Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that infects the protective sacs that surround nearly every organ in the body. The mesothelium becomes riddled with malignant cells, forming a lethal cancer.

What is the Mesothelium?

This is the medical term for the membrane that covers most of the internal organs inside the body. The mesothelium is comprised of two layers. The first layer surrounds the organ itself and the second surrounds that one. A softening fluid is produced and floats between the two layers to provide protection against bones and other structures within the body. The mesothelium may be called a different name depending on its location in the body. The layer surrounding the heart is referred to as the pericardium. Peritoneum refers to the organs in the abdominal cavity, and pleura is used when the lungs or chest are involved.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is cancer of the mesothelium. When the mesothelium is invaded with malignant cancer cells, the cells multiply and invade the organ the mesothelium is protecting. The cancer cells can spread to other nearby organs as well. The pleura and peritoneum areas are the most common areas to develop mesothelioma.

Frequency of Mesothelioma

There are more than 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed every year in the United States alone. It is more common among men than women. Mesothelioma can occur at any age, but the older a person gets, the risk of developing the disease increases.

Risk Factors

Anybody who has worked with or around asbestos is at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have had some exposure history through their workplace.

Who is at Risk?

Shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, asbestos factory workers, and people who work in the heating and cooling field are at an increased risk of developing the form of cancer. This is due to asbestos exposure. People living in the same home with a person who works in one of the previously mentioned fields are also more likely to develop mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma can take decades to produce any symptoms. Things like pain in the chest and shortness of breath are some of the first signs of pleural mesothelioma. Pain in the abdomen or unexplained weight loss are common symptoms for peritoneal mesothelioma. Constipation, nausea and other abdominal trouble can also be early signs of peritoneal mesothelioma.

Diagnosing Mesothelioma

The symptoms associated with mesothelioma make it difficult for a doctor to diagnose. A doctor may not immediately consider mesothelioma if they are not aware of the patient’s history. X-rays, CT scans and MRIs are used to identify mesothelioma. If the test results indicate mesothelioma, a biopsy will typically be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. If the mesothelioma has spread to more than one organ or area, it is classified as an advanced case.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

A doctor will determine the treatment for mesothelioma by its location and how advanced the disease is. If the disease is caught early enough, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove the tumor. Surgery may also be combined with radiation/chemotherapy treatment as well. If surgery is not an option, a doctor may recommend chemotherapy in combination with a powerful prescription medication.

Doctors may also recommend a person opt out of any treatment methods if they do not indicate a real chance of success. Mesothelioma is a difficult sometimes impossible disease to treat. The current treatments only offer a short life extension and are not recognized as cures.