The term “Mesothelioma” in medical terms is defined as form of cancer that proliferates at a very fast rate after it has been diagnosed, which affects the mesothelial cells in the body. After detailed study of this disease by several scientists all over the world, it has been concluded that in most of the cases the reason is the direct contact with loose asbestos particles. This disease is generally known to be derived from an abnormality that arises from inhaling the loose asbestos particles suspended in the air for a very long time. The chances of the patients, diagnosed of mesothelioma, have very bleak chances of survival which is not more than one or two years and if it has been detected long back and rigorous medication has been started on the patient then the patient is likely to live for about five years. There are three types of mesothelioma but the symptoms of the diseases depend on their kinds. The symptoms vary from one-another but the general symptoms that are found in patients suffering from different types of mesothelioma are weight loss, chest pain, loss of appetite, short breath , plain cough and cough with blood. Diagnosing mesothelioma in its initial stages is not possible because symptoms surface very late and that, these symptoms are no special signs indicating the particular disease but are common for other diseases too. Generally the symptoms of mesothelioma resemble to that to any other normal lung diseases. Most of the symptoms arise in the lungs, where the mesothelial cells covering the lungs and the cavity between them are affected due to prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers. Consulting with the physician is very necessary from time to time and necessary test must be conducted to detect the disease. The main symptom of mesothelioma is a constant pain in the chest which is followed by short breaths and difficult breathing because of accumulation of fluid in the chest, which makes breathing all the more difficult. Some of the other symptoms of the disease include abnormalities in the lungs, which can be diagnosed under proper supervision of the doctor with a chest CT-scan.Basically, the disease of mesothelioma advances in four stages. In the first stage, begins the formation of the tumor in the area of lining of the lung and doesn’t exceed from one side of the lung. And then in the second stage the tumor extends to other organs in the chest cavity, such as heart. Then in the third stage its extents to the other abdominal organs affecting all the other organs too. Finally in the fourth and the last stage the tumor extends to all parts of the body and affects all the parts adversely. These are some of the symptoms of the disease of mesothelioma, by which the disease can be tracked in the initial stages of its occurrence.

Mesothelioma is cancer that affects the mesothelium which is the lining or membrane that protects and covers most of the internal organs in the body cavity. The first layer encircles the organ and the second layer forms a sac for protection. There is a lubricating fluid present between the layers to facilitate movement. The mesothelium is called pericardium when it covers the heart, pleura when covering the lungs and peritoneum when covering the abdominal organs.In mesothelioma there is uncontrolled cell division which leads to the extra cell masses invading the nearby tissues and organs and causing damage. Mostly it is observed that mesothelioma begins in the pleura or the peritoneum. The cancer then metastasizes to other parts of the body.

Mesothelioma occurs mostly due to exposure to asbestos. This is considered to be the major risk factor. 70% to 80% of sufferers have a history of exposure to asbestos. There are exceptions to this and cases have been reported where asbestos exposure was found not to exist. The condition is more common in men as compared to women. It has also been found that risk increases with age.

Mesothelioma is a very rare. Mostly said to be associated with workplace exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that can be made to exist as strong masses of sheets or flexible fibers. It is widely used in industrial products like cement, roofs, flooring products, textiles, brake linings and insulation. Tiny particles of asbestos float in the air and can be inhaled or swallowed by the people exposed to it like the workers in manufacturing companies etc.

Continuous exposure over a period can lead to asbestosis. Exposure to asbestosis increases the risk of developing mesothelioma and other types of cancer like that of kidney and larynx. There are acceptable levels of asbestos exposure that have been brought into effect in workplaces using the mineral. Another very interesting aspect of mesothelioma is that family members of people exposed asbestos in their work place show an increased incidence of this cancer as compared to others. This has been attributed to the fact that the remnants of asbestos particles adhering to the clothes, hair etc when brought home can expose the family members to it.

The cancer takes around thirty to forty years to surface. The initial symptoms include shortness of breath, and pain in the chest if it is the pleura that are affected. If the cancer is in the peritoneum then there is weight loss, abdominal swelling and pain, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, bowel obstruction. Fever, anemia and blood clotting irregularities have also been observed. In severe cases there is swelling of the neck and face, trouble swallowing and severe pain.

Diagnosis of mesothelioma is very difficult since there are no specific symptoms. A medical history review would be very valuable since asbestos exposure needs to be determined. X rays of chest, abdomen, lung function tests, scans, MRI are the usual tools that help in confirming the diagnosis. Biopsy is done for the final confirmation and treatment includes chemotherapy and radiations.

To Your Health!

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and the abdomen. It is one of the less common types of cancer affecting approximately 2000 people each year in the UK and it is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. If it affects the lining of the lungs (the pleura) it is referred to as pleural mesothelioma. In this article I will be outlining three of the most common symptoms for this type of cancer and explaining what you should do if you suspect you have developed this condition.The pleura (lining of the lungs) is actually comprised of two parts. It has an inner (visceral) layer which is next to the lung and an outer (parietal) layer that covers the chest wall. The two layers slide over each other as we breath and membranes in the lungs often produce lubricating fluid to make this process easier. When pleural mesothelioma develops it causes the inner and outer layers to become thicker and they then press inwards on the lungs. This can lead to a number of undesirable symptoms which I will discuss below:

1) DIFFICULTY BREATHING:- As the inner and outer layers of the pleura start to push against the lungs it may become difficult for you to breathe. This can then lead to your throat becoming hoarse, coughing, problems swallowing and regular feelings of being out of breath.

2) PAIN IN THE CHEST:- As the layers of the pleura push against the lungs this can cause chest pain. You may also feel pain in your shoulders and arms.

3) PLEURAL EFFUSION:- As I mentioned above the membranes of the lungs produce lubricating fluid which allows the layers of the pleura to easily slide against each other. However, when pleural mesothelioma develops the inner and outer layers become thicker and fluid can become trapped more easily. If fluid does become trapped it is referred to as pleural effusion. Pleural effusion can lead to further chest pain and difficulty breathing but often has no symptoms that you will feel.

If you notice any of the above pleural mesothelioma symptoms you should go see your doctor right away. If you have previously been exposed to asbestos then you should inform your doctor of this also. Since this type of cancer is almost always caused by asbestos exposure this information will help them make an accurate diagnosis. Once your doctor is aware of these symptoms they will be able to perform a number of tests and make the call. If their results indicate that you do have pleural mesothelioma they will then be able to suggest the best treatments for your circumstances.

Mesothelioma is a very rare type of cancer and in the majority of cases these symptoms will be down to something much less serious. However, if you notice any of these symptoms and do not go see your doctor then the condition cannot be diagnosed and treated. Even a slight chest pain or a small but small but long lasting cough are possible symptoms. If you notice any symptoms at all go see your doctor right away.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Mesothelioma is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.