A Mesothelioma Overview
Mesothelioma refers to a variety of cancer that originates in the lining of the body's internal organs and other body structures. Among mesothelioma cases, there are three sub-classifications that refer to different areas of the body affected by the disease. The most common form overwhelmingly is malignant pleural mesothelioma, which originates in the patient's lung lining. The next most common sub-classification is malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, which originates in the patient's chest cavity. The most infrequent incidence of the disease is malignant pericardial mesothelioma, which forms in the pericardial lining of the heart.
The only known cause of any form mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Pleural mesothelioma is typically caused by inhaled asbestos particles in occupational situations. The precise way in which asbestos exposure causes the other two sub-classification is less clear, exposure however, remains the only common factor in patient histories.
Malignant mesothelioma in any of its forms is an aggressive cancer and prognoses are likewise poor. Diagnosis of the disease can be quite difficult in early stages. Typically mesothelioma will not occur in a patient until several years after an exposure. The slow development of the disease makes symptomatic diagnosis difficult, as most symptoms won't occur until the cancer is at an advanced stage.
Mesothelioma has no known cure. Treatment therefore is rarely directed towards curative ends, but more likely in a palliative method. The most common forms of treatment include surgery in early stage diagnosis, as well as radiation and chemotherapy in later stage treatment programs. Each of these has been used as a stand-alone treatment method as well as in conjunction with each other with regards to specific patient needs. Each patient's specific case will require a specific treatment plan established by physicians and cancer specialists.
Generally, mesothelioma is quite rare, but there are several asbestos exposure issues that are quite relevant to many occupations. As asbestos was primarily used for insulation purposes, occupations which engaged frequently with insulation materials in construction, plumbing, and electrical fixtures represent those most at risk. Those who have worked in these occupations should be conscious of respiratory complications that arise, even if they surface many years after an apparent occupational exposure. The causal nature of exposure and the development of mesothelioma can be complicated by the latency by which symptoms develop.