What is Malignant Mesothelioma? by Devendra Jaiswal

What is cancer?


Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in an organ, such as the lung, colon or skin. Cancer cells grow together to form a mass called a tumor. Benign (non-cancerous) cells can also grow and spread, but are not invasive. Cancer can be life threatening, because malignant cells can invade surrounding tissue and spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body. Early detection before the cancer spreads provides the best chance of cure.


What is Mesothelioma?


Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. In mesothelioma, malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the sac lining of the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum).The only known cause of Mesothelioma is via exposure to the deadly mineral asbestos. It comes from inhaling the particles of dust as the asbestos degrades.


Mesothelioma is a disease, form of cancer that is almost 100% preventable, that arises from mesothelial cells that form membranes around the lungs, abdomen and other body cavities. Mesothelial cells produce a minute amount of lubricating fluid that helps the lungs expand and allows abdominal organs to move easily against one another.


Mesothelioma occurs when these cells grow and spread uncontrollably. Beginning first as a flat white plaque, mesothelioma is a tumor that continues to grow around the lungs (pleurae), but may also originate around the abdominal cavity. As mesothelioma progresses, it enters the lungs and invades nearby ribs.


Description


In the chest and abdominal cavities, as well as in the cavity around the heart (pericardial sac), there is a layer of specialized cells called mesothelial cells. These cells also surround the outer surface of most internal organs. These cells form tissue called mesothelium.


The mesothelium performs a protective function for the internal organs by producing a lubricating fluid that permits the organs to move around. For example, this fluid makes it easier for the lungs to move inside the chest while a person breathes. The mesothelium of the abdomen is known as the peritoneum, and the mesothelium of the chest is called the pleura. The pericardium refers to the mesothelium of the pericardial cavity.


There are three primary types of malignant mesotheliomas:


* Epithelioid. About 50% to 70% of mesotheliomas are of this type and have the best outlook for survival.
* Sarcomatoid. Approximately 7% to 20% of cases are of this type.
* Mixed/biphasic.From 20% to 35% of mesothelioma cases fall into this category.


Approximately three fourths of all mesotheliomas begin in the chest cavity and are known as pleuralmesotheliomas. Peritoneal mesotheliomas begin in the abdomen, and make up around 10% to 20% of all cases. Mesotheliomas arising in the cavity around the heart are quite rare.


Causes and symptoms


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.


Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.


Mesothelioma cancer as a byproduct of asbestos in the workplace has caused many lawsuits affecting companies who have asbestos products in the workplace environment.

Exposure to certain types of radiation as well as to a chemical related to asbestos known as zeolite has also been related to incidences of mesothelioma.


The early symptoms of mesothelioma are often ignored, because they may be caused by a variety of ailments. These symptoms include:

* pain in the lower back or at the side of the chest
* shortness of breath
* difficulty swallowing
* cough
* fever
* fatigue
* abdominal pain, weight loss, and nausea and vomiting (symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma)


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About the Author
The author is a regular contributor to halfvalue.com where more information about Mesothelioma and other more accessories is available.