IMPACT OF ASBESTOS EXPOSURE ON THE PROGRESSION OF PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA
Abstract
This paper addresses the relationship between asbestos exposure and the development of malignant pleural mesothelioma, a neoplasm that is difficult to diagnose and has a poor prognosis. The aim of the study is to analyze the effects of asbestos on the progression of pleural mesothelioma, describing its pathogenic mechanisms, clinical and diagnostic manifestations and therapeutic options. The methodology used consisted of a review of the scientific literature and the analysis of 10 studies that investigate the etiology, pathophysiology, histopathological findings and treatments of pleural mesothelioma. The results show that exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor for this disease, and that its inhalation causes chronic inflammation, oxidative damage and genetic mutations that culminate in the malignant transformation of mesothelial cells. Clinically, mesothelioma presents insidiously with nonspecific symptoms such as progressive dyspnea, chest pain, and pleural effusion, making it difficult to diagnose early. Histopathological analysis is essential to identify epithelioid, sarcomatoid and biphasic subtypes, which determine prognosis and therapeutic options. Although imaging techniques and immunohistochemical studies are useful for diagnosis, patients are usually diagnosed in advanced stages, limiting treatment options to combinations of chemotherapy with pemetrexed and cisplatin, or to radical surgical procedures that pose high risks. Despite advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapies, the survival rate remains low. In the final considerations, the importance of developing better prevention, early detection and more effective treatment strategies is highlighted, as well as the need to continue with rigorous policies for the control and elimination of asbestos in the workplace and environment. This study reaffirms the urgent need to face this disease in a multidisciplinary manner and improve the quality of life of affected patients.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2024 Bianca Inácia Martins , Emily Vittória Frota Mota, Gabriela da Silva, Guilherme de Fraga Machado , Larissa Martins Vilarinho , Luiz Felipe Baía Martins, Marcelo Ricardo Martins do Nascimento, Rodrigo Ramos Barbosa , Suellen de Andrade Ambrósio , Vinícius Diogenes de OliveiraAuthor(s)
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Bianca Inácia Martins
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Emily Vittória Frota Mota
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Gabriela da Silva
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Guilherme de Fraga Machado
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Larissa Martins Vilarinho
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Luiz Felipe Baía Martins
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Marcelo Ricardo Martins do Nascimento
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Rodrigo Ramos Barbosa
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Suellen de Andrade Ambrósio
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Vinícius Diogenes de Oliveira