About Mesothelioma
About Mesothelioma | Mesothelioma | All About Malignant Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the Mesothelial cells. These cells are tissue that surround or line the lungs, heart, and stomach. The mesothelial cells protect these organs by producing a lubricating fluid that allows these organs to move smoothly. When the mesothelial becomes cancerous, it is called Mesothelioma. Surrounding the lung where the cancer attacks the pleural tissue, the mesothelial is called the Pleura and the form of mesothelioma is called Pleural Mesothelioma. In the abdomen, it is the peritoneum and the cancer is called Peritoneal Mesothelioma which develops in the majority of other cases.. The lining around the heart is the Pericardium and there mesothelioma is identified as Pericardial Mesothelioma. There is also mesothelial tissue in the reproductive organs: in males, this tissue is called the Tunica Vaginalis Testis and in women the Tunica Serosa Uteri. Mesothelioma of the reproductive tissues has only presented in men, so it is known as Mesothelioma of the Tunica Vaginalis. Eighty percent of these tumors are Pleural in origin.
Besides the location in which the tumors form, the other identifying factor in the diagnosis of mesothelioma is the Histological Subtype of the cancer. This refers to the type of cells that the tumors invade. There are three histological subtypes of mesothelioma: Epithelioid Mesothelioma, which attacks Epithelial Cells, Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma, which attacks Sarcomatous Cells, and Bi-Phasic Mesothelioma, where the tumor attacks both Epithelial and Sarcomatous Cells. The identification of the proper subtype is an important diagnostic factor because it greatly affects the disease’s prognosis. Epitheloid Mesothelioma has the best response rate for treatment, while Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has the worst.
Mesothelioma and Asbestos
The incidence of malignant mesothelioma has been highest in persons with heavy occupational exposure to Asbestos, such as shipyard workers. Approximately 2000 new cases are diagnosed each year. However, malignant mesothelioma can occur in the absence of any known asbestos exposure. Most mesothelioma victims were exposed to asbestos in the workplace and were never told of its dangers or given proper protective gear. Others were exposed through family members who brought asbestos home on their clothes or through home renovation projects. Some cases of mesothelioma have been diagnosed in family members of asbestos workers and people who reside near asbestos mines. The relationship between asbestos exposure and malignant mesothelioma was established in 1960. Cigarette smoking is not considered a risk factor for malignant mesothelioma although asbestos workers who smoke do have a much greater likelihood to develop lung cancer — even more so than regular smokers who don’t work with asbestos.
The great tragedy of mesothelioma is that it was preventable. Many of the corporations that manufactured and profited from the sale of asbestos-containing products were aware of the hazards of asbestos. These companies did not warn of the risks or protect workers. It was their legal duty to know about their products and to test them for any potential hazards. If a potential hazard did exist, the company had a responsibility to warn workers of these hazards. In many cases, they hid the knowledge they had in order to protect themselves from liability or from having to find a new business model.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
The patient with malignant mesothelioma of the pleura may have symptoms of dyspnea (shortness of breath) and pleuritic chest pain (pain with breathing), with malaise and weight loss. Associated parenchymal fibrosis (asbestosis) is rare in pleural mesothelioma but appears to be more common in peritoneal mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Treatment
There is no 100% effective treatment for malignant mesothelioma. In many cases, part of the pleura and part of the tumor can be removed, surgery which decreases symptoms. Except in rare cases, chemotherapy and radiation therapy have not been useful.
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[...] Abdominal Asbestos Mesothelioma occurs in the peritoneum. People with this condition may have come into contact with asbestos and worked in areas where it has been present. This exposure to asbestos may occur in different forms. A worker while working may inhale the fibers of asbestos while on duty. A person who may not be a worker may also be exposed to asbestos by various other means. A person who washes the clothes of a worker who is exposed to asbestos directly may also be prone to Abdominal Asbestos Mesothelioma. A survey has shown that out of every seven people exposed to asbestos, one is likely to develop asbestos related cancer that may include Abdominal Asbestos Mesothelioma. [...]
[...] Mesothelioma is a stealthy killer disease. Mesothelioma tumors are either benign or malignant in form. Its latent power is unleashed only 20 to 25 years after exposure to asbestos dust or fibers. Research and studies confirmed its connection to the asbestos mineral. Many cancer support groups and research centers have urged previous workers of Orange Shipbuilding Company to check their medical conditions for any signs of Mesothelioma cancer. This cancer killer attacks people who work habitually in asbestos mines, shipyards, construction businesses, industries and factories that produce or use asbestos materials. You may be surprised to known that almost 3000 cases of Mesothelioma cancer cases are reported every year in US. Most of the patients are men in the age group of 55 to 75 years. Medical statistics suggest that white males are more likely to be victims than African Americans or other minorities.. [...]
[...] is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma can either be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous) in nature. In this disease, malignant [...]