Epithelial Mesothelioma
Understanding the Types of Malignant Mesothelioma Cancer
Epithelial Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the epithelial tissues. Epithelial tissues lubricate and protect several parts of the body. The epithelial tissues that line and lubricate the organs are called the mesothelium.
Epithelial Mesothelioma, the most common type of mesothelioma, makes up 50% to 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Those diagnosed with epithelial mesothelioma have a better prognosis than people with other types of mesothelioma.
Epithelial malignant mesothelioma affects different areas of the body. Approximately 60% of epithelial mesothelioma occurs in the pleural tissues of the lungs as a direct result of inhaling asbestos. Some common symptoms of epithelial malignant mesothelioma affecting the lungs include a persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath and viral pneumonia symptoms. Most patients will not experience mesothelioma symptoms until decades later.
Epithelial malignant mesothelioma can also form in the peritoneum of the abdomen, caused by asbestos ingestion. Patients may experience nausea, weight loss, bowel problems, fluid build-up in the stomach, anemia and foot swelling. Malignant mesothelioma can also affect the heart and reproductive organs.
When epithelial mesothelioma is discovered in an advanced stage, treatment options are somewhat limited. If the cancer is in an earlier stage, aggressive surgery treatments can used. These treatments aim to cure the mesothelioma or increase the patient's longevity. In some instances, an extrapleural pneumonectomy can be performed to try to stop the spread of the disease.
Those who are have the highest risk of developing epithelial mesothelioma are employees who work with asbestos containing materials. Those working in construction, shipyard, railroad, and automobile industries have an increased chance of developing the disease. Those exposed to asbestos as far back as the 1940s may still be at risk for mesothelioma.
