Cancer that affects the mesothelium i.e. the protective layer of tissue that covers most of the internal organs in the body, is known as mesothelioma. This is very deadly and aggressive, but a rare form of cancer. Mesothelioma is categorised into various types on the basis of the part of the mesothelium that is affected.
Most of the cases of mesothelioma start in the chest cavity, where the pleural mesothelium is affected. This is known as pleural mesothelioma. The disease can also originate in the abdominal cavity and this is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. It can also start around the testicles and also around the heart.
Irrespective where mesothelioma originates, the malignant cells that arise from the mesothelium can attack and damage all the tissues around. The cancerous cells can spread or metastasize to the other parts of the body.
Most often, mesothelioma is quite advanced by the time the disease is diagnosed and typically the 5-year survival rate of the patient is around 5-10%. Most of the patients suffering from mesothelioma die of either contracting pneumonia or due to respiratory failure. When a tumour extends through the diaphragm, some of the patients develop a small-bowel block. A few patients die due to cardiac problems when a tumour enters the pericardium or the thin membrane that covers the heart or the heart itself.
Mesothelioma does not include the benign form of a tumour that is noncancerous and occurs in the chest. This benign form is known as a solitary fibrous tumour or benign mesothelioma.
Cancer that affects the mesothelium i.e. the protective layer of tissue that covers most of the internal organs in the body, is known as mesothelioma. This is very deadly and aggressive, but a rare form of cancer. Mesothelioma is categorised into various types on the basis of the part of the mesothelium that is affected.
Most of the cases of mesothelioma start in the chest cavity, where the pleural mesothelium is affected. This is known as pleural mesothelioma. The disease can also originate in the abdominal cavity and this is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. It can also start around the testicles and also around the heart.
Irrespective where mesothelioma originates, the malignant cells that arise from the mesothelium can attack and damage all the tissues around. The cancerous cells can spread or metastasize to the other parts of the body.
Most often, mesothelioma is quite advanced by the time the disease is diagnosed and typically the 5-year survival rate of the patient is around 5-10%. Most of the patients suffering from mesothelioma die of either contracting pneumonia or due to respiratory failure. When a tumour extends through the diaphragm, some of the patients develop a small-bowel block. A few patients die due to cardiac problems when a tumour enters the pericardium or the thin membrane that covers the heart or the heart itself.
Mesothelioma does not include the benign form of a tumour that is noncancerous and occurs in the chest. This benign form is known as a solitary fibrous tumour or benign mesothelioma.
The symptoms of mesothelioma do not usually appear until 20-50 years after the initial exposure to asbestos.
The main symptoms of mesothelioma of the lungs are:
Symptoms of abdominal or peritoneal mesothelioma are:
If the cancer spreads and affects the other parts of the body, the symptoms cause may include:
Suffering from mesothelioma can be emotionally trying and you will need comfort and support during this time. Your family and friends can help or you can join a cancer support group, online support communities, spiritual group or consult a counsellor for support.
You must avoid stress and anxiety. Taking up calming activities like yoga, meditation and practicing breathing techniques can help in calming you.
If you are having financial troubles and are not able to support your treatment for mesothelioma, there are many organizations and companies that can help you.
The symptoms of mesothelioma do not usually appear until 20-50 years after the initial exposure to asbestos.
The main symptoms of mesothelioma of the lungs are:
Symptoms of abdominal or peritoneal mesothelioma are:
If the cancer spreads and affects the other parts of the body, the symptoms cause may include:
Suffering from mesothelioma can be emotionally trying and you will need comfort and support during this time. Your family and friends can help or you can join a cancer support group, online support communities, spiritual group or consult a counsellor for support.
You must avoid stress and anxiety. Taking up calming activities like yoga, meditation and practicing breathing techniques can help in calming you.
If you are having financial troubles and are not able to support your treatment for mesothelioma, there are many organizations and companies that can help you.