Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen or the chest. Malignant cells appear in the mesothelium, the sac that acts as protective cover for many of the internal organs in the body. A mesothelium is made of two cell layers - one that directly covers the organ and another that surrounds it. The mesothelium is responsible for producing a fluid that acts to lubricate the organs, such as the heart and the lungs, allowing them to move safely against other parts of the body. Without thorough examination and tests, it can easily be mistaken for lung cancer.
Depending on the part of the body where it appears, mesothelium is referred to in different ways. If it covers the organs located in the abdominal cavity, it is called the peritoneum. The mesothelium that provides protection for the heart is called the pericardium. If it covers the lungs and wall lining of the chest, it is called pleura. In the uterus, it is called the tunica serosa uteri and in the reproductive organs of the male, it is referred to as the tunica vaginalis testis.
Mesothelioma and lung cancer
The term mesothelioma means cancer of the mesothelium. It is not the same as lung cancer. Compared to other forms of cancer, it is rather rare, with only an average of 2,000 cases being diagnosed every year in the United States. This disease can affect both men and women and can appear at any age.
The risk of developing mesothelioma is increased due to exposure to asbestos. In fact, at least 70% of mesothelioma cases showed individuals with a history of exposure to the material. It can also affect people who are living with a person who has been exposed to asbestos. This doesn't limit mesothelioma to this group of people, however. It is also known to appear in other patients even if they have not had prior exposure.
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
Differentiating mesothelioma and lung cancer is rather difficult, especially if the disease is already in the malignant stage. However, there are certain tests that a doctor may perform, including a physical examination, chest x-ray, CBC or complete blood count, removal of tissue samples for biopsy, bronchoscopy and thoracotomy. A cytologic exam may also be conducted where a small amount of fluid is taken from either the lungs or the abdomen and examined.
Some of the symptoms that merit a visit to the doctor include: difficulty in breathing, chest pain (usually located beneath the rib cage), lumps, swelling or pain in the abdomen and unexplained weight loss.
Is there a cure for mesothelioma?
As of today, no cure for mesothelioma has been discovered. However, there are treatments available to help manage the disease. Some of these treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Surgery
The most common treatment for mesothelioma is surgery, where a part of the affected part is removed, along with some of the surrounding tissue. This is the treatment that is often used during the early stages of the disease. It helps slow the progression of the disease and can help reduce the symptoms. In cases where the diseased has progressed extensively, other treatment options are considered.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy removes cancer cells by using high energy radiation beams. Radiotherapy is effective in removing cancer cells that may remain even after surgery. To ensure that radiation beams hit the target cells, x-rays and computer imaging are also used during the process. This makes sure that only cancer cells are destroyed and reduces the number of healthy cells that are affected.
Radiotherapy is also used as a palliative form of treatment and helps control the spread (metastases) of the cancer. It is also helpful in alleviating symptoms like difficulty in breathing and pain.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is often administered intravenously or through the use of catheters, allowing anti-cancer drugs to enter the blood stream quickly. It is often recommended for patients who cannot undergo a surgical procedure.
Chemotherapy has some side effects, including nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, diarrhea or constipation. Bruises may also appear and even sores in the throat or mouth area. The kind of symptoms that appear in a patient depends on the chemotherapy treatment, dosage and on that particular patient's reaction.
These treatments are mean to remove as much of the cancerous tumors as possible and to provide relief from painful symptoms. They are also meant to help prolong the life of the patient.
Is there a cure for mesothelioma?
Further research and clinical trials are being performed to help find the best treatments that are the most effective against mesothelioma. No cure has been discovered yet. As of now, early detection and treatments have been showing better and better survival rates. Like lung cancer, mesothelioma can be halted if it is detected earlier.
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