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Mesothelioma

In the United Kingdom almost 2000 people a year are diagnosed with mesothelioma. It is also known as ‘diffuse’ or ‘malignant’ mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the Mesothelium, which is a thin membrane that lines the inner surface of the chest wall where it is known as the pleura, and abdomen, where it is known as the peritoneum. It also surrounds the organs found within these cavities for example the heart, lung and intestines. It is far more common to have mesothelioma in the chest than in the abdomen, there is approximately 1 case of peritoneal mesothelioma to every 12 cases of

pleural mesothelioma.

The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.

The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.

: Here are some fast facts to consider about Mesothelioma:

  • Mesothelioma is a malignant, cancerous terminal disease
  • Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer where malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the body
  • Mesothelioma is contracted by inhaled asbestos particles, dust and fibers
  • Asbestos fibers absolutely take a foothold in the protective membrane, layers and linings known as the 'mesothelium'; a protective barrier that protects, covers and defends most of the body's internal organs including the stomach, heart and of course the lungs.
  • There are 3 types of Mesothelioma that are identified: Pleural mesothelioma, Peritoneal mesothelioma, Pericardial mesothelioma
  • Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs
  • Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the stomach or abdominal cavity
  • Pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the lining near the heart
  • Mesothelioma has four stages
  • Diagnosis of Mesothelioma is difficult due to its long period of incubation within a human body.
  • The most common early symptoms are shortness of breath and chest pains weight loss, a persistent cough or difficulty swallowing food
  • Surgery is the primary type of treatment usually recommended for mesothelioma patients
  • New mesothelioma treatments are the subject of countless clinical trials currently underway across the United States that includes
  • They include photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, drug therapy, gene therapy, and multimodality therapy

 

 

 

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