1. What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer. Cancerous cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac thatcovers most of the body's internal organs. Mesothelioma is a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor affecting the lining of the chest or abdomen. With mesotheliuma cancerous cells found in the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or in any certain order. These cancerous cells can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs.
Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from one area of the body to other parts of the body. Tumors can start in any of these areas. These tumors can be benign (not cancer)or they can be cancerous mesotheliomas. The most common site for mesothelioma to occur is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity), but it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) or the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart).
2 . Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma?
A major risk factor for developing mesothelioma is working with asbestos. Asbestos has been used in many industrial products, some include cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. When the tiny asbestos particles float in the air, during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed. Others at risk for developing mesothelioma are family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases.
This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair ofasbestos workers. The risk of getting mesothelioma depends on how much asbestos a person was exposed to and for how long. Prevent this disease is to avoid contact with asbestos in homes, public buildings, and at work.
3. What are the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma?
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until many years later after exposure to asbestos. Early symptoms of mesothelioma can be very general and sometimes overlooked or thought to be symptoms of another disease ignored altogether. Signs and symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (lining of the chest) can include: pain in the lower back or at the side of the chest, shortness of breath trouble swallowing, cough, fever, sweating, tiredness, weight loss, swelling of the face and arms and muscle weakness.
Signs and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma (lining of the abdominal cavity) include: stomach pain, weight loss, nausea, vomiting and fluid or a lump in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel and clotting abnormalities, anemia and fever. If mesothelioma has spread to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.
4. How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure.One or more methods can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. Example's of imaging tests could include x-rays, CT scans (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or PET scans. Other methods may include fluid or tissue samples. Chest x-ray: may show thickening of the lining of the lungs or other signs of asbestos exposure leading to mesothelioma.
CT scans are often used to find mesothelioma, and are helpful in finding out how far it has spread. PET scan: can help tell whether a thickening of the tissues is cancer or just scar tissue. It can also spot the spread of cancer. MRI scans look at the diaphragm (the thin muscle at the bottom of the lung cage that goes up and down during breathing). The MRI helps to diagnose mesothelioma that may have spread to the diaphragm.
5. How is mesothelioma treated?
Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Treatment options for mesothelioma often include surgery,radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined. Surgery is a common treatment for mesothelioma. The doctor may remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue arounding it. Radiation therapy, to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Chemotherapy, anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
To relieve symptoms and control pain, the doctor may use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in the chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing fluid from the chest is called thoracentesis. Removal of fluid from the abdomen is called paracentesis. Drugs may be given through a tube in the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be helpful in relieving symptoms.
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