Symptoms of Mesothelioma Cancer

Malignancy that involves the mesothelial cells of the human body, including the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium, and testis, known as malignant mesothelioma, either local or diffuse. Most, but not all, cases of malignant mesothelioma in the pleural (lung cancer) is usually associated with exposure to asbestos. Patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, 77% had been exposed to asbestos in the past. Diagnosis of mesothelioma is diffucult to enforce because of the results of the analysis of pleural fluid from cancer was usually not diagnostic. Mesothelioma is more common in males than females and it occurs most often in the fifth decade of age until the 7th decade. Most cases (about 90%) of malignant mesothelioma in the pleura.

From the histological picture there are 3 types of mesothelioma are sarcomatous mesothelioma, epithelial, and mixed. Pleural mesothelioma usually begins as plaques and nodules that combine to produce sheetlike neoplasm. Tumor growth usually begins at the bottom of the chest. Tumors can invade the diaphragm  and blanketing the surface of the lungs and slit interlobaris.

As the disease progresses, often extends into the lung parenchyma, chest wall and the wall of the mediastinum. Pleural mesothelioma can spread to the esophagus, ribs, spine, brachial plexus, and superior vena cava.

Asbestos, amphibole asbestos, asbestos-crocidolite, and amosite asbestos in particular, is a major carcinogen involved in the pathogenesis. Chrysotile asbestos exposure is associated with a lower incidence of mesothelioma. Industrial areas that are often associated with the occurrence of mesotheliomas due to asbestos exposure include mining industry, ship building which involves the use of asbestos, the manufacture of asbestos cement, ceramics, paper mill, auto parts, and repair factory train.

Posted in: Mesothelioma