Mesothelioma refers to a rare type of cancer that is diagnosed in 2,000 to 3,000 Americans each year, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Features
According to Mesothelioma.com, mesothelioma affects the cells that line the organs in the body. There are four types of malignant mesothelioma: pleural (of the lungs), pericardial (of the heart), peritoneal (of the stomach) and of the tunica vaginalis (of the testicle).
Cause
The exact cause of mesothelioma is unknown, but there are specific risk factors that lead to its development. According to the Mayo Clinic, they include exposure to asbestos, smoking, radiation and family history.
Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, some symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include trouble breathing, chest pain, weight loss and cough. Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include stomach pain, weight loss and lumps in the stomach. Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma and mesothelioma of the testicle are unclear.
Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelioma cancer is poor, because the disease is usually found in its late stages.
Treatment
According to the Mayo Clinic, treatments for mesothelioma cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, or a combination thereof.
