Mesothelioma Crusader: What is Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops from Mesothelium (a thin tissue layer, covering many of the internal organs).

Mesothelioma mainly affects lining of the lungs (Pleural mesothelioma) or the abdomen (Peritoneal mesothelioma). Mesothelioma may also be found in the sac surrounding the heart or the sac surrounding the testis, in very rare cases.

Mesothelioma has poor prognosis and there is no known cure for it. Exposure to asbestos is the main cause behind the mesothelioma. Approximately 80% of the cases are because of the asbestos exposure alone. Other factors responsible for this cancer may be the ‘Genetics’, ‘simian virus 40’ or Erionite (a zeolite mineral similar to asbestos) etc.
Approx. 3000 cases are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually in the United States alone. The diagnosis of the mesothelioma generally occurs after the age of 65.
Chest X-ray and CT scan are the main techniques for the diagnosis but the ‘Tissue Biopsy’ of the cancer or the examination of the ‘fluid produced by the cancer’ is required to confirm the Mesothelioma.
Since the major cause of mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos, therefore it is required to reduce the asbestos exposure to minimum, as the preventive measure. It has also been found that mesothelioma affects males more as compared to females.

Mesothelioma Causes

Following are the Causes of mesothelioma-

Asbestos Exposure- The Main Cause of Mesothelioma

*Asbestos Exposure at work
*Secondary exposure to Asbestos (Family members)
*Genetics
*Erionite (Similar properties as Asbestos)
*Simian Virus 40 (SV40)

Genetics and Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Symptoms

As there is no effective cure for mesothelioma, it is very important to identify the signs of mesothelioma. By identifying the symptoms of mesothelioma it becomes possible to take preventive measures and treat it on time.

There are mainly 3 types of Mesothelioma-
*Pleural mesothelioma (cancer affecting the lining of lungs)
*Peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen)
*Pericardial mesothelioma (develops in the lining that surrounds the heart)

Let's see signs of each type of mesothelioma separately-

Symptoms of Pleural mesothelioma

*Pain in the chest wall

*Shortness of breath
*Fluid surrounding the lung (pleural effusion)
*Fatigue
*Blood in the sputum
*Cough

Symptoms of Peritoneal mesothelioma

*Abdominal swelling
*A build up of fluid in the abdominal cavity
*Fever
*Sweating at night
*Loss of weight
*Constipation
*Vomiting

Symptoms of Pericardial mesothelioma

*Heart failure
*Chest pain
*Build up of fluid in the heart (pericardial effusion)
Pulse variance
*Cardiac tamponade (A pericardial effusion in which fluid stores in the pericardium).
*Constrictive pericaditis (thickened fibrotic pericardium)