What Is Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant Mesothelioma is the broad general term used to describe several types of Mesothelioma. These include:
  1. Pleural Mesothelioma: most common form, affects the Pleura or lining of the lung.
  2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma: second most common, affects the peritoneum or lining of the abdomen.
  3. Pericardial Mesothelioma: third most common, affects the pericardium or lining of the heart.
  4. Testicular Mesothelioma: rarest form of mesothelioma, affects the lining of the testicles.
Meaning of Malignant
If you are a patient, the last term you would want to hear is malignant tumor. What does Malignant tumor mean?
A malignant tumor is one that is cancerous and grows progressively and uncontrollably. if not removed or controlled, it will eventually lead to death. now we know what malignant means, we need to know exactly what is mesothelioma.
What is Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the membrane that lines and protects several of the body’s internal organs including the heart, lungs, abdomen and testicles. All types of Mesothelioma are considered malignant or cancerous.
Cause of Malignant Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is exclusively caused by exposure to fibrous material, the foremost of which is asbestos. The asbestos flakes, when inhaled, pose an impossible task for the body to expel them and gradually accumulate and force the body to produce tumors in the mesothelium or membrane surrounding the internal organs and further developing into cancerous malignant mesothelioma.
Because it is the result of asbestos inhalation, malignant mesothelioma mainly develops in the lungs where the Pleural cavity (the space between the parietal (outer) Pleura and the visceral (inner) pleuraprovides the perfect hosting place for the malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Malignant Mesothelioma Diagnosis
The symptoms of mesothelioma closely resemble those of other cardio-vascular diseases, so symptoms such as dry cough, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, constant fatigue, chest pain and night fever and sweats are not sufficient to diagnose malignant mesothelioma. Instead the doctor will have to begin with an interview to first evaluate the history of asbestos exposure focusing mainly on the length of time the patient was exposed. Tests would then have to be done to test the fluid in the area where mesothelioma is suspected.
Imaging scans that include x-ray, MRI’s and CT scans are also helpful tools that may be used to help in diagnosing Malignant Mesothelioma. To be sure, biopsies can be used to test the tissues of the surrounding area for presence of the malignant cancer cells.
Malignant Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma Pleura provides several treatment options on the Mesothelioma Treatment page.

Subscribe to receive free email updates:

0 Response to "What Is Malignant Mesothelioma"

Post a Comment