Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen or the chest. Malignant cells appear in the mesothelium, the sac that acts as protective cover for many of the internal organs in the body. A mesothelium is made of two cell layers - one that directly covers the organ and another that surrounds it. Without thorough examination and tests, it can easily be mistaken for lung cancer.
Depending on the part of the body where it appears, mesothelium is referred to in different ways. If it covers the organs located in the abdominal cavity, it is called the peritoneum. In the uterus, it is called the tunica serosa uteri and in the reproductive organs of the male, it is referred to as the tunica vaginalis testis.
The term mesothelioma means cancer of the mesothelium. It is not the same as lung cancer. Compared to other forms of cancer, it is rather rare, with only an average of 2,000 cases being diagnosed every year in the United States.
The risk of developing mesothelioma is increased due to exposure to asbestos. In fact, at least 70% of mesothelioma cases showed individuals with a history of exposure to the material. It can also affect people who are living with a person who has been exposed to asbestos. This doesn't limit mesothelioma to this group of people, however. It is also known to appear in other patients even if they have not had prior exposure.
However, there are certain tests that a doctor may perform, including a physical examination, chest x-ray, CBC or complete blood count, removal of tissue samples for biopsy, bronchoscopy and thoracotomy.
Some of the symptoms that merit a visit to the doctor include: difficulty in breathing, chest pain (usually located beneath the rib cage), lumps, swelling or pain in the abdomen and unexplained weight loss.
Is there a cure for mesothelioma?
Surgery
The most common treatment for mesothelioma is surgery, where a part of the affected part is removed, along with some of the surrounding tissue. It helps slow the progression of the disease and can help reduce the symptoms.
Radiotherapy removes cancer cells by using high energy radiation beams. This makes sure that only cancer cells are destroyed and reduces the number of healthy cells that are affected.
Radiotherapy is also used as a palliative form of treatment and helps control the spread (metastases) of the cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is often administered intravenously or through the use of catheters, allowing anti-cancer drugs to enter the blood stream quickly.
Chemotherapy has some side effects, including nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, diarrhea or constipation. Bruises may also appear and even sores in the throat or mouth area.
Is there a cure for mesothelioma?
Further research and clinical trials are being performed to help find the best treatments that are the most effective against mesothelioma. Like lung cancer, mesothelioma can be halted if it is detected earlier.
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