According to Mesothelioma.net, mesothelioma is a rare form of malignant cancer that occurs when the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide extremely rapidly. Malignant mesothelium cells can invade and damage the organs they would normally protect. These malignant cells may also metastasize and spread to other parts of the body. The most common form is pleural mesothelioma, which originates in the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the stomach and abdomen, is the second most common form of this disease The rarest form of mesothelioma is pericardial mesothelioma which affects the heart and surrounding tissues.
What is the Mesothelium?
The mesothelium is a membrane that surrounds and protects most of the internal organs. The mesothelium is referred to by several different names, depending on which part of the body being protected. The mesothelium that covers and protects most of the organs in the abdomen is referred to as the peritoneum. If the membrane surrounds the lungs and acts as a lining of the chest wall cavity, it is referred to as the pleura. Mesothelial tissue that surrounds and protects the heart is known as the pericardium. Mesothelial tissue also provides protection for the male and female reproductive organs. The mesothelium that protects the male genitalia is known as the tunica vaginalis testis. The membrane that protects the female reproductive organs is known as the tunica serosa uteri.
Causes of Mesothelioma
The primary cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure has been reported in over 90 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses. The majority of individuals who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are men who were exposed to asbestos for prolonged periods of time at their place of employment. A few cases of mesothelioma have been linked to thoratrast administration. Thoratrast was used as an early contrast media for radiology procedures in the 1930's through the 1950's. In addition, there are several cases of mesothelioma reported in the Anatoli region of Turkey linked to zeolite exposure. Zeolite is silicate material that chemically related to asbestos. This chemical is commonly found in the soil in the Anatoli region.
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
Diagnosis of mesothelioma can be difficult due to the long period of time from exposure to onset of symptoms, and because the symptoms are very similar to many other medical conditions. A complete medical exam should be performed which should include medical history and information regarding asbestos exposure. A blood test should be performed to evaluate for elevated levels of a protein called osteopontin. The medical exam should also include several other exams such as a pulmonary function test, chest x-ray and abdominal x-ray. In addition, a biopsy could be required to physically examine the diseased tissue.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not occur for 30 to 50 years after exposure to the cause of the disease. Symptoms associated with pleural mesothelioma can include coughing, fever, weight loss, severe breathing difficulties, back pain and night sweats. Pleural effusions one of the most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. A pleural effusion is an excessive accumulation of fluid between the lining of the lungs and the lining of the chest cavity. Peritoneal mesothelioma can produce symptoms such as abdominal pain, weakness, fever, nausea, abdominal swelling, loss of appetite and bowel obstruction. Pericardial mesothelioma can produce symptoms such as persistent coughing, chest pains, shortness of breath and heart palpitations.
Treatment Options For Mesothelioma
According to Mayo Clinic, there are several treatment options for individuals who have been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. If the disease is diagnosed early, surgical removal of the tumor is an option. Surgery may be an effective treatment even if the tumor cannot be removed. Surgical intervention can reduce symptoms of mesothelioma by reducing the amount of fluid build up in the lungs. Chemotherapy is also an effective treatment when surgery is not an option. Radiation therapy is also a treatment option for mesothelioma. Radiation therapy involves aiming a beam of radiation directly at the tumor.
