Treating Mesothelioma - Mesothelioma Cancer
Diagnosing and Treating Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is an uncommon type of cancer affecting the serous membrane (mesothelium) lining three large body cavities, including the:
- Pleura (thoracic or lung cavity): mesothelioma of the pleura is called pleural mesothelioma cancer.
- Peritoneum (abdominal or stomach cavity): mesothelioma of the peritoneum is called peritoneal mesothelioma cancer.
- Pericardium (heart sac): mesothelioma of the pericardium is called pericardial mesothelioma cancer.
Fewer than 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are reported each year; however, the disease is responsible for the death of an estimated 200,000 people, worldwide. Early diagnosis of mesothelioma can be difficult because of the disease's long latency period (35 to 40 years). Once symptoms of mesothelioma present themselves, the cancer is already well advanced, limiting the chances of treatment success. Even successful treatments offer little, save for a brief extension of life.
By choosing to quit smoking, you are taking a positive step towards cancer prevention.
Ongoing cancer trials revolve heavily around the development and implementation of new chemotherapy drugs like Alimta, Onconase and Veglin.
Types of Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma cancer is a cancer of the pleura. The most common of the mesotheliomas, pleural mesothelioma cancer is often misdiagnosed as viral pneumonia (a result of symptomatic similarities). This form of the disease is normally detected by pleural effusion, a buildup of fluid in the pleural space. Pleural mesothelioma cancer patients may also be plagued by symptoms that include:
- Shortness of breath
- Localized chest pain (resulting from pleural effusion)
- Persistent coughing
- Weight loss / muscle wasting (cachexia)
- Fever
Pleural mesothelioma is occasionally referred to as mesothelioma lung cancer; however, mesothelioma lung cancer is an inaccurate title because pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lung cavity, not of the lung itself.
Peritoneal mesothelioma cancer is a cancer of the peritoneum. The second most common of the mesotheliomas, peritoneal mesothelioma is often contracted by the swallowing of asbestos fibers trapped in mucous lining the trachea. Peritoneal mesothelioma cancer patients may be plagued by symptoms that include:
- Swelling
- Abdominal pain (resulting from fluid buildup)
- Weight loss
- Abdominal mass (localized growth or swelling)
- Bowel obstructions
- Blood clotting abnormalities
- Lowered red blood cell count (anemia)
- Fever
- Nausea / vomiting
Pericardial mesothelioma cancer is a cancer of the pericardium. The least common of the mesotheliomas, pericardial mesothelioma cancer is arguably the most serious because of its proximity to the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma cancer patients may be plagued by symptoms that include:
- Chronic chest pain
- Persistent coughing
- Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Abnormal or uncomfortable breathing (dyspnea)
Asbestos Lung Disease
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. A group of six fibrous metamorphic minerals, asbestos was tagged as a "miracle mineral" because of its many applications. Resistant to fire and heat, asbestos was often used for insulation in buildings, factories and shipyards, where a generation of blue-collared workers were constantly exposed to its carcinogenic airborne fibers without ever being made aware of the health risks.
Mesothelioma is one of a number of diseases attributed to asbestos exposure, another of which is asbestosis.
Asbestosis is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes severe scarring of the parenchymal tissue (lung tissue). Asbestosis causes increased risk of developing lung cancer (by as much as 55 times for smokers). Symptoms associated with asbestosis include:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Tightness of the chest
- Chest pain