- Mesothelioma
- Mesothelioma Facts
- Mesothelioma Symptoms
- Mesothelioma Awareness
- Mesothelioma Lung Cancer
- Mesothelioma Causes
- Mesothelioma Risk Factors
- Mesothelioma Incidence
- Mesothelioma Diagnosis
- Mesothelioma Tests
- Mesothelioma Biopsy
- Mesothelioma Blood Test
- Mesothelioma Pathology
- Mesothelioma Prognosis
- Mesothelioma Life Expectancy
- Mesothelioma Life Span
- Mesothelioma Survival Rate
- Mesothelioma Survivors
- Mesothelioma Death Rate
- Mesothelioma Types
- Pleural Mesothelioma
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma
- Pericardial Mesothelioma
- Well-Differentiated Papillary Mesothelioma
- Malignant Mesothelioma
- Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
- Biphasic Mesothelioma
- Epithelial Mesothelioma
- Mesothelioma Staging
- Mesothelioma Metastasis
Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the tissue around certain internal organs. This cancer develops in the mesothelium surrounding the lungs, abdomen, heart, or in a fraction of cases, the testicles. Within the United States, approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people are diagnosed each year with malignant mesothelioma.
Causes of Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Once asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, these toxic fibers can become lodged in organ linings. This causes scarring, inflammation and other cellular damage that can eventually prompt the cells in the area to become cancerous. Mesothelioma malignant cells divide very rapidly and thicken the membrane where they have collected, resulting in fluid buildup and the eventual formation of tumors.
Classification of Malignant Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is categorized by the area in which the tumor develops.
- Pleural mesothelioma indicates cancer in the pleura, or the lining of the lungs. Pleural mesothelioma is the most commonly diagnosed form of malignant mesothelioma.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, or the lining of the abdomen. This is the second most prominent form of the cancer.
- Pericardial mesothelioma is diagnosed when the cancer forms in the pericardium, or the membrane around the heart.
- Testicular mesothelioma is a rarely diagnosed form of malignant mesothelioma that forms in the tunica vaginalis, or the lining that surrounds the testicles.
Biological Subtypes of Malignant Mesothelioma
Regardless of location, malignant mesothelioma can be broken down into three subtypes based on the shape and structure of the cells that form the tumors.
- Epithelial cells compose 50 to 70 percent of mesothelioma tumors. These cells are well-defined and uniform.
- Sarcomatoid cells make up approximately 7 to 20 percent of malignant mesothelioma tumors. These cells are characterized by an elongated spindle shape, irregular form and tendency to overlap other cells.
- Biphasic cells, making up 20 to 35 percent of mesothelioma tumors, contain both epithelial and sarcomatoid cells. The cells tend to group with like cells rather than distributing evenly across the growth.
Malignant Mesothelioma Symptoms
Malignant mesothelioma is characterized by a long latency period. Symptoms often do not arise until 20 to 50 years after original asbestos exposure occurs. Symptoms can be very general and often resemble those of less threatening conditions, making diagnosis difficult. Symptoms vary by classification:
- Pleural mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain and persistent cough.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms commonly entail abdominal swelling, changes in bowel movement and unexplained lumps forming under the skin around the abdomen.
- Pericardial mesothelioma patients often note chest pain, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing or fever and night sweats.
- The primary symptom of testicular mesothelioma is the development of testicular lumps.
Mesothelioma Malignant Nature Complicates Treatment
Treatment is generally determined after a physician considers the details of the mesothelioma diagnosis and the patient’s general health. Patient response can vary greatly depending on the stage of mesothelioma at the time of treatment.
Curative treatments are designed to remove mesothelioma malignant cells and can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy strive to kill the cells or inhibit further cell growth, yet occasionally can affect healthy cells in the surrounding area, potentially causing certain side effects such as nausea during treatment.
Palliative treatments are more frequently used in malignant mesothelioma cases since the disease is often diagnosed in later stages when curative treatments are less effective. Palliative treatments seek to alleviate symptoms and increase comfort. Clinical trials offer access to up-and-coming treatments that are still in the experimental stage. During the trial, new drugs and treatments are measured for effectiveness, projecting their potential as future widespread therapies.