Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer tumors originating in the body’s tissues, known as mesothelium. The mesothelium is a specialized layer of cells that line and protect many internal organs such as the chest and abdominal cavities.
Types of malignant mesothelioma
The first type of malignant mesothelioma is called pleural mesothelioma, or mesothelioma of the pleura. It is the most common form of mesothelioma, which constitute about 75% of all mesothelioma cases. The pleura is a thin serous membrane found between the lungs and chest cavity that provides a lubricated surface prevents the lungs from rubbing against the chest walls. It also acts as a protective layer.
The second most common type of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma, also known as mesothelioma of the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a thin serous membrane that surrounds organs in the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a rare form of malignant mesothelioma cancer. This disease represents about 10% to 20% of all mesothelioma cases. It seems to be a more invasive form of cancer, patients diagnosed with this disease have a shorter life than if they had attracted pleural mesothelioma.
The third and least common form of mesothelioma is pericardial mesothelioma, also known as mesothelioma of the pericardium. It accounts for less than 10% of all mesothelioma cases. Pericardium (heart SAC) is the serous membrane that surrounds and protects the heart.
There are about 2,200 new cases of malignant mesothelioma of the visceral pleura of each year. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose and is rarely cured. The most common symptoms are dyspnea and chest wall pain.
Causes
Asbestos is the predominant cause of malignant mesothelioma of the visceral pleura. The period between the time of exposure to asbestos and the onset of symptoms is about 20 to 50 years. Because of this late onset, it happens most often in the later years of life. It also occurs more frequently in men than in women.
Diagnosis
Doctors usually make an incision through the chest wall and insert an instrument called a thoracoscope between two ribs to see the area. Doctors will then do a biopsy to select a tissue sample that can be analyzed under a microscope.
Stages of Mesothelioma
Stage I: Cancer is found in the lining of the chest cavity near the lungs and heart or in the diaphragm and lungs.
Stage II: Cancer has spread beyond the lining of the chest to lymph nodes in the chest.
Phase III: the cancer has spread into the chest wall, center of the chest, heart, through the diaphragm or abdominal lining, and in some cases into nearby lymph nodes.
Stage IV: cancer has spread to distant organs or tissues.
Treatment
Radiation and radiation therapy used in situations where the cancer is localized at the starting point.
Chemotherapy is used in more advanced stages of malignant mesotheliomas.
Cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic (heated) Chemotherapy improves survival and quality of life for patients with peritoneal metastases (tumors of the lining of the stomach).
Surgery is the option used for stage I malignant mesothelioma. For stage II to IV, treatment with surgery are still under development.
