Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, a thin lining of tissue that covers the internal organs, including the heart and lungs. This cancer is a direct result of prolonged exposure to asbestos. According to the American Cancer Society, between 2,000 and 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.
Types
Mesothelioma is divided into four types depending on where the cancer affects the mesothelium. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common type of mesothelioma, occurs in the tissue surrounding the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is in the lining of the abdomen. Pericardial mesothelioma is in the lining surrounding the heart. Tunica vaginalis mesothelioma is in the lining surround the testicles.
Symptoms
Symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the stage of the cancer. Symptoms may include abdominal pain or swelling, unexplained weight loss, lumps of tissue in the abdomen or chest, shortness of breath, dry or painful coughing and painful breathing.
Diagnosing
Diagnosing the condition begins with the work history of an individual to determine possible exposure to asbestos. A complete physical, X-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, and lung function tests are used to determine any abnormalities. Lastly, a biopsy is done to confirm a diagnosis.
Staging
Staging is the process of determining how far the cancer has spread. Pleural mesothelioma is the only type of mesothelioma that is staged due to its frequent occurrence. The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) developed the TNM staging system. The "T" represents the spread of the main tumor. The "N" represents how much has spread to nearby lymph nodes. The "M" represents whether the cancer has metastasized to other organs or not.
Numbers and letters appear after the TNM to describe specific details for each of these TNM factors. The numbers zero through four indicate severity. Stage one is considered localized. Stage two indicates spreading beyond the chest, possibly to a lung. Stage three indicates a spreading to other areas in the chest like lymph nodes. Stage four indicates spreading to distant parts of the body like the brain.
Treatments
Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are the most common methods of treatment. Surgery is used to remove tumors, organs, tissue and other cancerous areas. Radiation is used to shrink the tumor through external or internal devices. Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs throughout the body most likely via injection.
