Mesothelioma, known more precisely, malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the epithelial cells, most commonly those in the lining that covers the lungs (pleura). There epithelial cells in the lining (membrane) which covers the outer surface of the body organs. Suffered the majority of people with mesothelioma to asbestos at some time during their lives.
Doctors usually divide mesothelioma into three types:
Pleural mesothelioma - affects the pleura , the lining surrounding the lungs . This is the most common form .
Peritoneal mesothelioma - cancer attacks the lining of the abdomen and peritoneum. This is the second most common form .
Pericardial mesothelioma - cancer attacks the protective layer that covers the heart. This is the rarest form .
Is the cause of all three forms of mesothelioma is almost always by exposure to asbestos .
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer. For the majority of patients there is no cure . Doctors usually focuses on improving the quality of life with the progress of the disease - making the patient as comfortable as possible .
In the United Kingdom , and is diagnosed nearly 2,000 patients suffering from mesothelioma every year. According to the CDC ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ) , mesothelioma kills more than 2,700 people in the U.S. each year. According to the record of mesothelioma, and deaths from this type of cancer increased more than ten-fold 1969-2009 in the United Kingdom . About four -fifths of all deaths are among men .
According to the medical dictionary Medilexicon, and mesothelioma is:
"Consists rare tumor cells derived from the lining of the pleura or peritoneum , which also grows thick paper covering the viscera and spindle cells or fibrous tissue which may enclose spaces lined glandlike of by the cubic cells . "
What are the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma ?
Symptom is something the patient feels and describes , while a sign is something other people could see, including doctors and nurses. For example , it may be a symptom of pain , while the sign can be rash.
Exposure to asbestos and asbestos dust can take up to thirty years until symptoms appear . In many cases, patients are diagnosed when the disease is already advanced . Results are based on how early it can be diagnosed with a malignant tumor .
Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma vary, depending on where in the body the cancer is .
Pleural mesothelioma ( tissue surrounding the lungs)
Shortness of breath
Coughing, often painful
Unexpected loss and unexplained weight
Pain under the rib cage
In some cases, you may be exposed lumps under the skin in the chest area
Lower back pain
Discomfort in the chest
Exhaustion
Some people may experience excessive sweating , fever , or difficulty in swallowing
Peritoneal mesothelioma ( abdominal lining )
Unexplained weight loss
Abdominal pain
Swelling in the abdomen
Lumps in the abdomen
Nausea, and some patients may experience vomiting
Pericardial mesothelioma ( in the region of the heart lining )
Low blood pressure
Shortness of breath
Fluid retention (edema ), often in the legs
Heart palpitations
Tiredness , extreme effort after the light
Chest pain
What are the causes of mesothelioma ?
Experts say that prolonged exposure to asbestos particles is the main cause of mesothelioma. Risk associated with this disease closely to asbestos particles dose - any possibility of developing mesothelioma is directly proportional to the length of time a person is exposed , and the amount inhaled.
People in jobs where exposure to asbestos fibers common to have a higher risk of developing the disease. Asbestos was commonly used for insulation, soundproofing , fire, and ceilings, and ironing board covers .
Mesothelioma in the chest ( pleural mesothelioma )
Begins with pleural mesothelioma in the pleura . Pleura is two layers of the thin membrane that surrounds the lungs and chest wall line . The inner layer is attached to the lungs and lines the outer layer of the chest wall and diaphragm. Between the two layers is the pleural cavity . This is almost empty cavity . Two layers of the pleura slide against each other. They are moist so that it can move smoothly lungs against the chest wall during breathing.
Mesothelioma in the chest ( pleural mesothelioma )
Begins with pleural mesothelioma in the pleura . Pleura is two layers of the thin membrane that surrounds the lungs and chest wall line . The inner layer is attached to the lungs and lines the outer layer of the chest wall and diaphragm. Between the two layers is the pleural cavity . This is almost empty cavity . Two layers of the pleura slide against each other. They are moist so that it can move smoothly lungs against the chest wall during breathing.
