Mesothelioma Information

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium, a protective membrane that lines three body cavities: the thoracic cavity (pleura), the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and the heart sac (pericardium).

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral naturally occurring toxic, which is widely used throughout the 20 century, because of its inherent resistance to heat and fire. Mineral is often used for insulation and asbestos fibers were often the cement and textiles. Exposure to asbestos can lead to the development of serious diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.

What are the different types of mesothelioma?

Four different types of mesothelioma is called an area of ​​the body they affect. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common cancer that develops the mesothelial lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. Peritoneal mesothelioma is peritoneal lining of the abdominal cavity. Pericardial mesothelioma affects the membrane surrounding the heart, known as the pericardium. Mesothelioma develops testicular tunica vaginalis, the lining of the testicles.


How to develop Mesothelioma?

Cancer develops when asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested into the body. Once in the body, the fibers lodge in the organs or cavities, causing inflammation or infection and cell damage. Overtime, the cancer cells begin to divide uncontrollably, causing the membranes to the affected area to thicken. Fluid begins to build in the spaces between the layers of the membrane and tumors begin to form, leading to impaired bodily function.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Usually, the patient shows no symptoms of mesothelioma until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms often resemble other diseases such as influenza and pneumonia, which can make diagnosis difficult. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may experience difficulty hoarse coughing, breathing and swallowing, pain, night sweats, fatigue and chest. Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include diarrhea or constipation, nausea, bloating, fever or abdominal pain and anemia. Pericardial mesothelioma patients can experience chest pain, palpitations, difficulty breathing, fever and fatigue. The only known symptom of mesothelioma is the development of testicular malignancy.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Diagnosis of mesothelioma usually begins to monitor the patient's medical history, which, after a medical examination. Usually the doctor then recommended for further testing often begins in X-rays to locate the exact position of mesothelioma and find out if it has spread to other areas of the body. Other imaging tests, such as CT, PET or MRI may be recommended for a more accurate picture of cancer. The doctor may then request a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure to collect small samples of fluid, the pathologist who analyzes the presence of cancer cells.

What is the prognosis for a typical patient with mesothelioma?

Many factors influence the prognosis of a mesothelioma patient or the probable course and outcome of a disease affecting the body. As a diagnosis of mesothelioma often occurs when the cancer has developed in several phases of development, the prognosis is generally poor. But if a patient is diagnosed early or choose to undergo treatment for cancer fight, their prognosis improved. Factors that may affect prognosis include the type of mesothelioma, the tumor size, tumor location, and whether it can be surgically removed, the patient's age and stage of mesothelioma a patient at diagnosis.


Is there a cure for mesothelioma?

Although a cure for mesothelioma does not yet exist, extensive research and clinical investigations are conducted by cancer experts and doctors who try to find a cure every day. Treatment for mesothelioma has not yet been developed, but treatment options are available for patients with mesothelioma.

What treatment options are available to patients suffering from mesothelioma?

Several treatment options for patients with mesothelioma. The most common treatment used by patients with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Surgery may be used to remove the affected areas or to provide relief from the symptoms of mesothelioma. Chemotherapy uses drugs to attack and kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy uses ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells and control the growth of new cancer cells. Patients usually undergo several treatment options for cancer.

Many patients also want to participate in a clinical trial to test the comings and goings of treatment options. Treatments such as photodynamic therapy, gene therapy and immunotherapy have shown positive results in clinical trials.

Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and massage is also used in mesothelioma patients to improve the quality of life.

How I can get more information about mesothelioma?

Asbestos.com offers a complete package and free for mesothelioma patients and their families who want to learn more about cancer, treatment options, doctors at the top and more.