What is mesothelioma ?

Mesothelioma is also a form of cancer(serious and rare form of lung cancer). that is almost always caused by previous exposure to "asbestos". In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. Its most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity), but it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) or the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart).In the US, between 2000 and 3000 cases are diagnosed each year. ... more info on mesothelioma
most common symptoms of mesothelioma
1 : Pleural Effusion

One of the most common symptoms of mesothelioma is a pleural effusion, or an accumulation of fluid between the parietal pleura (the pleura covering the chest wall and diaphragm) and the visceral pleura (the pleura covering the lungs). Both of these membranes are covered with mesothelial cells which, under normal conditions, produce a small amount of fluid that acts as a lubricant between the chest wall and the lung. Any excess fluid is absorbed by blood and lymph vessels maintaining a balance. When too much fluid forms, the result is an effusion.
Pleural Mesothelioma / Peritoneal Mesothelioma
he most common place for mesothelioma to develop is in the mesothelial membrane, also called the pleural lining, surrounding the lungs. About two thirds of all mesothelima cases develop in the pleural mesothelium or lung lining. Pleural mesothelioma is also known as cancer of the lung lining.


remaining cases, about one third, develop in the peritoneal mesothelium in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). Rarely, mesothlioma occurs in other mesothelial tissue, such as around the heart or in the reproductive organs (pericardial mesothelioma).


There are two types of the "Pleural Effusion"
1: - transudates
2: - exudates
Transudates : -A transudate is a clear fluid that forms not because the pleural surfaces are diseased, but because of an imbalance between the normal production and removal of the fluid. The most common cause of transudative fluid is congestive heart failure.
Exudates : - n exudate, which is often cloudy and contains many cells and proteins, results from disease of the pleura itself, and is common to mesothelioma. To determine whether a fluid is a transudate or exudate, a diagnostic thoracentesis, in which a needle or catheter is used to obtain a fluid sample, may be conducted.
Some more syptoms of the Symptoms Mesothelioma
* Coughing
* Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
* Difficulty Sleeping
* Weight Loss
* Pain in chest and abdomen
* Fluid in the chest
TWO Types of the mesothelioma
1 )Peritoneal 2 )pleural
1 )Peritoneal In this type of mesothelioma Peritoneal disease has an effect on the intestines, liver and other structures in the abdominal cavity. As fluid builds up, the abdomen can become very expanded.
2 )pleural pleural form of mesothelioma can also cause damage to the upper airway. Swallowing can become difficult, and voice changes can occur if the larynx is affected.
symptoms of Peritoneal mesothelioma:
* Weight loss
* Abdominal pain
* Buildup of fluid in the abdomen
* Bowel obstruction
* Abnormal blood clotting
* Abdominal mass
* Fever
symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma:
* Pain in the lower back
* Pain in the side of chest
* A persistent cough
* Shortness of breath
* Husky voice
* Difficulty swallowing
* Fever

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