Mesothelioma Cancer
What is Mesothelioma Cancer?
Cancer develops when few cells in the body begin to grow out of control. Although there are many kinds of cancer, they all start because of out-of-control growth of abnormal cells.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer where malignant cells (tumors) develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. Mesothelioma may develop in the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity), mesothelioma may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) or the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart).
 |
Cause of Mesothelioma
Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma. After asbestos fibers are breathed in, they travel to the ends of small air passages and reach the pleura where they damage mesothelial cells. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. Mesothelioma may also occur to people who are exposed to asbestos dust and fibre in other ways, such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos, or by home renovation using asbestos cement products. Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking . In an effort to raise awareness to mesothelioma cancer, the Meso Foundation has declared September 26th National Meso Awareness Day.
Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Early symptoms of mesothelioma are not specific to the disease. People often ignore them or mistake them for common, minor ailments. Most people with mesothelioma have symptoms for only 2 to 3 months before they are diagnosed.
Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma (affecting the lungs and chest cavity)
Common symptom of pleural mesothelioma have pain in the lower back or at the side of the chest and shortness of breath. A smaller percentage have trouble swallowing, cough, fever, sweating, fatigue, and weight loss. Other symptoms include hoarseness, coughing up blood, swelling of the face and arms, muscle weakness, and sensory loss.
In severe cases, the person may have many tumor masses. The individual may develop a pneumothorax, or collapse of the lung. The disease may metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body.
Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma (affects the abdominal cavity)
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include abdominal (belly) pain, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. There may also be fluid or a mass in the abdomen.
In severe cases of the disease, the following signs and symptoms may be present:
- blood clots in the veins, which may cause thrombophlebitis
- disseminated intravascular coagulation, a disorder causing severe bleeding in many body organs
- jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin
- low blood sugar level
- pleural effusion (fluid in chest cavity)
- pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in the arteries of the lungs
- severe ascites (fluid in abdominal cavity)
Mesothelioma does not usually spread to the bone, brain, or adrenal glands. Pleural tumors are usually found only on one side of the lungs.
If you have any of these symptoms and have been exposed to asbestos you should see a doctor right away.
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma Cancer
Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history. A history of exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion for mesothelioma. A physical examination is performed to determine symptoms and signs of mesothelioma
Imaging studies such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans will help identify and determine the location, size, and extent of the cancer.
If a pleural effusion (a build up of fluid) is present a sample of this fluid can be removed by inserting a needle into the chest cavity. A similar technique can be used to obtain abdominal fluid and pericardial fluid. The fluid is then tested to see its chemical make up and studied under a microscope by an expert in diagnosing cancer (pathologist). If cancer cells are present, special tests are needed to diagnose whether the cancer is a mesothelioma, a lung cancer, or another type of cancer.
|
