An Overview of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that spreads in the mesothelium tissues, and almost always stems from
exposure to asbestos. Mesothelium generally refers to the tissue that lines our various body organs such as
lungs, heart, abdomen and reproductive organs. The various names given to these tissue linings are peritoneal
membrane for the abdominal organs, pleural membrane for the lungs and pericardium for the heart.
The function of these linings is to protect our organs and produce a lubricating fluid providing a slippery,
non-adhesive surface for our internal organs to easily slide past one another.
The cancers affecting these membranes are collectively known as mesothelioma. The various cancer names are
determined by the linings they affect; peritoneal mesothelioma for the abdomen, pleural mesothelioma for the
lungs and pericardial mesothelioma for the heart. The most common of all mesothelioma cancers is pleural
mesothelioma (lungs) effecting approximately 70% of all mesothelioma patients. The next most prevalent is
peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomin) constituting 10 to 20% of mesothelioma patients. The third cancer,
pericardial mesothelioma which effects the heart, is quite rare compared to the other varieties.
Symptoms and diagnosis of Mesothelioma
The symptoms of mesothelioma are very similar to many other conditions, making an accurate diagnosis
difficult. If the patient has a history of exposure to asbestos this can often lead to further investigation
into the possibility of mesothelioma.
Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are coughing, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, chest wall pain,
fatigue, and sometimes coughing blood. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include abdominal pain and
swelling, bowel obstruction, anemia, and weight loss.
An unusual and disconcerting feature of mesothelioma is that symptoms may not develop until 20 to 50 years
after the original exposure to asbestos particles.
The prognosis for advanced mesothelioma cases is poor. Survival periods after diagnosis is often not more than
12-24 months. If diagnosed early enough, surgery, radiation or chemotherapy treatments can be effective.
Sometimes, these treatments are combined. Like all forms of cancer, detecting mesothelioma at the earliest
possible stage greatly increases the chances for survival.
History of mesothelioma
Research into mesothelioma cancers goes back as far as 1900 but it wasn't until the 1960's that experts
finally concluded that exposure to asbestos particles was the root cause of the disease. J. C. Wagner was the
first researcher to report the association of mesothelioma with asbestos exposure. In 1960 he referred to a
connection between asbestos and mesothelioma in over 30 case studies in South Africa.
Legal matters
In recent years, mesothelioma litigation has become an increasingly important issue that has helped thousands
receive financial assistance to cover such things as medical expenses and lost income. Victims of mesothelioma
do have legal options and many seek compensation through asbestos funds or lawsuits. |