about cancer

Before symptoms of mesothelioma cancer occurs the linings of the affected organ are already affected. The key organs in the body including the heart, abdomen, lungs etc are contained in these cavities, otherwise called the serous cavities. Serous membranes are the membranes which surround these cavities. The protection in the key organs from friction and abrasion that occur since the organs move against each other through daily functioning like breathing and heart beating is done by serous membranes. Specialized cells named mesothelial cells type to create the mesothelium, which is the main tissue layer of the serous membranes. Mesothelioma could be the cancer malignancy that influences the mesothelium tissue.

The first form of mesothelioma is the peritoneal mesothelioma. This form of cancer attacks the peritoneum or membrane surrounding the abdomen. It can also affect male testicles rarely, since the lining around the scrotum is an extension of peritoneum. The pericardium or lining surrounding the heart is affected by the second type, called pericardial mesothelioma. The third kind may be the most malignant form and influences the lining in the lung cavity. This is called the pleural mesothelioma.

Because mesothelioma is also a type of cancer, often like other types of cancer it starts as a tumor then spreads to adjacent tissues and organs. The fibrous cysts and other non-cancerous growths that appeared inside serous membranes were once thought to be benign fibrous mesothelioma. In fact, these conditions usually do not originate in mesothelial cells, but other cells within the serous membranes. They are localized and don’t spread fast.

Even though mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos particles, it has not been proven that previous exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma cancer. It is a rare, serious, deadly disease and it truly is through the advanced stages that the cancer is detected. Hence a complete cure is normally out of question and the average survival time after the diagnosis is one to two years. The type of mesothelioma is also a determining factor with the survival time.

There are various treatment method available for mesothelioma cancer and these are the modern and the traditional methods Standard remedy procedures consist of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Occasionally doctors use a combination of procedures according to their discretion. Palliative treatment, ie, treating the symptoms, is resorted, after the cancer assumes larger proportions.