Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that originates from the mesothelium, a protective lining that sheaths the internal organs of the body. The different types of mesothelioma are terms used to differentiate where in the body the cancer exists.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma typically develops within the chest cavity and lungs. The most common type of malignant mesothelioma, it often spreads to numerous other organs and lymph nodes in the body. The difficulty in diagnosing and detecting pleural mesothelioma makes treatment tougher. Symptoms such as chest pains, weight loss and fever are far too common to be noticed as a precursor for cancer. More severe symptoms such as breathing difficulties and fluid buildup may not appear until after the disease has progressed. The survival rate for sufferers of pleural mesothelioma is tragically low. Only 8% live beyond three-to-five years after the onset of initial symptoms, and the average life expectancy is closer to 12 months.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

The least common form of malignant mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma affects the heart. This rare form of cancer is found in the sac that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. The cancer prevents the heart from transporting oxygen to the body efficiently, and as a result the patient's body deteriorates from an elevated heart rate. Heart attack, nausea, chest pain, and shortness of breath are signs of pericardial mesothelioma.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdominal area and can quickly spread to the liver, bowel, or spleen. Fluid buildup or severe stomach pain can be a sign of peritoneal mesothelioma, in addition to vomiting, bowel trouble, fever, and tumescent feet. Patients generally only survive 10 months from the day of the initial symptoms.

Malignant Versus Benign

The aforementioned types of mesothelioma are malignant forms, and are thusly the most dangerous. Malignant mesothelioma is often the product of asbestosinhalation from

individuals who have worked or resided in areas not up to current health and safety standards. Since the disease has a high latency period, often times it is not diagnosed until it has progressed far beyond any rectifiable measure.

As the name suggests, benign mesothelioma is a form of non-malignant mesothelioma that is easily treatable. While benign tumors can at times be cancerous, unlike malignant mesothelioma, the tumors do not spread, making it easier to isolate and remove.

Mesothelioma in Uncommon Locations

In addition to pleural, pericardial, peritoneal, and benign mesothelioma, the cancer can also strike the ovaries and testes. These tumors are born in the membrane lining the organs. The total number of cases of testicular or ovarian mesothelioma are less than a hundred, and symptoms are rarely identified. As a result, the prognosis for this type of mesothelioma are not promising. The effects of the disease are such that any individual who has had prolonged asbestos exposure orinitial symptoms of mesothelioma should consult a doctor.

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Abdominal-Peritoneal Mesothelioma Info

Mesothelioma tumors of the peritoneum include benign, malignant and cystic.

Although peritoneal mesothelioma is the most common of these, it is very rare with an annual incidence of 1-2 cases per million persons. Only 10-20 percent of all mesotheliomas arise in the peritoneum. Peritoneal malignant mesothelioma occurs more commonly in adult males but also occurs rarely in children with equal sex incidence.

Malignant mesothelioma occurs mainly late in the fifth decade of life, the benign type in the fourth decade and the cystic type in the third decade. The non malignant type are common in women.

Cause
The link with asbestos exposure which is well established for pleural mesothelioma is not clear for peritoneal mesothelioma.

Symptoms and Signs
-Abdominal pain which may not be limited to any specific region of the abdomen but may be migratory.
-Abdominal distention and complaints associated with partial bowel obstruction are frequent
-Ascites (fluid in the abdomen,) may be present
-Abdominal mass/swelling may be present

Diagnosis
-CT scans frequently show tumor masses and ascites (fluid in the abdomen)
-Laparatomy and laparoscopy for multiple biopsies {the surgeon opens up the abdomen surgically to look into the peritoneum directly and take samples}

Treatment of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
It is treated with combination therapy:
A. Peritoneal radioactive P32 followed by whole abdomen radiation is used often
B. Chemotherapy:Combination chemotherapy with doxorubicin is a very important secondary component.
C. Surgery:Surgical treatment is done mainly to debulk (reduce the size of the tumor by cutting of parts of the tumor,) and treatment of intestinal obstruction.

Prognosis of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The prognosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is dismal with median survival of about 1 year after presentation. Death usually results from progressive bowel obstruction.

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