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Malignant Mesothelioma (MEEZ-o-THEE-lee-o-ma)
is a rare form of cancer that begins in the mesothelium.
The mesothelium is made up of visceral and parietal
membranes, which surround organs and body cavities, such
as the lungs or abdomen. The visceral membrane covers
the organ and the parietal membrane covers the visceral
membrane. The mesothelium secretes a fluid that helps
the organs move easily together. In the case of the
lung, it helps reduce friction between the lung and
chest wall during normal breathing. There are different
types of Mesothelioma, depending where it is found. In
the abdomen, it is called peritoneal Mesothelioma; on
the lungs, it is called pleural Mesothelioma; and if it
develops on the heart pericardial Mesothelioma. 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, cancer of the
mesothelium, is a rare form of cancer in which the cells
become abnormal and divide out of control. They attack
nearby healthy tissue and organs. You then have
Mesothelioma.
What are the symptoms of
Mesothelioma?
The most common symptoms of
pleural Mesothelioma are difficulty breathing, chest
pain or both. In addition to a general feeling of not
being well, other less common symptoms include:
* shortness of breath
* weight loss
* fever
* night sweats
* cough
The most common symptoms of
peritoneal Mesothelioma may include:
* swelling
* pain due to fluid in
abdominal cavity
* weight loss
* a mass in the abdomen
* bowel obstruction
* fever
How is Mesothelioma diagnosed?
Since many of the symptoms of
Mesothelioma are similar to those of other conditions,
including other types of cancer, diagnosing Mesothelioma
can be difficult.
Diagnosis and testing
Several tests can be used to help
physicians make the diagnosis of Mesothelioma including
a chest x-ray, a CT scan, and/or an MRI scan. A chest
x-ray yields an image of the lungs that will show any
abnormal changes. A CT(computed topography) is a type
of x-ray, but it uses a computer rather than film and
yields a much more detailed image. An MRI scan
(magnetic resonance imaging) uses magnetism, radio waves
and computer and it does not use x-ray radiation.
These tests help physician
differentiate Mesothelioma from other lung tumors as
well as determine where the tumor is and its size.
A biopsy---the removal of tissue
sample from the tumor to confirm diagnosis---is needed
to confirm a diagnosis of Mesothelioma. |
