mesothelioma and treatment

Firstly of all it is very important to understand the disease called cancer. cancer is a disease caused by abnormal cells growth. there are many different types of cancer classified by the type of cells affected. The development of cancer involves a change in the quality of the cells as well an increase in the quantity. They become more aggressive, destructive and independent of normal cells. They are able to invade surrounding tissues, glands and blood vessels and thus spread away from where they started to divide and grow. When the cancer cells reach a new site they may go on dividing and form a new tumour, this is often referred to as a secondary or metastasis (secondary).

Our bodies are made of tiny building blocks called cells,cancer is a disease of these cells. Cells from different parts of the body look and work differently and thousands of new cells are made everyday to replace those lost ones through wear and  tear and old age. In our bodies new cells are produced when existing cells divide into two and there is normally a perfect balance between those that are dying and those that are dividing. This vital balance is controlled by a very complicated process, if control of this process is lost it can lead to too many cells being produced which results in a tumour. Most tumours are not cancerous and they remain in the area where they first developed. A wart is a common example.
There are many types of cancer, which include Mesothelioma


The most common type of mesothelioma is the pleural mesothelioma. The pleura is a thin membrane found between the lungs and the chest cavity, which lubricates the surface so as to avoid fiction between the lungs and the chest walls. Thus, a pleural mesothelioma is often referred to as a “lung” cancer.



Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Another form of mesothelioma is the peritoneal mesothelioma. The peritoneum is the membrane that encloses the organs of the abdomen. While peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma, it tends to be more invasive, and may thus shorten a patient's life. It is also found in the stomach and other abdominal organs.



Causes of Mesothelioma



Research has confirmed it that it is caused by 'exposure to asbestos'. Asbestos is a mineral that was used as a thermal insulation material. It has been discovered since the 1920’s that asbestos is a carcinogen, which means that it causes cancer in human beings


Mesothelioma Symptoms



These are the symptoms of each of mesothelioma.

    Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include:

    - Weight loss
    - Vomiting
    - Nausea
    - Belly pain

    Pleural mesothelioma symptoms include:

    - Cough
    - Fever
    - Weight loss
    - Progressive loss of appetite’
    - sleeping difficulty
    - Pain at the side of the chest or the lower back
    - Tiredness
    - Fluid in the chest cavity called “Pleural effusions”  
    - Trouble swallowing


Treatment of Mesothelioma

Management of mesothelioma depends largely on the staging of the tumor. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention may lengthen life expectancy. Depending on the age and physical condition of the patient, however, surgery may not be a viable option. In addition to surgical options, radiation treatment and chemotherapy may be helpful in the overall therapeutic program.