A disease caused by asbestos exposure, mesothelioma is a malignant cancer which can occur in any part of the body, eventually leading to death. It is called mesothelioma as it affects the mesothelium i.e. the protective lining which covers the chest, lungs and abdominal cavity to prevent friction between the organs as they function. The type of mesothelioma is determined on the basis where the cancer occurs in the body.
Mesothelioma may attack any part of the body depending on the asbestos exposure and time period for which the patient was exposed to asbestos. However the 3 common types of mesothelioma are:
- Pleural mesothelioma
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Pericardial mesothelioma
Now let us discuss these types of malignant mesothelioma in detail and see how they can affect us.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is the cancer of lining or mesothelium of the lungs. It is one of the most commonly occurring cancers. The linings of the lungs is called pleura, hence the name pleural mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma is known to affect up to 75% of the patients.
When asbestos particles or dust is inhaled, they settle into the lining of lungs and cause cancerous growth of cells which eventually leads to pleural mesothelioma. It can cause the lung lining to enlarge and fill with fluid, causing considerable pain and discomfort to the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Cancer of the abdominal cavity is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. The lining of abdominal cavity is known as peritoneum. When mesothelioma attacks the peritoneum of the abdominal lining, it is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. 10 to 20% of the mesothelioma patients are known to be suffering from this type of cancer.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can lead to filling of abdominal cavity with liquid which can cause pain and distention of the abdomen along with other symptoms. In some cases, peritoneal mesothelioma is also known to affect male testicles as the covering layer of scrotum is also an out pouch of peritoneum. Thus, for proper treatment, correct diagnosis is very necessary.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form of cancer which affects the pericardium or the lining of chest cavity. Only 10% of all mesothelioma cases are related to the heart. Asbestos exposure can cause cancerous growth of cells in the pericardium which can cause expansion of the tissues along with liquid accumulation in chest cavity.
Accumulation of liquid in pericardium can disrupt the proper working of the heart and cause chest pain and breathing problems.
Prolonged asbestos exposure can cause any of these types of mesothelioma. However, before treatment can begin, it is important to know which kind of mesothelioma you are suffering from. Contact a mesothelioma doctor for correct diagnosis and best treatment options.
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