The word ‘benign’ in medical terminology means ‘not dangerous to health’. Benign mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma cancer which is not considered as harmful as other forms of mesothelioma. Although caused by asbestos exposure, it is not as deadly as the mesothelioma cancer itself.
Thus, benign mesothelioma represents a type of disease, which even though is a rare form of mesothelioma, is not cancerous or does not result in death if treated on time. Benign mesothelioma occurs in the body either in form of cysts, tumors or plaques.
Important Information about Benign Mesothelioma
In most of the cases, benign form of mesothelioma is cystic or multicystic with one or more tumors in the body. It can occur in the peritoneum which is the thin membrane of mesothelium surrounding the organs in the abdomen. This peritoneum helps in smooth functioning of the abdominal organs. However, if a tumor is formed, it may cause some pain in the stomach and difficult bowel movements. In some of the cases, the benign mesothelioma also possesses the danger of turning into peritoneal mesothelioma if it progresses beyond limits.
Benign mesothelioma can also occur in the pleura which is the lining of the lungs. It may take the form of tumors in the lining of the lungs. However, if these tumors are not detected timely and taken care of, they may weigh down on the lungs causing breathing problems and other symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Benign Mesothelioma
Symptoms of benign mesothelioma are not easily recognized as they resemble those of other common problems and ailments. Some of the symptoms which occur in pleural or peritoneum benign mesothelioma are:
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Accumulation of fluid in the membranes in serious conditions
- Weight loss
- Difficulty in bowel movements
- Nausea
- Pain
Detecting Benign Mesothelioma
Detecting benign mesothelioma is not easy. It is only with help of tests and physical examinations that a benign tumor is detected. Chest or abdominal x-rays and CT scan can help in determining if a patient is suffering from benign mesothelioma.
In some cases, lung and abdominal biopsies can help in checking out the tumor. They can be used to establish the size and location of the tumor or cyst. In some cases, extensive electron microscopy and immuno-histochemical studies have been required to locate the extent of benign mesothelioma.
Treating Benign Mesothelioma
Surgery is the main treatment option for benign mesothelioma. With the help of surgery, tumor is removed from the cells, depending on the size and severity of the disease.
However, in some of the cases, hormonal therapy has also been carried out to control the size of cyst or tumor. It helps in reducing the size of cyst and alleviates pain too.
People suffering from benign mesothelioma have a good chance of recovery following prompt diagnosis and proper treatment. They can live a normal life as before. However, asbestos exposure should be avoided and proper tests should be carried out after every few months to make sure that the tumor has not recurred.
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