X-Ray

Mesothelioma

.....................Asbestos Cancer
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that attacks the mesothelium.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that attacks the mesothelium. A malignant tumor of the mesothelium is called a malignant mesothelioma, is more often known as mesothelioma.

Mesothelium is the inner lining which protect body's internal organs by making a special fluid that allows the organs to move. Mesothelium surrounds the chest, abdominal region or areas surrounding the heart. Tumors can start in any of these places. These tumors can be benign or they can be malignant (cancerous).

Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura (lining of the lung and chest cavity) or peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) due to high exposure to asbestos.

Normal Lung Anatomy Mesothelioma

Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma comes in thress forms:

Pleural Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Pericardial Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Stages
Learn about the four stages of Mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma
The followings are some of the mesothelioma's symptoms:

Breathlessness
Chest pain
Cough
Weight loss

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

Sustained exposure to asbestos is the major risk factor. Nonetheless, smoking increases the risk amongst the asbestos-exposed.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis
A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. The doctor may also carryout a CT (Computed tomagraphy) scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan). If any of these preliminary tests indicate the presence of mesothelioma, a biopsy is performed to confirm this diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Mesothelioma
There are three treatment options of fighting cancerous mesothelioma. Sometimes, these treatments are combined in the course of treatment.

Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiation Therapy