Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer which is caused due to exposure to asbestos. It generally appears decades after being exposed to asbestos. It is not easily detected in its early stages because many of the symptoms appear to be common physical conditions such as bronchitis, flu, pneumonia or heart disease.
Due to the common symptoms it I often left undetected until it reaches its last stages. Mesothelioma is now known to be one of the most aggressive and difficult to treat tumors. Treatment of this cancer varies on the location of the tumor and the organ it is affecting.
If you experience any of the early symptoms do not ignore them. Get a complete medical check up and scanning to diagnose the cancer. Further tests can help determine the affected organ. Treatment of mesothelioma depends on its type. Mesothelioma is mistaken to be asbestos lung cancer. Which is technically wrong as it is not originated inside the lungs. Mesothelioma appears on the membrane or lining of the organs therefore, it is wrong to consider it a primary lung cancer. When mesothelioma spreads to the lungs it is referred to as secondary lung cancer.
Mesothelioma affects the mid section of the body. It may affect the membrane surrounding the lungs, abdomen and the heart. Most commonly it affects the lung lining; this type of mesothelioma is called pleural mesothelioma. Other types are peritoneal mesothelioma which affects the lining of the abdomen and pericardial mesothelioma which affects the lining of the heart; it is the most rare of the three types and least understood by the doctors. Mesothelioms is often confused with asbestosis a type of asbestos lung disease.
Pleural Mesothelioma:
It is the most common type of mesothelioma and represents about 75% of all mesotheliomas. It is caused by inhaling fibrous material including asbestos that damage the pleura and over time develop cancer. Excess amount of fluid develops in the pleura limiting the space for expansion of lungs which results in difficulty while breathing.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma:
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneum is the membrane surrounding the abdomen. It acquires 15% to 20% of all mesothelioma making it the second most common form. In rare cases it has affected the male testicles. The covering of the scrotum is an effusion of peritoneum. The asbestos fibers migrate from the abdomen to the peritoneum which is surrounding the scrotum. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs due to the ingestion of fibrous materials including asbestos that cause inflammation and eventually tumors form. It is not clearly understood how these fibers become lodged in the peritoneum.
Pericardial Mesothelioma:
Less than 10% of all mesotelioma are related to the heart. Pericardial mesotelioma affects the lining of the heart cavity known as pericardium. The presence of tumor can expand the tissues and accumulation of the fluids. This results in interfering in the functioning of the heart and causing chest pain. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos but in this case it is unknown how the asbestos fibers enter the tissues surrounding the heart.