Lung Cancer And Mesothelioma

What is Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelial cells known as mesothelium, that cover the outer surface of the lungs and abdomen. It takes a long time to develop and its effects are usually seen only when the disease has progressed and it is too late for a cure.

Pleural mesothelioma (a type of lung cancer) is one of the most fatal, aggressive and painful of all cancers.

Causes of Mesothelioma
Asbestos exposure has almost always been the cause of mesothelioma. It has been observed that persons whose jobs have a direct relation to asbestos exposure, or even those who live in and around asbestos mines are at the greatest risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma takes approximately 30 to 40 years after an initial exposure to develop and show its effects. This is the prime reason that mesothelioma is mostly seen in older patients, mostly male.

Persons at maximum risk consist of the following.

-- Construction workers (asbestos is banned in almost all construction material today; persons at risk are those who have been in the construction business upto the end 80's, early 90's)
-- Shipyard (manufacturing and breaking) workers
-- Those involved in the manufacture of automobile brake linings
-- Automobile mechanics (especially those who work with brake linings)
-- Persons involved in demolishing old constructions that contain asbestos in the insulation, roofing and flooring material

The risk of developing mesothelioma in such persons is greater if they are regular smokers.

Types of Mesothelioma
There are basically three types of Mesothelioma.

-- Pleural Mesothelioma
-- Pericardial Mesothelioma
-- Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma and affects the linings of the heart cavity known as the pericardium.

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the serous membrane known as the peritoneum that surrounds the abdomen. The prime cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos ingestion.

Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma or mesothelioma of the pleura is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura). Pleural mesothelioma is also referred to as 'asbestos lung cancer'.

Almost 80% of mesothelioma that is diagnosed is pleural mesothelioma. The main cause is the insertion of asbestos fibers into the lungs after asbestos exposure. 'Asbestosis' is another disease caused due to asbestos inhalation and should not be confused with pleural mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma could take 30 to 40 years to show after initial inhalation. When the symptoms are observed, it is almost always too late for an effective cure.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma
Those suffering from pleural mesothelioma could have one or more of the following symptoms.

-- Shortness of breath that keeps on increasing as the cancer progresses
-- Difficulty in breathing caused by lung compression
-- Mild to severe constant pain in the chest
-- Lungs are surrounded by excess fluid
-- Fatigue caused without any apparent reason
-- Blood traces in the sputum
-- Sudden and unexplained weight loss

Mesothelioma Diagnosis
A biopsy of the suspect tissues is done to confirm the presence of mesothelioma. A definitive microscopic examination is done by a trained and experienced pathologist to determine the rate of growth and virulence of the tumor.

Following this, and x-ray or MRI scan could be required to locate the exact affected areas and the possible treatment.

Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment
Treatment of pleural mesothelioma will depend on the diagnosis and severity of the cancer. Treatment could include one or more of the following.

-- Surgery to remove the affected tissues
-- Radiation therapy using high-energy rays to target and kill the cancer cells
-- Chemotherapy using powerful drugs to cure the cancer

If surgery is suggested then a part of the lining of the chest, or a part of or even a full lung could be removed depending on the severity and spread of the cancer.

Is Pleural Mesothelioma Serious
Yes. Pleural mesothelioma is usually diagnosed very late, and would have spread to incurable levels. Added to this is the fact that mesothelioma is not as sensitive to radiation or chemotherapy as many other cancers.

What is disturbing is the fact that after diagnosis most of the patients will only live for approximately 12 to 18 months. With advancements in science and a better understanding of the disease, it is hoped that the lifespan after diagnosis can be improved to 5 to 10 years before eventually finding a total cure for pleural mesothelioma.