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What is mesothelioma and the
types
of mesothelioma
Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium)
is a disease in which cells
of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or
order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer
cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to
other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the
pleura or peritoneum.
There
are three types of Mesothelioma :
1.
Pleural
Mesothelioma
2.
Peritoneal
(abdominal) Mesothelioma
3.
Pericardial
Mesothelioma
1.
Pleural
Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma
is a disease that affects the lining of
the lungs, or lung pleura. Sometimes doctors refer to this disease
as mesothelioma of the pleura. It is a common misconception that
mesothelioma is a type of primary lung cancer; it is not.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the serous membranes. These membranes
enclose a number of organs throughout the midsection of the body,
including the lungs. The most common type of mesothelioma is one
that affects the serous membranes of the lungs: pleural
mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can also affect the serous membranes surrounding the
abdomen, called peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma, and the membranes
surrounding the heart, or pericardial mesothelioma. When
mesothelioma spreads to the lungs from the serous linings of the
lungs, abdomen or heart, it is considered secondary lung cancer.
Also, pleural mesothelioma is sometimes referred to as an asbestos
lung cancer. Technically, this is also incorrect, since it does not
originate in the lungs. Asbestosis is a type of asbestos lung
disease that does originate in the lungs and is often confused with
mesothelioma.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma
is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up over
two-thirds of all cases. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of
the lung and chest cavity known as the pleura.
The pleura is made up of the parietal and visceral pleura. The
parietal pleura lines the chest wall and diaphragm while the
visceral pleura lines the lungs.
 Malignant pleural mesothelioma
is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up over
two-thirds of all cases. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of
the lung and chest cavity known as the pleura.
The pleura is made up of the parietal and visceral pleura. The
parietal pleura lines the chest wall and diaphragm while the
visceral pleura lines the lungs.
Asbestos fibers work their way into the smallest passageways of the
lungs and then into the pleura. Once there, an unknown chemical
reaction causes cancerous cell development. As the cells begin to
divide abnormally, the pleural lining thickens and excess fluid may
accumulate. Pleural thickening gradually contracts the breathing
space, causing shortness of breath—often the first symptom for
pleural mesothelioma. The fluid, once carefully measured to allow
smooth movement between the lungs and other organs, now causes
increased pressure, further hindering breathing. This excess fluid
is often seen on X-rays, and is referred to as a pleural effusion.
Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of
mesothelioma, making up over two-thirds of all cases. Pleural
mesothelioma affects the lining of the lung and chest cavity known
as the pleura.
The pleura is made up of the parietal and visceral pleura. The
parietal pleura lines the chest wall and diaphragm while the
visceral pleura lines the lungs.
Asbestos fibers work their way into the smallest passageways of the
lungs and then into the pleura. Once there, an unknown chemical
reaction causes cancerous cell development. As the cells begin to
divide abnormally, the pleural lining thickens and excess fluid may
accumulate. Pleural thickening gradually contracts the breathing
space, causing shortness of breath—often the first symptom for
pleural mesothelioma. The fluid, once carefully measured to allow
smooth movement between the lungs and other organs, now causes
increased pressure, further hindering breathing. This excess fluid
is often seen on X-rays, and is referred to as a pleural effusion.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the lining of the
lung, known as the pleura) may include, but are not limited to, the
following:
-
shortness of breath (dyspnea) - hoarseness, difficulty
swallowing, and/or coughing up of blood.
-
pleural effusion - a build up of too much fluid between the
pleura (linings of the lungs and chest); a pleural effusion may
cause chest pain and difficulty breathing (dyspnea), however,
many cause no symptoms and are first discovered during the
physical examination or seen on a chest x-ray.
-
pain in the chest - may sometimes be felt in upper abdomen,
shoulder, or arm.
-
Pain in the lower back or the side of the chest
-
A
persistent cough
-
Shortness of breath
-
A
hoarse or husky voice
-
Losing more than 10% of your weight when not dieting
-
Sweating and fevers
-
Difficulty swallowing
Patients diagnosed with diffuse pleural mesothelioma exhibited the
following symptoms :
|
Symptom |
Exhibiting |
|
Shortness
of breath and/or chest pain |
90%
|
|
Weight loss
|
29%
|
|
Cough,
weakness, fever, loss of appetite |
3% |
|
Hemoptysis
(coughing up blood), hoarseness, dysphagia (difficulty
swallowing),
Horner's syndrome |
less than
1% |
|
Pleural
Effusions |
84%
|
|
Asymptomatic
|
3% |
 Next
: 2. Peritoneal
(abdominal) Mesothelioma
; 3. Pericardial
Mesothelioma |
