Mesothelioma Types, Diagnosis Procedures, Treatment Options
Human Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor
The mesothelioma tumor, white rind–looking margins surrounding the dark lung area, encases the lung causing decreased lung function.
Mesothelioma is an incurable form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Like other asbestos diseases, the development of mesothelioma is dose dependent—the greater the asbestos exposure, the greater the risk of developing mesothelioma.
Three Types of Mesothelioma
In mesothelioma patients, cancer cells grow without control or order and spread along the surface of internal organs. The most common areas for mesothelioma cancer to develop are:
- Membranes surrounding the lungs and chest (pleura), known as pleural mesothelioma
- Lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), known as peritoneal mesothelioma
- membranes surrounding the heart (pericardium), known as pericardial mesothelioma
There are several ways to diagnose and treat mesothelioma. Although there is no cure at this time, there are ongoing clicnical trials in an effort to discover new and more effective treatments for mesothelioma.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of mesothelioma, effects the lining of the chest and lung cavity known as the pleura. Inhaled asbestos fibers work their way through the lungs and into the pleural cavity. In defense of the invading asbestos fibers, the body’s natural defense leads to the thickening of the pleural cavity, and pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung. This reduces the ability of the lung to function and is the first stage in the development of pleural mesothelioma.
The early diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma can be difficult, as it shares symptoms with a number of other conditions. Common symptoms include:
- chest wall pain
- pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung
- shortness of breath
- fatigue or anemia
- wheezing, hoarseness, or cough
- coughing up blood or blood in the sputum (spit)
When the pleura is infected by cancer cells, it is called pleural mesothelioma. This is the most common type of mesothelioma. This disease causes severe respiratory problems and is almost always fatal. However, various treatments for pleural mesothelioma may improve longevity and the quality of life.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is cancer of the peritoneum, which is the lining of the stomach or abdomen. The disease makes up about 20%–33% of mesothelioma cases.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is cancer of the pericardium—the thin lining that surrounds the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma is also the rarest form of mesothelioma cancer. The pericardium keeps the heart contained within the chest cavity, preventing the heart from ever–expanding as blood volume increases. The most common clinical signs of pericardial mesothelioma are:
- constrictive pericarditis; a thickening of the pericardium that impedes diastolic filling of the heart
- pericardial effusion; an abnormal amount of fluid in the pericardial space, increasing pressure within the pericardium and subsequently the heart
- cardiac tamponade; a serious condition where increased pressures within the pericardium restrict movement within the heart, resulting in lower than normal blood output
- and heart failure caused by myocardial infiltration
Diagnosis for Mesothelioma
An asbestos victim generally does not develop pleural mesothelioma until decades after the first asbestos exposure. The initial symptoms are difficulty in breathing and chest pain. Other signs of pleural mesothelioma include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and coughing up blood. Over half of the patients with pleural mesothelioma have pain in the lower back or at the side of the chest.
A physician may use x–rays, computed tomography or CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, or positron emission tomography (PET) scans to diagnose pleural mesothelioma. Tissue and fluid sampling is also helpful in determining the presence of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Treatment
Your choice for a mesothelioma treatment will be dependent on a number of factors, including: Stage of the cancer (how far has your mesothelioma developed), location of the cancer, the spread of the cancer, the age and goals of the patient. Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma are often given an expected survival rate of eight to twelve months, pending how far the cancer has developed. If you have been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, you should consult a cancer specialist with expertise in mesothelioma. Treatment options include, but are not limited to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
Ask about treatment side–effects, clinical trials, the stage of your cancer and how to handle the physical aspects of everyday living. Make sure your concerns and questions are addressed, including pain management.
Mesothelioma affects not only the victim but the mesothelioma victim’s family as well. For more information on mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment, support groups and coping with this fatal asbestos cancer, please see our site dedicated to detailed information about mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Network.
Mesothelioma Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that answer specific questions about new treatments, including their safety and effectiveness. Some mesothelioma patients choose to participate in clinical trials for renewed hope and improved quality of life.
On the other hand, medicines given in clinical trials may involve serious side–effects or may not be effective. Before participating in any clinical trial, talk with your physician about whether this is the right course for you to take. To learn more about open mesothelioma clinical trials, see the ClinicalTrials.gov website.