Mesothelioma Video
Summary: What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant, cancer cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear as far as 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Symptoms may include shortness of breath or a pain in the chest.
The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects a magority of the internal organs of the body. This membrane is composed of two layers of cells. The mesothelium is called different names all which depend on the location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.
Mesothelioma is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also spread from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include weight loss, abdominal pain and swelling, bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.
Always see a doctor immediately about any of these symptoms. A doctor will review your medical history and discuss any exposure to asbestos. A doctor may perform x-rays, CAT or MRI of the chest or abdomen and have you perform a lung function tests. Part of the medical testing most likely will include a biopsy to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the many factors and treatment being considered may include radiation therapy, and chemotherapy and/or surgery.
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