What is Malignant Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma or also known as malignant mesothelioma is a
type of lung cancer suffered by people who are often exposed to airborne
asbestos dust. Even those who wash clothes of family members affected by
asbestos are also faced a risk of developing mesothelioma. Smoking also
exacerbate this disease.
The cancer starts in cells in the linings of certain parts
of the body, especially abdominal cavity and chest cavity. A layer of
specialized cells called mesothelial cells cover the outer surface of most of
internal organs and lines the inside of the abdomen, chest and the space around
your heart. The lining formed by these cells is called the mesothelium. The
mesothelium helps your internal organs to move freely by making a special
lubricating fluid. For example, this lubricating fluid make your lungs to
contract and expand easily when you breathe. So, malignant mesothelioma is a
cancerous tumor of the mesothelium and often shortened to mesothelioma.
There are three types of mesothelioma, including:
- Pericardial mesothelioma (the rarest form) - it attacks the protective layer covering the heart
- Peritoneal mesothelioma (second most common form) - it attacks the peritoneum.
- Pleural mesothelioma (most common form) – it attacks the lining surrounding the lungs.
These three forms are nearly always caused by asbestos
exposure.
The cancer is known for its aggressiveness. Where in the
United State, mesothelioma kills more than 2,700 every year and in the United
Kingdom, more than 2,000 patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Almost
no cure for most the patients, so the most general steps performed by the
doctor is helping the patients to feel as comfortable as they can, plus
improving their quality of life as the disease progresses.
What Causes
Mesothelioma
The main cause of mesothelioma is working with asbestos. Asbestos
is a minerals with microscopic fibers. These fibers are resistant to chemicals,
fire, heat and do not conduct electricity. So, they have been mined and used in
the automotive, construction and other industries.
If asbestos fiber are released into the air, they can be
inhaled or swallowed by the workers, leading to serious health problems. Most
mesothelioma cases can be linked to exposure to asbestos at work. Asbestos dust
brought home on the hair or clothing of the asbestos worker can also risk the
health of family member and others living around asbestos workers. Especially,
those who living close to asbestos mines.
However, in several mesothelioma cases reported that there
are several possible causes that can lead to the cancer include:
Radiation.
There are several reports of mesothelioma after injections
of thorium dioxide and high doses of radiation to the abdomen and chest.
Zeolites.
One of the related minerals to asbestos is erionite. It
common found in some areas of Turkey. Exposure to erionite is believed as the cause
of high rates of mesothelioma rates in those areas.
Genetics.
Some experts believe certain people may be genetically
predisposed to mesothelioma. However, the rates vary among populations.
SV40 virus.
Some studies reported that infection with the SV40 virus increase
the risk of developing mesothelioma.
What are The Symptoms
of Mesothelioma?
Exposure to asbestos dust takes a long time up to thirty
years to show the symptoms. So that the patients who come to the doctor mostly
already in a bad state. There are several sign and symptoms of mesothelioma
that can be found based on where the cancer is in the body, such as:
Pleural mesothelioma (in the lungs)
- Exhaustion
- Discomfort in the side of the chest
- Lower back pain
- Pain under the rib cage
- Weight loss
- Painful coughing
- Shortness of breath
Peritoneal mesothelioma (in the abdomen)
- Nausea, and vomiting
- Lumps in the abdomen
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Pain in the abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
Pericardial mesothelioma (in the heart area)
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations
- Fluid retention
- Shortness of breath
- Low blood pressure
How to Treat
Mesothelioma?
The treatment of mesothelioma is depend on your overall
health and the type and stage of mesothelioma. If the cancer has not yet
spread, a combination of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation likely will be
offered to you.
How Long Can You Live
With Mesothelioma?
The average life expectancy for a patient ranges from nine
months to 2 years, depending on several factors. However, in several mesothelioma
cases, some people able to survive 10 years beyond their original prognosis, providing
inspirational stories for other potential survivors.