what is mesothelioma

Mesothelioma
What is Mesothelioma?
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.
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 litres, can collect between the two layers and cause
breathlessness. This is known as a Pleural effusion.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
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.
3
R. Lung L. Lung
visceral
pleura
parietal
pleura
Left pleural
cavity
Right pleural
cavity
Mediastinum


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.
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.
Is there any treatment that may help?
Mesothelioma responds very little to the normal cancer treatments such as
chemotherapy and radiotherapy. There are a number of trials being run in
an attempt to improve treatment but nothing has been found to cure this
disease. Any treatment offered depends on several factors. These should
include patient choice, how well someone is, and how advanced the
disease is.
The initial most helpful treatment is that which deals with symptoms.
Removing fluid from around the lung can help to relieve breathlessness.
Firstly the fluid may be drained either by drawing off fluid or inserting a
small drainage tube. However the fluid often reaccumulates and the chest
physician or surgeon may perform a procedure called a ‘Pleurodesis’.
Mesothelioma

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