Mesothelioma is a type of malignant cancer that is caused due to inhalation of the asbestos, which is a toxic chemical usually found in the building materials. The tumor of the mesothelioma grows on the pleura of the lungs and cause respiratory problems. Pleura is the lining of the lungs used for the protection of the lungs. The tumor is also found grown in other places like lining of the abdomen, lining of the testicles and lining of the heart. In most of the cases, the pleura is affected.
What is pleura? What is their role in the functioning of the lungs?
Pleura is the lining of the lungs and are present as two layers. The outer layer is called as the parietal pleura and the inner lining is called as the visceral pleura. Both these layers are separated by a little amount of the fluid that keeps the pleural membrane moist and serves for protection. The pleura are thin and are helpful in the contraction and expansion of the lungs.
When the person gets affected with the mesothelioma, the pleura becomes thickened or hard and he feels the difficulty in breathing due to inability of the lungs to expand and contract properly.
What are the causes of Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is caused mainly due to the exposure of the person to the asbestos. Another cause is found to be linked with the virus SV50 which helps in the development of the mesothelioma. The activity of the virus is yet to be proved. Exposure of the person to some other dusts may also cause this cancer.
What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma?
The symptoms of the mesothelioma are generally non-specific and cannot be identified at the early stages. They usually develop after 20 to 50 years after the person is initially exposed to the asbestos. This leads to the delay in the diagnosis of the disease. The symptoms may resemble the symptoms of pneumonia.
Some of the symptoms are:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Persistent cough
- Pleural effusion
- Fever
- Sweats in the night time
- Loss of weight
- Bowel obstruction
- Pain in the abdomen
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Nausea
- Anaemia
- Swelling of the feet
What is meant by pleural effusion?
Pleural effusion is the main symptom of the mesothelioma. It is due to the accumulation of the fluid between the parietal pleura and the visceral pleura. Mesothelial cells cover these membranes and secrete a small amount of fluid that acts as lubricant between the chest cavity and the lungs. The excess of the fluid is absorbed into the blood and lymph to maintain the balance. When excess is secreted it results in effusion.
What are the types of Mesothelioma?
There are five different types of mesothelioma namely
- Pleural Mesothelioma: It is the commonest of the disease. It affects the pleural membrane of the lungs.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma: It affects the peritoneal membrane of the abdomen.
- Pericardial Mesothelioma: It affects the pericardial membrane of the heart.
- Testicular Mesothelioma: It affects the lining of the testicles.
- Histological types of mesothelioma.
How can we treat Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Some other types of treatment which are still under experimental phase include photodynamic therapy, gene therapy, immuno therapy, hormonal therapy, ozone therapy and anti-angiogenesis therapy.