spread to other parts of the body including the lungs. Shortness of breath is a common symptom associated with this type of cancer.
Shortness of breath from papillary mesothelioma is often accompanied by coughing, chest pain, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
Other symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss and fever. It’s important to seek medical advice if you experience any combination of these symptoms as they could be indicative of a serious health condition such as papillary mesothelioma.
Diagnosis & Treatment: Imaging, Surgery
Papillary mesothelioma can be diagnosed and treated through imaging, surgery, and other treatments. Imaging allows doctors to view tumors in the body without having to open it up. High resolution CT scans are often used to locate tumor growths and finger-like projections that may indicate papillary mesothelioma. MRI’s can also be used to detect small masses or lesions associated with the disease.
Surgery is usually necessary for a definitive diagnosis of papillary mesothelioma, as microscopic examination of the tissue samples taken during a biopsy will confirm whether or not cancer cells are present in the tumor growths. Surgical removal of the affected area is recommended if there is an indication that cancer cells are present, even if they have not spread beyond the original location.
Prognosis & Survival Rate
Papillary mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can affect the lining of the lungs, heart and abdomen. It is typically resistant to chemotherapy, making prognosis difficult to predict.
The prognosis for papillary mesothelioma depends largely on the stage at which it is diagnosed. Studies have found that patients with earlier stages have higher survival rates than those with advanced stages, but overall survival rates remain low regardless of stage. The 5-year survival rate for all types of mesothelioma has been estimated at approximately 10%.
A factor that may influence prognosis is whether or not psammoma bodies are present in tissue samples from biopsies.
Symptoms: Abdominal Pain, Coughing
Papillary mesothelioma tumors can cause a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain and coughing.
Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms associated with papillary mesothelioma tumors, and it may be caused by the growth of the tumor itself or by blockage in the gastrointestinal tract due to pressure from enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen.
Coughing is another symptom that may occur as a result of papillary mesothelioma tumors. This type of cancer can spread to the lungs and cause shortness of breath, wheezing, and persistent coughing. In some cases, coughing up blood may also occur.
It is important to note that these symptoms are not exclusive to papillary mesothelioma tumors; they could be caused by other medical conditions as well.
Diagnosis: Imaging Tests, Biopsy
The diagnosis of well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma (WDPM) is often difficult, as it can mimic more common lung diseases. Imaging tests such as chest x-rays, CT scans and MRI scans are used to detect changes in the pleura or any abnormal mass that may suggest WDPM.
Fine needle aspiration biopsies can also be performed to collect cells for pathological analysis.
A tissue biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing WDPM, as it enables a pathologist to identify malignant cells associated with this cancer. In some cases, an open biopsy may be required if the sample collected through fine needle aspiration is not sufficient enough to diagnose WDPM.
It is important that any suspected cases of WDPM undergo these imaging tests and biopsies so that a correct diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment can be started immediately.
Treatment: Surgery, Chemotherapy
Papillary mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest cavity, and abdominal cavity. Treatment options for this type of cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Surgery is one option for treating papillary mesothelioma. The goal of surgical treatment is to remove as much of the tumor as possible without damaging healthy tissue. Depending on the size and location of the tumor and patient’s overall health status, a variety of surgical techniques may be used to remove tumors from these areas.
If a large portion or all of the tumor cannot be removed surgically, radiation and chemotherapy may be recommended in addition to surgery to eliminate any remaining cells.
Chemotherapy is an alternative option for treating papillary mesothelioma when surgery alone isn’t possible or effective enough on its own.