Mesothelioma cancer affects the outer lining or the membranes that surround the major organs in the human body. Different organs can be affected which include the lungs, heart, abdomen and others. The most common type of mesothelioma is that which affects the lung lining, and is called pleural mesothelioma. Other types are pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the heart, and peritoneal mesothelioma, affecting the lining of the abdomen.
The only known cause of the occurance of these 3 different types of Mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
What makes this disease all the more difficult to treat is the fact that the symptoms for these different types of Mesothelioma does not occur very soon and at times might take upto 15-30 years before the symptoms surface. There is no known cure for mesothelioma and it is surgery which is mostly recommended in all cases.
New treatments are being diligently pursued, including multi-faceted treatment programs incorporating two or more of the above treatment programs into a single patient’s care. Through awareness of mesothelioma, asbestos, and the potential health consequences we can begin ridding ourselves of this unfortunate disease. In order to get a clear understanding of the three different kinds of Mesothelioma it would be good if each of these types of Mesothelioma are studied and analyzed separately.
Pleural Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs, called the “pleura”. The disease can grow quickly and enlarge the pleural space, causing it to fill with fluid. This fluid leads to the discomfort or pain associated with first detection of the disease. It is thought that pleural mesothelioma is caused by the inhaling of fibrous materials, including asbestos. These fibers lodge in the pleura and, over time, cause damage to the tissue layer and cancer erupts.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer in the lining that surrounds the heart, called the pericardium. The pericardium are cells that produce a lubricating fluid that protect the heart. The rarest form of mesothelioma is that which affects the linings of the heart cavity, called the pericardium. As in the lung, the rapid growth of the cancerous tumors can cause expansion of the tissue and accumulation of fluid. The fluid can interfere with the functioning of the heart and cause chest pain.
Mesothelioma of the abdomen is called peritoneal Mesothelioma. The serous membrane surrounding the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a cancer in the of the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is due to the ingestion of fibrous materials, including asbestos.