Mesothelioma Cancer Info
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer in which malignant cells are found in the sac lining the chest or abdomen. Exposure to airborne asbestos particles increases one's risk of developing malignant mesothelioma.
Causes of Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fibrous substance that was used widely in the past in a number of different industries. Asbestos was regularly used in the manufacturing of thousands of different products until warnings about its use began to develop in the mid-1970.
Exposure to asbestos has proven to be hazardous and could very well result in asbestos-related diseases later in life.
Types of Malignant Mesothelioma
There are three types of malignant mesothelioma:
- Pleural mesothelioma – grows in the lining covering the lungs
- Peritoneal mesothelioma – affects the tissue lining the abdominal cavity
- Pericardial mesothelioma – affects the lining surrounding the heart
Symptoms of Malignant Mesothelioma
Symptoms of malignant mesothelioma may include the following:
- Chest wall pain
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing, hoarseness, or cough
- Severe weight loss
Oftentimes, symptoms of malignant mesothelioma do not appear until 20 or more years after the exposure to asbestos.
Malignant Mesothelioma Treatment
If malignant mesothelioma is discovered early, surgery may be able to remove most of the cancerous tissue. Malignant mesothelioma is known to spread rapidly, which could impact other organs. Chemotherapy treatment and radiation can help in the reduction of symptoms, but a full recovery is not always guaranteed.
Treatment for malignant mesothelioma typically includes some combination of the following:
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
In most cases, an individual will receive more than one of the treatments. For example, the cancerous tissue may be removed through a surgery, which is then followed by either radiation or chemotherapy treatment.
Get Help
If you have been diagnosed with this malignant mesothelioma, it is important to know that help is available.
In addition, family members who have lost a loved one as a result of asbestos exposure also have the right to file a lawsuit to seek monetary damages for their losses.