What is mesothelioma?

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 commonly known as mesothelioma.

Mesothelium is the inner lining that protects the body internal organs by making a special fluid that allows the organs to move. Mesothelium surrounds the chest, abdomen or areas around the heart. Tumors can start at any of these locations. These tumors can be benign or they can be malignant (cancer).

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

Normal lung anatomy mesothelioma

Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma comes thress forms:

Pleural Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Stages
Learn about the four stages of mesothelioma.



Symptoms of Mesothelioma
The following are some of the symptoms of mesothelioma:

Asthma
Chest pain
Cough
Weight loss

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

It asbestos exposure is a major risk factor. However, smoking increases the risk among 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 one CT (computed tomagraphy) scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or positron emission tomography (PET Scan). If one 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 for fighting cancer mesothelioma. Sometimes, these treatments are combined in the course of treatment.
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy