There are different types of malignant mesothelioma, each type is characterized by which organ’s serous membrane is affected. The disease affects the growth and function of the mesothelial cells thus giving rise to the name mesothelioma.
Types of Malignant Mesothelioma
All types of mesothelioma are considered malignant by medical practitioners. This means that they are all cancerous, and all start from a localized tumor then spread out before affecting surrounding tissues and organs. Previously, it was thought that all fibrous cysts and other forms of non-cancerous growth originated inform the mesothelial cells and was termed benign fibrous and multi-cystic mesothelioma, but deeper research showed significant differences as these bodies did not spread as rapid and remained localized within the serous membrane.
Since then, research on malignant mesothelioma has revealed three main types. These are:
- Peritoneal mesothelioma: This type of mesothelioma affects the membrane surrounding the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is also known to spread to the area of the testicles, as the scrotum is actually an extension of the peritoneum.
- Pericardial mesothelioma: This type of mesothelioma is known to affect the lining surrounding the heart known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of malignant mesothelioma.
- Pleural mesothelioma: This is the most common form of mesothelioma and affects the pleural tissues that line the lungs.
What Causes malignant Mesothelioma
All forms of mesothelioma are caused from either the inhalation or ingestion of asbestos particles. It affects individuals who have been exposed to suspended asbestos particles over an extended period. This group of individuals is not restricted to those who have directly worked in industrial operations but also include who get second asbestos exposure such as the many wives who wash the clothes of their husbands and fathers over the many years they work in these asbestos polluted environments.
Exactly how the asbestos particles become lodged into certain parts of the body is up for debate as patient history studies are still inconclusive. Some doctors suggest that in the case of pericardial mesothelioma, asbestos particles are inhaled into the lungs, they then break down into smaller particles and enter the blood stream during oxygenation. They then travel to the heart in the blood and become lodged into the pericardium resulting in the development of cancerous cells. In the case of peritoneal mesothelioma, it is thought that the asbestos particles are ingested through the mouth and becomes lodged in the peritoneum. Likewise, for pleural mesothelioma, the asbestos particles are inhaled and become lodged into the lungs.
Treatment of Malignant Mesothelioma
The treatment administered to malignant mesothelioma victims depend on the stage of development of the cancer. It is very difficult to diagnose malignant mesothelioma during its developmental stage, as the symptoms are similar to several respiratory and cardiac diseases. In addition, the gestation period of the disease range from twenty to forty years depending on the type of malignant mesothelioma. Most doctors however, will prescribe a combination of different treatment such as chemotherapy, radar treatment, medication and surgery. |
