“I took a mesothelioma, a very bad tumor, linked to the presence of asbestos in the air. It is taken because you breathe in asbestos particles without knowing it, without realizing it, because an asbestos fiber is six thousand times smaller than a hair, six thousand times lighter than a hair. Once released into the air it no longer settles on the ground, and has a very long shelf life, it can remain there waiting for up to 30 years, and when it manifests itself, unfortunately, it is usually too late”.
As Franco Di Marehistoric Rai journalist, long correspondent in theaters of war in the former Yugoslavia, announced on ‘Che Tempo che Fa’ Fabio Fazio his illness, presenting his book ‘Le parole per lo dirlo’.
“It’s not late yet, it’s not over yet. Because as a football coach you really like, Vujadin Boskov, says… ‘The match ends when the referee blows his whistle’. And my referee hasn’t blown his whistle yet,” he added.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that lines most internal organs. It is primarily associated with exposure to asbestos, a natural mineral fiber once widely used in industry for its heat-resistant, insulating and sound-proofing properties. Due to its aggressive nature and extremely long latency period, mesothelioma is often diagnosed in advanced stages, making treatment and prognosis particularly difficult.
History and exposure to asbestos
The link between asbestos and mesothelioma was discovered in the early 1960s, but asbestos had already been used for decades in numerous industrial sectors, including construction, shipbuilding and the manufacture of asbestos products. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can penetrate deeply into the lungs and lodge in the mesothelium, causing damage and inflammation that decades later can develop into mesothelioma.
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Types of mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can be classified based on the area of the body where it develops:
Pleural mesothelioma: It is the most common type and affects the pleura, the lining of the lungs and chest wall.
Peritoneal mesothelioma: It affects the peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen.
Pericardial mesothelioma: Rare compared to other types, it affects the pericardium, the lining around the heart.
Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis: Also very rare, it affects the lining around the testicles.
Symptoms of mesothelioma
Symptoms of mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and often only appear in the advanced stages of the disease. These may include chest pain, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and, in the case of peritoneal mesothelioma, abdominal swelling or abdominal masses. Due to their generic nature, these symptoms can easily be mistaken for less serious conditions, thus delaying diagnosis.
Mesothelioma diagnosis
The diagnosis of mesothelioma typically begins with a physical exam followed by imaging techniques such as chest x-rays or CT scans, which may reveal pleural thickening or fluid accumulation. However, definitive confirmation is often obtained through a biopsy, in which a sample of tissue is taken and examined under a microscope for the presence of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma treatment
Mesothelioma treatment varies depending on the stage of the disease and the patient’s overall health. Treatment options include:
Surgery: It can be used to remove the tumor if possible. In pleural mesothelioma, this may include removal of part or all of the lung in a procedure called a pneumonectomy.
Radiotherapy: Used to reduce symptoms and control the spread of cancer in specific areas.
Chemotherapy: Used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors, often used before or after surgery or as the main treatment for inoperable cases.
Targeted therapies and immunotherapy: Recent developments include drugs that target specific molecular pathways involved in tumor growth or that boost the body’s immune system against cancer.
Research and innovation in the treatment of mesothelioma
In recent years, mesothelioma research has seen notable advances, with the introduction of new targeted therapies and immunotherapies offering hope for improved survival rates and improved quality of life. Research continues to focus on identifying biomarkers for early diagnosis and more effective and less invasive treatments.
Legal considerations and patient support
Given the link between asbestos and mesothelioma, many patients may be entitled to legal compensation. It is a good idea to consult an asbestos exposure attorney to discuss possible legal action. Additionally, there are numerous resources and support groups available to help patients and their families manage the emotional and practical aspects of the disease.
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