Mesothelioma FAQ
1. What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer of the mesothelium that is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos particles. The mesothelium is the protective sac or membrane that covers most internal organs of the body. With mesothelioma, malignant cancer cells initiate in these protective sacs.
There are five types of mesothelioma that correspond to the five sensitive organs in the body that are protected by mesothelium membranes.
- Pleural mesothelioma (chest and lung)
- Peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen)
- Pericardial mesothelioma (heart)
- Vaginalis testis mesothelioma (male reproductive organs)
- Serosa uteri mesothelioma (female reproductive organs)
Pleural and peritoneal mesotheliomas are the most studied and understood forms of the disease. Pericardial, vaginalis testis and serosa uteri mesothelioma are rare forms of the disease and not much information is available for these forms of mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma is cancer of the pleura membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the walls of the chest cavity.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is cancer of the peritoneum membrane that surrounds organs in the abdominal cavity.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer of the pericardium membrane that surrounds the heart.
6. Is there a cure for mesothelioma?
No. Some treatment methods are described as curative, which means they attempt to cure the disease. However, there is always a risk of not being able to remove the cancer that characterizes mesothelioma, and thus, not curing the disease. Other treatment options are palliative, which means they attempt to reduce or eliminate the pain and symptoms of the disease.
An oncologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer, performs a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A proper diagnosis includes an overview of the patient’s medical history with an emphasis on any history of exposure to asbestos. A physical examination that includes a check for lumps, chest x-rays and abdominal x-rays as well as lung functioning tests. A CAT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to view images and areas inside the body. A biopsy is then used to confirm the existence of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of tissue samples for examination. The extracted sample is then sent to a pathologist who is responsible to examine the tissue under a microscope.
8. What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the location of the mesothelium membrane that is affected. Symptoms are often times characteristic of other illnesses and can only be definitively associated with mesothelium dysfunctions by a doctor. In many case, patients seeking assistance with other types of health issues are later diagnosed with mesothelioma. A buildup of fluid characterizes all types of malignant mesothelioma.
Treatment of mesothelioma is dependent upon the location and stage of the cancer as well as the age and health of the patient. Standard treatment involves surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and combinations of the three. Treatment that attempts to remove cancer and cure the disease is described as curative. However, removal of the cancer is not always possible. As such, palliative treatment methods may be used to relieve patients of pain and discomfort.
No. However, people who live with persons who are exposed to asbestos are also at risk of mesothelioma. This peculiarity is thought to result from the asbestos-based dust and fibers that workers bring into the home in their clothing and other belongings that are exposed at the worksite.
11. What are the risk factors of mesothelioma?
Asbestos has been identified as the major risk factor for mesothelioma. It is estimated that asbestos is responsible for 70 to 80 percent of all cases of mesothelioma and it could be higher. Though there is consensus in the medical and scientific community that mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation and swallowing of asbestos fibers and dust, there is no medical or scientific explanation for exactly how it occurs.