Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma LungsMesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that attacks cells, called mesothelial cells that make up membrane lining in the chest and abdominal cavity. The tissue called mesothelium, which is formed by the mesothelial cells, help protects the organs by producing a lubricating fluid that allows the organs to move without irritating nerves. Almost always mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos but some researchers believe the virus SV40 can also be a factor. While mesothelioma affects the lungs, it is not a lung cancer. Smokers are at risk for lung cancer, which in effect could lead to contracting other asbestos-related diseases. Lung cancer is more common and arises in the lungas inner tissues opposed to mesothelioma, which develops in the tissue that covers the lung.
Mesothelioma is most commonly located in the pleural and peritoneal regions of asbestos exposed workers. Pleural mesothelioma is cancer of the pleura, the membrane that lines the lungs and chest cavity. Peritoneal mesothelioma is cancer of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen. Pleural mesothelioma can usually be diagnosed earlier than peritoneal mesothelioma. Both pleural and peritoneal cancer involves serosal membranes, which are delicate membranes composed of connective tissue. Mesothelioma normally begins in the lungs and spread to the abdominal lining, which worsens the condition. The invasive nature of the tumor on heart and lungs are usually the ending factor in the patient.

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Malignant mesothelioma is rare and seldom curable. Those with malignant mesothelioma are expected to live just two years at the most. Patients who do not receive any treatment have a median survival rate of 4-12 months. Those who do receive treatment can prolong the span of their life.
The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos products, a fibrous mineral that is extremely toxic when it is inhaled, absorbed, or ingested.
Cancer Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Because mesothelioma's symptoms are not unique to it and the disease's relative rarity, cases of mesothelioma misdiagnosed are not uncommon. A review of the patient's medical history is an important part in assessing the risk of mesothelioma.
As a first step in diagnosing the disease, the doctor may order an x-ray of the chest or abdomen or a CT (or CAT) scan or MRI may be performed. Although mesothelioma typically cannot be seen on an x-ray, the tumor often causes a pleural effusion, or fluid collection between the lung and chest wall. This abnormal finding is associated with shortness of breath and warrants clinical followup. Lung function tests may also be completed.
ThoracoscopeThe doctor may look inside the chest cavity with a special instrument called a thoracoscope. A cut will be made through the chest wall and the thoracoscope will be put into the chest between two ribs. This test, called thoracoscopy, is usually done in the hospital. Before the test, the patient will be given a local anesthetic (a drug that causes a loss of feeling for a short period of time). Some pressure may be felt, but usually there is no pain.
The doctor may also look inside the abdomen (peritoneoscopy) with a special tool called a peritoneoscope. The peritoneoscope is put into an opening made in the abdomen. This test is also usually done in the hospital. Before the test is done, a local anesthetic will be given.
If tissue that is not normal is found, the doctor will need to cut out a small piece and have it reviewed under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells. This is called a biopsy. Biopsies are usually done during the thoracoscopy or peritoneoscopy.

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Diagnosing mesothelioma is very difficult, and cases of mesothelioma misdiagnosed are unforunately not uncommon. It is important to share your case history of work experience (especially in shipyards and at construction sites) and asbestos exposure potential with your physicians if you feel mesothelioma is a risk. Asbestos fibres can also be carried into the home on clothing, inadvertantly exposing the deadly fibres, and the risk of mesothelioma, to family members.
A mesothelioma diagnosis is serious, but treatments are available. The chance of recovery (prognosis) depends on the size of the cancer, where the cancer is, how far the cancer has spread, how the cancer cells look under the microscope, how the cancer responds to treatment, and the patient's age. As with most types of cancer, early diagnosis is an excellent first step in fighting the disease.
Symptoms of asbestos cancer
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.
Some patients do not show any signs of sickness in the early stages of development of the disease. When symptoms do occur, the most common ones are:
X-rayed lungs (mesothelioma disease)
dyspnea
pleuritic pain
shortness of breath
chest pain
bowel obstruction
blood clotting abnormalities
anemia
fever
a cough that won't go away
fatigue
unexplained weight loss
If you believe you have mesothelioma, go to a doctor immediately and ask your doctor to thoroughly examine you. You may need to take blood tests, CT scans, x-rays and an MRI. It is very important that the mesothelioma is diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura (membrane lining the lungs) are often symptoms of pleural (lung) mesothelioma. A cough may also be present.
Symptoms of peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia and fever.
If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a tumor of the peritoneum membrane. This thin membrane of mesothelial cells surrounds and protects many of the organs in the abdomen. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma in the U.S. However, it can take decades before initial symptoms of this disease appear. Peritoneal Mesothelioma accounts for about one-fifth of all mesotheliomas diagnosed in the US each year.
Peritoneal MesotheliomaWhile peritoneal mesotheliomas are less common than pleural mesotheliomas, they tend to be more invasive, and thus often result in a shorter life expectancy for the patient. Mesotheliomas have also been found in the stomach and other abdominal organs.Like all cancers, peritoneal mesothelioma can be either benign or malignant. Even though symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma take years to develop, it is sometimes diagnosed by mere coincidence and before any symptoms actually appeared.
Typical symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include abdominal pains, weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal swelling. Sometimes fluid accumulates in the peritoneal space, which results in a condition known as Ascites. Most often than none, the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma start of gradually, but over time the symptoms can become more and more severe.
Although the first step towards detecting peritoneal mesothelioma involve X-rays and CT scans, a definitive diagnosis is only achieved through a biopsy, which usually involves removing a tiny piece of tissue. However, this is generally only done if the doctor finds an abnormality when viewing the peritoneum using a procedure called peritoneoscopy. The tissue sample is then examined by a pathologist who makes a diagnosis using microscopic analysis of specialized stains
At this time, even though there are various treatment options available, there is no known cure for peritoneal mesothelioma. The prognosis depends on various factors, including the size and stage of the tumor, its extent, the cell type, and whether or not the tumor responds to treatment. However, an early diagnosis is important and because of it relief and treatment of people with peritoneal mesothelioma have improved dramatically.
Some of the treatments currently available for peritoneal mesothelioma include:
Chemotherapy
Radiation Therapy
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