Mesothelioma Cancer

Malignant mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or chest as a result of exposure to asbestos. The cancer begins as tumors of the mesothelium. While tumors are usually considered either benign or malignant, mesothelial tumors are rarely benign.
                                               
The mesothelium includes of a sheath that covers the organs, a cushion of lubricating fluid, and an outer sheath that contains the fluid. In mesothelioma, the sheaths and/or the cushioning fluid develop abnormal cell growth which form tumors.

Mesothelioma is diagnosed by the location of the cancer. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs; peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdomen; and pericardial mesothelioma affects the chest.

Pleural mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers are inhaled, inflaming the pleural lining. The body attempts to break down the fibers, causing the pleural sheaths to thicken or scar. Fluid then builds up between the sheaths and the mesothelial cells of the pleura multiply and mutate, becoming malignant.

Pericardial mesothelioma develops when inhaled asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium. Researchers believe the fibers break up in the lungs and then travel through the bloodstream to the pericardium. Once in the pericardium, these fragments cause cell mutation, inflammation and cancerous tumors.

Accounting for over 75% of mesothelioma cases, pleural mesothelioma is the most form of the disease. Peritoneal mesothelioma makes up 20% of cases, while pericardial mesothelioma is rather rare with less than 10% of all cases.

Mesothelioma symptoms do not manifest until decades after the asbestos exposure. In some cases, symptoms do not develop at all. When mesothelioma symptoms do appear, they may be mistaken for other conditions. Shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing are common symptoms of mesothelioma. As the cancer progresses, the cough and chest pain may become constant. Some patients may wheeze, cough up blood, have a decreased appetite and become fatigued.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is somewhat easier to diagnose. The disease causes appetite loss, abdominal pain, swelling and weight loss. The patient may also experience nausea, vomiting, anemia or trouble swallowing. Depending on the location and size of the tumors, hernia, difficulty breathing or bowel obstruction may occur.

Pericardial mesothelioma is very rare, making relevant information rather limited. Pericardial mesothelioma may cause chest tightness or pain. The patient may also experience shortness of breath, a constant cough, fatigue, heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat.

Most individuals with any type of mesothelioma usually experience fatigue and dyspnea in the early stages. The patient may neglect seeing a physician until the symptoms elevate, prolonging diagnosis. Those who have a high risk for mesothelioma because of past asbestos exposure should regularly receive a physical, even if they do not experience symptoms.