Mesothelioma Cancer

This a type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. It is when malignant cells develop in the Mesothelioma, a protective lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs. The most common site for this type of cancer is the pleura, the outer lining of the lungs and the internal chest wall. It can also develop in the lining of the abdominal cavity, the heart as well as the pericardium which is a sac that surrounds the heart.

People develop this disease after inhaling asbestos particles or after being exposed to asbestos dust and fiber either at work or in other ways. There is no association between mesothelioma cancer and smoking. The Signs and symptoms of may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.

Shortness of breath, cough and pain in the chest are some symptoms of pleural mesothelioma while weight loss, abdominal swelling and pain due to build up of fluid in the abdominal cavity are symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. Other signs of peritoneal mesothelioma are blood clotting abnormalities, bowel obstruction, anemia and fever. In the case where this cancer has spread, symptoms may include pain and trouble swallowing. Swelling of the neck or the face is another symptom.

A chest X-ray and a CT scan are used to diagnose mesothelioma cancer. It is normally confirmed with a biopsy and a microscopic examination. A thoracoscopy where a tube with a camera is inserted into the chest can also be used to take biopsies. The disease has a poor prognosis although it can be treated by chemotherapy, radiation therapy and sometimes surgery.