Mesothelioma Guides – A Guide to Mesothelioma

One of the three primary types of mesothelioma is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. Of the three types, peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common. About a third of all cases of mesothelioma are peritoneal mesothelioma.

Peritoneal mesothelioma attacks the lining of the abdomen which is called the peritoneum. The purpose of this lining is the help facilitate movement of organs within the chest cavity. In order to do this, a special fluid must be secreted. However, when this part of the abdomen becomes afflicted with mesothelioma it goes into high gear. The peritoneum actually will make too much of this fluid creating an overabundance of it.

With very few exceptions most cases of peritoneal mesothelioma are caused by some sort of exposure to asbestos. The exposure probably occurred many years ago. When inhaled, the fibres of the asbestos become trapped in the membranes of the organs and chest. Over a long period of time, the cells will start to divide abnormally. When an asbestos fibre is inhaled, there is no route for it to exit the body or a way for the body to clear it. Some fibres never develop into cancer while many others do.

There are certain symptoms that could possible point to a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma. These would include swelling of the abdomen. Weight loss is also a common sign as well as obstruction in the bowels. If a patient finds they have these symptoms, they should also report any possible situation where they were exposed to asbestos to their physician.

Mesothelioma is cancer caused by asbestos exposure. There are different types of mesothelioma. The specific name of the type of mesothelioma is determined by where exactly it is in the body. One type is known as pericardial mesothelioma.

Pericardial mesothelioma affects the protective tissue surrounding the heart. In most diagnosed cases, some exposure to asbestos is the root cause of pericardial mesothelioma. Inhalation of asbestos fibers are often the culprit. Unfortunately, symptoms do not present themselves until a significantly long time following exposure. Often when they are detected, the cancer simply has spread too much to be treatable.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are also ones that can indicate other heart problems with less serious outlooks. For instance, a person with pericardial mesothelioma may be bothered by a nagging cough. They may also have heart issues such as murmurs or arrhythmia. Other symptoms include fatigue, night sweats and chest pain. Very rarely is pericardial mesothelioma caught earlier enough to treat. Typically, the course of action is to relieve pain that the patient is suffering or try traditional cancer treatment to buy those diagnosed with more time.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that strikes the cells that comprise the lining of the body’s organs. This lining is known as mesothelium. It is essentially a sac that protects vital organs such as are the chest, heart and abdomen. The organs move within this sac.

So long as the mesothelium is healthy, the organs will work properly. However, if one contracts mesothelioma, the mesothelium will become abnormal and affect the organs it is designed to protect. Of all the organs protected by mesothelium, the lungs are often the most affected. When mesothelioma is diagnosed in the lungs it is referred to as pleural mesothelioma.

Exposure to asbestos fibers is the greatest risk factor for contracting pleural mesothelioma. In fact about ¾ of all cases of mesothelioma are due to asbestos. Asbestos are fibers that has been used in building materials, cement, brake lining and textiles. Pleural mesothelioma can occur from either primary exposure to asbestos or even secondary.

Once a diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is made, there really is not much that can be done. Typically the diagnoses do not even occur until the pleural mesothelioma has entered later stages. Actions can be taken to keep the patient free from pain. However, most cases of pleural mesothelioma are fatal.