Mesothelioma

                                                                                  Information to the people..

What is Mesothelioma?

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Mesothelioma (also known as ‘diffuse’ or ‘malignant’ Mesothelioma) is a form of cancer, which affects the thin membranes which line the chest (pleural mesothelioma). Less commonly it can affect the linings of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). It may also surround the organs found within these cavities for example the heart, lung and intestines

Ø  Pleural Mesothelioma

The pleural lining has two layers - an inner (visceral) layer which lines the lung and an outer (parietal) layer which lines the chest wall. The pleura produce fluid to lubricate the space between the two layers allowing the layers to slide comfortably over each other as we breathe.

Pleural Mesothelioma causes the pleura to thicken. This may make it press on the lung or attach itself to the chest wall. Fluid, sometimes several litters, can collect between the two layers and cause breathlessness. This is known as a Pleural effusion.  

Ø  Peritoneal Mesothelioma 

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The peritoneum also has two layers, the inner (visceral) layer which is next to the abdominal organs and the outer (parietal) layer which lines the abdominal wall. Peritoneal Mesothelioma causes the peritoneum to thicken and fluid to collect in the abdomen, this collection of fluid is called ascites and causes the abdomen to swell. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is much less common than Pleural Mesothelioma.

What causes Mesothelioma?  

Exposure to asbestos is responsible for the majority of cases. There are thought to be possibly other unknown causes. It has previously been a rare disease but is now occurring more frequently because of the heavy use of asbestos in the post-war years. For most people diagnosed with Mesothelioma the exposure happened 20-40 years previously. (It may in some instances be a longer or a shorter interval than this.) Sometimes the asbestos exposure may have been very brief and not always easy to identify. Mesothelioma is however more common in people who have had repeated exposure, usually in a work environment. There are several types of asbestos all of which have been known to cause Mesothelioma.

Symptoms & Effects 

How is Mesothelioma diagnosed?  

Early diagnosis is difficult and in most cases the first obvious sign is sudden breathlessness caused by an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space - a pleural effusion. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain. Scans and X-rays can provide strong evidence to support the diagnosis especially coupled with a history of asbestos exposure. However, other diseases can produce these symptoms and to be certain of a correct diagnosis more investigations often need to be carried out. Scans, Fluid taken for laboratory examination, possibly needle biopsy or keyhole surgery to take a biopsy (a small sample of tissue) are likely to be carried out to help with the confirmation of the diagnosis. These tests and results may take several weeks to complete.

Will it spread to other parts of my body?  

It is unusual for distant spread to be a problem. Mesothelioma spreads slowly outwards from its starting place, along the lining of the chest or abdominal wall, and problems experienced are usually confined to that locality and areas in close contact.

Will I have any pain? If so how can it be handled? 

Because of the nature and position of the tumour near to the chest wall,some people with mesothelioma have aches and pains even before the diagnosis, whilst others have few problems with pain. It is important to realise that, if you are one of the unfortunate ones with early pain, this is not necessarily related to the extent of your disease - but more to do with where the mesothelioma is situated.The pleural area is very well supplied with nerve endings which can easily be irritated or compressed by the tumour.