Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor that involves the mesothelial cells of an organ. The cells that form a protective lining over the lungs are called Mesothelioma cells. This form of cancer is caused by a previous exposure to asbestos. The cancer cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura), the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) or the lining around the heart (the pericardium). Causes It mainly caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. People who have worked in places where they have inhaled asbestos particles or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other, such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos, or by home renovation using asbestos cement products have the chances of suffering from mesothelioma. About 3000 cases of mesothelioma are found every year. This number is expected to increase to 300,000 cases before 2030. The life span depends on what stage the cancer is detected, the health of the patient and other factors, however it generally 24 months after diagnosis. Anyone who knows they were exposed to loose asbestos fibers should be tested regularly for mesothelioma.Types of MesotheliomaThere are two types of Mesothelioma. They are Pleural and Peritoneal.Pleural mesotheliomaIt is the cancer of the Pleura, a sac that lines the lungs. Pleuron is a membrane that lines the pleural cavities surrounding the lungs. When we inhale, asbestos fibers are absorbed into the pleura causing lesions and scarring. Mesothelioma forms as a result of the damage caused by the asbestos fibers. Peritoneal MesotheliomaPeritoneal Mesothelioma is the cancer caused by asbestos in the abdomen. Peritoneal is a sac that lines the abdomen in the same as the pleura lines the lungs. Asbestos fibers reach the peritoneal membrane either by being swallowed or migrating from the pleura. SymptomsSymptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma are -shortness of breath-persistent coughing-pain in chestSymptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma are-weight loss-abdominal swelling-pain in abdomen-fatigue-bowel obstruction-blood clotting abnormalities-anemia-feverDiagnosis Since the symptoms of the disease are similar to those of other conditions, diagnosis of mesothelioma is difficult. The diagnosis begins with the review of the patient’s medical history with a focus on any history of asbestos exposure. The medical practitioner prescribes a series of tests involving chest X-ray, lung function tests, CT (CAT) scans, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). ). In case Mesothelioma is suspected, a physical biopsy of the suspect tissue will be used to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. . The doctor may perform a thoracoscopy if the cancer is in the chest and a laparoscopy, if the cancer is in the abdomen.The next step in diagnosis of the disease is finding the stage of the disease. If it is found only where it is originated it is described as localized and if it has spread to other organs, beyond the membrane surface it is described as advanced. Once a patient is confirmed to be suffering from mesothelioma, the doctor will discuss the available treatment options. Many newer treatments promise to improve patient’s quality of life and add several years of life.

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