1. It Starts With Mesothelial Cells
Most of your internal organs are covered by a thin layer of tissue, called the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is cancer of the mesothelial cells and is considered a rare type of cancer, with between 2,000 to 3,000 diagnosed in the USA every year. Although mesothelioma can affect people of all ages, it is more typically found in people over the age of 65.
2. It's Not Just in the Lungs
The most common form of mesothelioma is in the mesothelial cells surrounding the lungs, called pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can also occur in the abdomen, known as peritoneal mesothelioma. In very rare instances, mesothelioma can occur in the lining surrounding the testicles, called tunica vaginalis. And perhaps the rarest form of mesothelioma occurs in the lining that surrounds the heart, called the pericardium.
3. Workers Exposed to Asbestos Are at a Greater Risk
People who worked in various construction industries were exposed to asbestos, which is now a known cause of asbestosis and mesothelioma. It's estimated that more than 70% of mesothelioma cases are directly related to asbestos. Asbestos was commonly used as a fire retardant and because it was natural, nobody thought about cancer. Asbestos was widely used in making roofing shingles, cement, insulation, ceiling tiles and flooring. Mesothelioma has a very long period between the time of exposure to the time of diagnosis, from years to decades. Short-term exposure to asbestos can also lead to mesothelioma; from those who worked with asbestos for as little as a month to the wives who washed asbestos laden work clothes.
4. Unexplained Lumps Could Be Mesothelioma
Both pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma may have symptoms of unusual lumps and unexplained weight loss. Pleural mesothelioma symptoms also include difficulty in breathing, chest pain, shortness of breath and a dry cough. Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms also include abdominal pain or swelling and a change in bowel habits, such as frequent constipation or diarrhea.
5. Location Changes Treatment Options
The treatment for mesothelioma is based on it's location, what stage it is and if it has spread to other areas. If the mesothelioma is localized and hasn't spread, surgery to remove the cancer may be performed. If the cancer has spread, surgery called "debulking" can be performed. Debulking removes as much of the cancer as is possible. Chemotherapy and radiation may also be done to stop the spread of the mesothelioma and to kill as much of it as possible. A difficult type of treatment combines surgery, radiation and chemotherapy; it's difficult because the treatment itself is aggressive and can be exhausting. There are promising drugs and treatments continually being tested in clinical trials and they offer hope to those with an aggressive form of mesothelioma.
