A Glimpse of Mesothelioma - Mesothelioma Mini Guide

Below is a quick look at Mesothelioma.

What is Mesothelioma?

A mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells, which line the lungs, heart, peritoneum, pleura, and pericardium. Mesotheliomas are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers and are usually diagnosed in men between 50 and 70 years old.

Reason for Mesothelioma.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of silicate fibers that were used extensively from the early 1900s until the 1970s. It was commonly used in building materials, insulation, brake linings, flooring, ceiling tiles, and textiles. Exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other types of cancers.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death among both men and women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 224, 210 new cases of lung cancer were expected to occur in 2014. Lung cancer is divided into two categories: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for 85% of all lung cancer cases.

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where the tumor develops. Most patients experience chest pain, coughing, weight loss, fever, and fatigue. Other symptoms may include difficulty breathing, abdominal swelling, and blood in the urine.

Types of Mesothelioma.

Pleural Mesothelioma and Peritoneal Mesothelioma​

Pleural mesothelioma occurs when malignant cells grow on the outside of the pleura, the thin membrane covering the lungs. The most common symptoms of pleural mesotheliomas are chest pain, coughing, weight loss, fever, and shortness of breath.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells lining the lungs, heart, stomach, intestines, and pleura. This type of cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos was once used widely in construction materials, insulation, brake pads, and many other products. Exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma by damaging the DNA of the cells.

Treatment Options

There is currently no cure for mesothelioma. However, treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. There are also clinical trials being conducted to test potential treatments.

Prognosis

Most patients diagnosed with mesothelioma die within two years of their initial diagnosis.