What is Mesothelioma?
Malignant Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that begins with a cancerous tumor originating in the mesothelium, which is the tissue lining the organs of the body. While it most commonly starts in the lungs, mesothelioma can begin in any organ. However, the symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where the cancer starts. Malignant mesothelioma can be called by three different names and are Pleural, Pericardial and Peritoneal mesotheliomas. All three are a similiar disease with the name difference being dependent upon the location of the mesothelium that is affected. This cancer builds gradually overtime after long-term exposure to asbestos. Symptoms of this disease may not appear for 30 to 50 years after inhaling or being exposed to asbestos particles. This type of cancer is quite rare and is a very serious disease, with about 2,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the U.S. Potential treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. NCI: Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers
Most of the body's internal organs are surrounded by a dual membrane tissue that supports and protects the organs. This protective membrane is called the mesothelium. One membrane layer will surround the organs, while the second layer will form a protective sac around the organs. The membrane makes a special lubricating tissue that works to allow your organs, including the heart, liver and lungs to move in a fluid manner, easily against other organs without impediment or obstruction. Depending upon the location in the body, the mesothelium will have a different name, such as the peritoneum in the abdomen, pleura in the chest and the pericardium the area around the heart. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/mesothelioma http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mesothelioma.html http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_is_malignant_mesothelioma_29.asp?sitearea=
Malignant Mesothelioma Tumors versus Benign Tumors
There are basically three different types of malignant mesothelioma and the classifications are based upon how the cells are formed.
- Epithelioid: Accounts for approximately 50% to 60% of all mesotheliomas and this type tends to have a better prognosis in general versus the other types.
- Sarcomatoid (fibrous): This type accounts for approximately 10% to 20% of all types.
- Mixed (biphasic): This type has both epithelioid and sarcomatoid and account for 30% to 40% of all mesotheliomas. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_is_malignant_mesothelioma_29.asp?sitearea=
Benign tumors have also been known to originate in the mesothelium and are not the same as malignant mesothelioma. Benign tumors are usually removed through a surgical procedure without additional treatments.
Malignant Mesothelioma Treatments
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Combination of the above
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Mesothelioma, please consult your doctor.
Mesothelioma Doctor Explains Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
This video is narrated by a doctor who gives an overview Mesothelioma, what it is, common symptoms, diagnosis and potential treatments. There are three types of Mesothelioma cancer, Pleural, Pericardial and Peritoneal. All three are basically similar diseases, but has the name has to do with the specific location in the body where the disease is located.
References
Fast Facts
-
Fact:
A rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelium.
-
Fact:
The mesothelium is the protective membrane that surrounds most of the body's internal organs.
-
Fact:
-
Fact:
-
Fact:
-
Average survival time
-
Three types of Mesothelioma
Pleural, Pericardial and Peritoneal
-
Fact:
Approximately 70% to 80% of all cases involve people who have a work history of being exposed to asbestos.
-
Fact:
Symptoms may not appear for 30 to 50 years asbestos exposure.
