Malignant mesothelioma is a variant of asbestos cancer. It affects the mesothelium, which is a fine tissue layer that surrounds the internal organs of the body. The cancer is directly caused by asbestos exposure.
Types of Malignant Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma: This is the most common form of asbestos cancer. It affects the pleura, which is the lining of the lungs.
Peritoneal mesothelioma: This form of cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum.
Pericardial mesothelioma: This cancer affects the membrane surrounding the heart. The membrane is also known as pericardium.
Testicular mesothelioma: This form of cancer is very rare. It affects the membranous lining that surrounds the testicles, known as the tunica vaginalis.
Symptoms of Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma goes undetected for several decades due to lack of symptoms. The symptoms may surface after several decades of exposure to asbestos. This can be attributed to the long latency period of the disease. The symptoms are not very grave and indicate mild conditions. This can make diagnosis difficult.
Symptoms differ according to type. The symptoms associated with pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, pain in the chest, and continuous cough. Individuals having peritoneal mesothelioma display abdominal swelling, bowel irregularities, and formation of lumps beneath the skin of the abdomen. Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include palpitations of the heart, chest pain, breathing problems, fever, and night sweats.
Individuals having testicular mesothelioma may develop lumps in the testis.
Treatment of Malignant Mesothelioma
There are several treatment options available for individuals with malignant mesothelioma. The response to treatment varies across individuals. The treatment plan depends on the stage of cancer and its level of maturity. The general health of the individual also plays an important role.
The most common forms of treatment of malignant mesothelioma include chemotherapy and radiation. Their primary aim is to kill cancerous cells and inhibit cell division and growth. The treatment may affect healthy cells as well. The most common side effect of treatment is nausea.
Palliative treatments are designed to elevate the comfort levels of the patient. It also helps ease pain. Patients can also explore the field of latest treatments by signing up for clinical trials.
Causes of Malignant Mesothelioma
Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of malignant mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested by the body it causes mesothelioma. Large amounts of fiber cause scarring and inflammation. The fibers also cause cell damage. This leads to quick division of cancer cells. The cells that are in the process of division cause the thickening of the membrane. This results in buildup of fluids in the spaces between the membranes. As the cells divide and grow, it can lead to formation of tumors.
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