Malignant Mesothelioma -- The Cancer Of The Mesothelial Cells

ill-defined

mesothelium is the protective tissue that covers the chest, abdominal cavity and the cavity around the heart and produces a special lubricating fluid that allows the internal organs of the body to move. Malignant mesothelioma can be defined as cancer of mesothelial cells become abnormal and start sharing without any order. Most mesothelioma patients have a prior history of exposure to asbestos.

types of malignant mesothelioma

malignant mesothelioma or simply Mesothelioma can be divided into 3 main types namely

- epithelioid

- sarcomatoid

- Mixed / biphasic

, of which the most common epithelioid (50% to 70% of cases) and stands the best chance for recovery. Sarcomatoid type was seen in 7% to 20% of cases, and mixed / biphasic type was seen in 20% to 35% of cases.

Approximately, ¾ of the total cases of mesothelioma originates in the chest cavity (pleura) and is known as pleural mesothelioma.Rak affects the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) is called peritoneal mesothelioma and it affects "the street as" the area around heart (pericardial cavity) is called pericardial mesothelioma. Mesothelioma from time to time also affects the layer covering the testicle. However, the latter two types of cases are quite rare.

The diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma

tumors of the mesothelium can be benign (non cancer) or malignant (cancerous). So, whenever there are symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain / pain or swelling in the abdomen, you should consult your doctor immediately.

After the initial X-rays and scans, the doctor may look inside the chest (in case of pleural tumor) with an instrument called a thoracoscope, and the test is called a thoracoscopy. In the case of tumors in the peritoneum, a doctor can go for peritoneoscopy using a tool called peritoneoscope. Finally, if the abnormal tissue is found then a biopsy is done, where part of the abnormal tissue is cut and placed under the microscope for examination.

Having confirmed the diagnosis of mesothelioma is also necessary to determine the stages, or whether it is in the process of localized or advanced stage. In the localized stage, the cancer is found in the lining of the chest or diaphragm or lungs. Advanced malignant mesothelioma may be again divided into 3 stages namely stage II, III and IV. In stage II, cancer spreads beyond the lining of the chest lymph nodes in stage III extends to the chest, the middle of the chest, heart, through the diaphragm or abdominal lining, etc. The final or fourth stage is that the cancer had already spread to distant organs .

treatment

Depending on the stage of cancer, its location and health, age and health status of patients, 3 types of treatment are mated to malignant mesothelioma patients - surgery (to remove the tumor), radiation (use of high-energy rays) and chemotherapy (the use of combination of drugs). In addition to this, if there is any accumulation of fluid in the chest or abdomen, then the doctor needs to drain out and the procedure is considered a thoracentesis and paracentesis, respectively.

So be aware of the disease, so you can stop at the very beginning.