Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer arising from the “Mesothelium”.  The mesothelium is the thin layer of protective tissue that covers the outer surface of many internal organs such as, the heart,  abdomen and the lungs.  Mesothelioma is an aggressive form that progresses and spreads quickly. Mesothelioma is divided into many different types depending on the part of the mesothelium affected.

Types of Mesothelioma

            Mesothelioma that occurs in the Pleuraor in the lining of the lungs is called Pleural Mesothelioma.  It is the most common form. 

            Mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the abdomen called peritoneum is referred to as a peritoneal Mesothelioma.  It is the second most common form. 

            Mesothelioma that occurs in the protective layer of the heart is referred to as Pericardial Mesothelioma. This type is the rarest it occurs more in males than in females.

             In 2015 about 60,000 800 people had the disease and 32,000 deaths were recorded. Only about 9% of people diagnosed with the condition live longer than five years

Causes of Mesothelioma

            The most common cause of Mesothelioma is an exposure to asbestos.  Asbestos refers to a set of six types of silicate mineral that are naturally occurring. Asbestos is made up of fibers that are soft and flexible yet resistant to heat,fire and several chemicals. Asbestos is used in a wide variety of applications such as insulation brakes, shingles, flooring and many other products.  When asbestos is broken down such as when removing asbestos insulation or during the mining process dust is created. The fibers can be airborne. They can then be inhaled or swallowed and can settle permanently in the lungs or stomach where they cause irritation that causes Mesothelioma. After asbestos exposure, it can take 20 to 40 years before mesothelioma can develop.

            Factors that may increase the risk of Mesothelioma include personal history of asbestos exposure such as is seen in people who -bestest work with asbestos products. Produce products from asbestos or work in a building containing asbestos, living with an asbestos worker.

 Symptoms of Mesothelioma

            Symptoms vary depending on the type of Mesothelioma.

A.        Pleural Mesothelioma :

Ø  Shortness of breath

Ø  unintended weight loss

Ø  coughing often painful

Ø  chest pain under the ribcage

Ø  fatigue

In Server Cases

Ø  pneumothorax

Ø   lung collapse

Ø   tumor under the skin of the chest

B.        Peritoneal Mesothelioma:

Ø  abdominal swelling pain in the abdomen

Ø  weight loss

Ø  fever

Ø  night sweats

Ø  poor appetite

Ø  constipation

Ø  vomiting

In cases where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body,

Ø  trouble swallowing

Ø  swelling of the neck and face

C.        Pericardial Mesothelioma:

Ø  shortness of breath

Ø  low blood pressure

Ø  chest pain

Ø  extreme fatigue

Ø  heart palpitations

Diagnosis

            Diagnosis is suspected with imaging scans but biopsy is used for confirmation.  The doctor will review your medical history and carry out a physical examination to check for lumps or any unusual signs followed by chest x-ray and lung function tests.  A CTscan or MRI is also usually used to check for abnormalities.  A biopsy can be used to confirm the diagnosis. The type of biopsy depends on where the symptoms are. Options include:

Ø  Fine- needle aspiration

Ø  thoracoscopy

Ø  laparoscopy

Ø  thoracotomy

Ø  laparotomy

Diagnosis will check if cancer is present and how far it has spread. The stage of the cancer is between stage 1 to stage 4