Mesothelioma and the Lungs

Mesothelioma Facts

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is diagnosed in between 2000 and 3000 individuals a year in the United States. It affects the lining of certain internal organs. This lining is known medically as mesothelium.

Causes of mesothelioma People who have had a history of exposure to asbestos appear to have the highest risk of developing the disease, although it isn't completely understood why this is the case.

The risk of contracting mesothelioma is approximately twice as great in smokers who are exposed to asbestos.

There is also reason to believe mesothelioma may be caused by a radioactive substance known as thorium dioxide. This substance was often used in conjunction with X-rays during the first half of the 20th century to diagnose various health conditions. It is no longer in use.

Mesothelioma types There are a number of different types of mesothelioma. Although many people believe mesothelioma is a lung disease, it can also occur in other parts of the body.

Pleural malignant mesothelioma is the most common type. It affects tissue around the lungs.

Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the tissue of the abdomen.

Pericardial mesothelioma affects the tissue surrounding the heart. This type is extremely rare.

Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis occurs in the lining around the testicles. This type is also extremely rare.

Mesothelioma symptoms Symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on location.

Pleural mesothelioma symptoms:

Dry cough.
Pain while coughing.
Discomfort when breathing.
Chest pain beneath the rib cage.
Shortness of breath.
Unexplained weight loss.
Unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on your chest.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms:

A change in your bowel habits, including frequent constipation or diarrhea.
Abdominal pain.
Abdominal swelling.
Lumps in the abdomen.
Unexplained weight loss.

Little is known about the symptoms of the pericardial and tunica vaginalis types of mesothelioma because they are so rare.

Treatment Unfortunately, mesothelioma usually isn't diagnosed until it has reached a later stage. Since it is an aggressive form of cancer, a cure is often impossible.

However, there are a number of treatment options that are used, and they vary depending on the type of cancer the patient has contracted along with a number of other factors like the overall health of the patient.

Surgery If the disease is diagnosed in an early stage, surgeons may try one of several types of to remove the cancer. These include:

Procedures to decrease fluid buildup in the chest which may cause breathing difficulty.
Removing the tissue around the lung or abdomen. A pleurectomy involves removing the tissue around the lungs. A peritonectomy removes the tissue lining around the abdomen.
Surgery known as debulking is intended to remove as much of the cancer as possible.
Surgeons may remove a lung and the surrounding tissue.

Chemotherapy This involves the use of chemicals to kill cancer cells.

Radiation This type of therapy employs high-energy beams that are directed to a specific area or areas affected by the cancer.

Combination therapy This involves using surgery, chemotherapy and radiation together. This is an extremely grueling type of treatment that isn't appropriate for everyone. Combination therapy appears to offer the most promising possibility for short term treatment, but in many cases, the cancer eventually returns.

Prevention Prevention may be impossible for those who have been exposed to asbestos over an extended period of time. The following workers should take care to observe their employers' safety rules and procedures regarding asbestos exposure.

Auto mechanics
Construction workers
Factory workers
Gas mask manufacturers
Insulation manufacturers
Miners
Railroad workers
Ship builders

It's also important to remember that many older homes have asbestos components. But removing it can be extremely dangerous because of asbestos dust and fibers that can get into the air and therefore, into your lungs.

Check the Environmental Protection Agency website for advice on dealing with asbestos in the home.

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