Mesothelioma is a rare form of malignant cancer that forms in the mesothelium, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The mesothelium is a protective sac or membrane, which covers most of the internal organs of the body. It produces fluid that allows smooth gliding of the organs’ surfaces. Commonly, mesothelioma develops in people who have worked on jobs where they are exposed to asbestos particles.
The mesothelium surrounding organs have different names. The pleural membrane or pleura is the mesothelial tissue surrounding the lungs. The peritoneum surrounds most of the organs in the abdominal area. The pericardium is the mesothelium covering the heart.
Mesothelioma is a cancer in which cells in the mesothelium abnormally divide producing a mass called a tumor. Like other malignant forms of cancer, the disease can invade other nearby organs and tissues. Also, mesothelioma cancer cells can travel through the blood or lymph—fluid found in lymphatic vessels—and can cause cancer to distant organs. The spreading of cancer cells is called metastasis.
Reports say that the incidence of mesothelioma have increased over the past 20 years. However, experts still consider it a relatively rare form of cancer. Each year, according to the National Cancer Institute, about 2, 000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States. The condition affects more men than women and the risk increases with age.
Most cases of mesothelioma are related to asbestos exposure. In fact, the National Cancer Institute says that about 70 to 80 percent of mesothelioma disease is associated with a history of exposure to asbestos exposure at work. Asbestos is the name given to a group of mineral fibers, which are separated into thin threads and woven. It has been widely used as components of many industrial products, which include cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation.
Inhaled asbestos particles can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases a person’s risk of developing lung cancer and cancer of the larynx and kidney.
Smoking does not seem to cause mesothelioma. However, smoking combined with asbestos exposure may increase a person's risk of developing cancer of the airway passages of the lung.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Symptoms of mesothelioma do not usually occur immediately. Commonly, symptoms appear 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma symptoms depend on where it occurs. Pleural mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath and pain in the chest because of accumulation of fluid in the pleura.
In peritoneal mesothelioma, symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss, and abdominal swelling due to accumulation of fluid in the peritoneum. Other symptoms include bowel obstruction, abnormalities in blood clotting, anemia, and fever.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Diagnosis is often difficult because mesothelioma symptoms are similar to those of other health problems. To diagnose mesothelioma, the doctor reviews your medical history and will ask about any history of exposure to asbestos. In addition, your doctor will also perform a thorough physical examination. Imaging tests, such as x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CT scan may be recommended by your doctor to aid in the diagnosis.
To confirm mesothelioma diagnosis, your doctor may recommend a biopsy procedure. In biopsy, a sample is taken from the organ involved and viewed under a microscope.
Mesothelioma Treatment Options
Treatment of mesothelioma depends on the location of cancer, its stage, and the patient’s age and general health. Treatment options may include surgery to remove the cancer cells (tumor), radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, a combination of treatments may be needed.
Sources:
Malignant Mesothelioma Treatment (PDQ®). Last Modified: August 19, 2009. National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/malignantmesothelioma/patient/). Accessed: November 11, 2009
Mesothelioma. Updated: September 2009. Medline Plus, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Accessed: November 11, 2009
Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers (May 2002). National Cancer Institute (NCI) (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/mesothelioma). Accessed: November 11, 2009
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Mesothelioma Information: Helping You Understand About this Malignant Cancer
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