What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, which is a layer of tissue that covers the lungs, abdomen and the abdominal cavity. The area surrounding the heart consists of the mesothelium as well, but it is not called mesothelium for nothing. Mesothelioma is an abnormal growth of the mesothelium, that can cause serious complications.
There are various types of mesothelioma that may develop. They include pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma. The main difference between the different types of mesothelioma is the location of the disease. For example, peritoneal mesothelioma is usually associated with bleeding in the abdominal cavity.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a type of mesothelioma that develops in the peritoneum, which is the layer of tissue that lines the outside of the stomach and contains blood vessels. It is very rare to develop in the peritoneum of the heart. However, pericardial mesothelioma is associated with a development in the upper part of the lung lining. In this type of mesothelioma, tumors develop in the upper airway region.
Other types of mesothelioma include both Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. These types of mesothelioma affect the immune system and can lead to death. Hodgkin’s mesothelioma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are both thought to be related to exposure to asbestos.
Most cases of various non-Hodgkin lymphomas develop in the upper regions of the chest, such as the neck, trachea, diaphragm and chest wall. It is possible for mesothelioma to develop in the heart, although this is rare. However, this can occur, especially when the cancer has spread to the lungs and other organs. The most common areas in which mesothelioma can develop are the abdomen, lower back, rib cage and pelvis.
Mesothelioma can also be diagnosed by having an abdominal x-ray. CT scans and MRIs may also be used to detect the disease, but a typical X-ray will not provide a detailed image of the cancer. However, scans that detect the majority of lung cancers will include images of the chest wall and abdominal cavity. A CT scan may show tumor growths in the lung or thoracic area.
A biopsy will reveal the presence of the cancer in a particular body part or several parts of the body. However, cancer cells cannot be grown in culture. Instead, cancer cells are injected into the body. Any tumors that do not respond to radiation treatment will need to be removed surgically.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that can affect anybody. People who may be at risk include those who have asbestos exposure and people who wear asbestos-containing materials.
