Malignant Mesothelioma - A Dangerous and Life Threatening Disease

Malignant mesothelioma attacks the membranes and lining of large cavities in our body. The serous cavities houses important and major bodily organs like lungs, heart and abdomen. The serous membranes surround the cavities and protect these organs from abrasion and friction specially during the functioning of the organs like heart beating and breathing. The specialised cells are referred to as mesothelial cells which form the mesothelium which is the tissue layer of serous membranes. The cancer which occurs in this tissue is referred to as mesothelioma.

The different forms of malignant mesolthelioma are pericardial mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and pleural mesothelioma. Perinoteal mesothelioma occurs in the membrance which surrounds the abdomen. It affects male organs as the lining of the scrotum extends to the perinoteum.

In case of pericardial mesothelioma, the lining which surrounds the heart is affected. In case of pleural mesothlioma which is the most widespread form of malignant mesothelioma, the lung cavity is affected. Nowadays, mesothelioma is considered as cancerous or malignant. They actually begin as a small tumour and then rapidly spread to the various organs and tissues. Originally, non cancerous growths and fibrous cysts started appearing in the serous membranes which were thought to be mesothelioma. This specific condition is non cancerous and does not spread speedily.

The basic cause of mesothelioma is exposure to fibrous minerals like asbestos. There is enough evidence to prove that the fibers of asbestos is the main cause for this disease. There are experiments which have been conducted and there is indisputable evidence to prove the same. However, it is also not true that all those who are exposed to asbestos will develop mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is definitely a rare and deadly disease. Many a times, it is detected only when it comes advanced. The patient survives for not more than two years, once the disease is identified. The malignancy percentage decides the survival time of the patient.

Like mentioned earlier, this form of mesothelioma is very rare and is a result of exposure to asbestos at the workplace. About 75% of the cases of mesothelioma is the pleural mesothelioma type. Many a times, pleural mesothelioma is confused with lung cancer as the pleura is situated close to the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is an aggressive and invasive form of mesothelioma wherein the life expectancy is much less once the patient has been diagnosed of this condition. The main cause for this condition is asbestos exposure, but the dangers associated with it are ignored by the employers.

However, there has been increasing awareness about this health condition over the years and many manufacturing units are becoming more health and safety conscious and correct precautionary measures are being taken to prevent this condition.

Mesothelioma and particularly Malignant Mesothelioma has been a major reason for many compensation cases being filed by affected workers.

Surviving Mesothelioma - Fighting This Life Threatening Enemy

Mesothelioma, a disease linked to asbestos exposure, is a rare form of cancer in which malignant cells are located in the Mesothelium - a shielding sac that covers a large amount of the body's internal organs. Malignant pericardial, malignant pleural and malignant peritoneal Mesothelioma are the three main types of Mesothelioma cancer. The peritoneal form involves the tissue covering the abdominal cavity and the pleural form involves the sac that protects the pleural cavity around the lungs.

Mesothelioma is frequently mistaken for lung cancer. Generally the symptoms of mesothelioma can include: cough, shortness of breath, husky voice, and difficulty in breathing, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain and swelling, chest pain, anemia, insomnia, loss of appetite, cachexia, fatigue, weight loss, and fluid in the abdomen or chest. It is not easy to properly diagnose mesothelioma since numerous symptoms can be confused with other illnesses such as flu, bronchitis, pneumonia and heart disease.

Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos. No amount of asbestos exposure is harmless. Some mesothelioma victims have experienced occupational exposure to asbestos over a long period of time. An example would be a plumber, boilermaker or HVAC repairmen in the 1960's; a time when many of the parts and equipment contained some asbestos. Some mesothelioma victims were exposed in a "secondary fashion" from the clothes of the person who was directly exposed. An example of this would be a woman who washes her husband's work clothes and inadvertently inhales or ingests some of the microscopic asbestos fibers. A third category of victim would be someone who was exposed to only small amounts of asbestos through casual contact with an asbestos containing product. All forms of exposure can cause mesothelioma.

Today, there is still not a complete ban on asbestos containing products in the U.S. The EPA has, however, put in certain limits on the amount of asbestos that is permitted in some products. Nonetheless, because of the costs of litigation, many manufacturers of asbestos containing products have voluntarily removed asbestos from their products. Products from other countries, however, may still contain asbestos. For example, recent testing by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization found asbestos in children's toys coming from China.

Typically, 20 to 50 years elapse between asbestos exposure and the diagnosis of Mesothelioma cancer. This latency period varies by individual but is the reason that mesothelioma typically strikes seniors.

Although mesothelioma is a particularly aggressive cancer there are treatment options available including: standard therapies - surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, alternative or complimentary therapies and clinical trials. Clinical trials are a broad category that includes various types of treatments that are being tested. Currently these therapies include: Monoclonal Antibody Approaches, Anti-angiogenesis Drugs, Vaccine Approaches - Immunotherapies, and other "biological modifiers."

There is a lot of disheartening Mesothelioma News and information on the internet regarding mesothelioma survival rate. Despite this pessimism, there are a few long term mesothelioma survivors including: Stephen Jay Gould, Rhio O'Connor, Paul Kraus, and others. In fact, Paul Kraus wrote an inspirational book about his recovery from mesothelioma titled "Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers: A Patient's Guide." Today, "Surviving Mesothelioma" is the best-selling mesothelioma book in the world, according to a testimonial from a former brain surgeon. This Mesothelioma book has all the information a cancer patient needs to learn what survival behavior is all about.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

For a limited time, free copies of "Surviving Mesothelioma" are available to newly diagnosed Mesothelioma patients on this website.