Aug
15

Overview of Malignant Mesothelioma

Over a period of time, the world has witnessed variations of a disease that is caused by the frequent inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers - mesothelioma. The asbestos fibers are known to get lodged within the lung tissues. A variety of related diseases are caused due to prolonged and constant exposure to asbestos like malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. The most fatal of these diseases is mesothelioma, which culminates in death.

Malignant mesothelioma attacks the membranes and lining of large cavities in our body. The serous cavities houses important and major bodily organs like lungs, heart and abdomen. The serous membranes surround the cavities and protect these organs from abrasion and friction specially during the functioning of the organs like heart beating and breathing. The specialised cells are referred to as mesothelial cells which form the mesothelium which is the tissue layer of serous membranes. The cancer which occurs in this tissue is referred to as mesothelioma.

In case of pericardial mesothelioma, the lining which surrounds the heart is affected. In case of pleural mesothlioma which is the most widespread form of malignant mesothelioma, the lung cavity is affected. Nowadays, mesothelioma is considered as cancerous or malignant. They actually begin as a small tumour and then rapidly spread to the various organs and tissues.

It is very difficult to detect asbestos symptoms, especially when the disease is in its early stages. The abnormalities that develop when the disease begins may not appear in the x-ray of the lungs. It is only at a much-advanced stage of mesothelioma or asbestosis that the abnormalities appear distinct and more prominent.

The symptoms of this disease are not noticeable up to fifty years from the first instance the person was exposed to the asbestos fibers. The symptoms depend largely on the kind of mesothelioma it is. A person suffering from this disease may experience chest pain, dyspnoea, weight loss, anemia, swelling, bowel problems, night sweats, fever and persistent cough.

The treatment options will vary depending on the kind of asbestos disease the patient is suffering from. Mesothelioma can be treated with the appropriate surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.