Mesothelioma is a type of cancer found in
the mesothelium, a covering that protects most of the body's internal organs.
The mesothelium has two layers: one acts as skin to a certain organ and the
other is like a sac that surrounds it. These layers produce lubrication so that
organs can glide easily against each other. Example: the heart beats while the
lungs expand and contract. Mesothelium is called 'pericardium' when covering
the heart, 'pleura' when surrounding the lungs, and 'peritoneum' when lining the
different organs in the abdomen.
Mesothelioma is a malignant disease where cells of mesothelium
act abnormal and divide uncontrollably. Most cases begin in the pleura and
peritoneum. Pleural and Peritoneal Mesothelioma are common forms of this rare
cancer. Although still considered uncommon, the disease often occurs to
individuals who have been exposed to asbestos at work. At least about 70 to 80
percent of cases are caused by asbestos exposure. However, some cases have no
known causes.
Commercial use of asbestos had begun in the late 1800s and
increased during World War II. Millions of American workers were exposed to
asbestos dust. People who worked in asbestos mines and mills, factories that
produce asbestos products, and the heating and construction industries have
greater risk to develop the cancer. Families who lived with asbestos workers
are also at risk.
Common symptoms of the disease, which usually appear 30 to 50
years after exposure to asbestos, include: shortness of breath, pain in the
chest, weight loss, abdominal pain, swelling of the abdomen, bowel obstruction,
abnormal blood clotting, anemia, fever, trouble in swallowing, pain, and
swelling of neck and face.
Diagnosing can be difficult because most symptoms resemble other
conditions. Medical tests like x-rays, CT scan, MRI, and biopsy are performed
on the patient so the disease can be confirmed. After diagnosing, the doctor
will then determine how far the cancer has spread. Unfortunately, the disease
is not curable. Several treatment options are available: chemotherapy, radiation
therapy, and surgery.