Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma:

There are a few different types of Mesothelioma. Though this type of cancer is rare, it is sadly not uncommon. Malignant Mesothelioma is the most serious type of Mesothelioma cancer, and is often caused by Asbestos exposure.

There is a layer of cells that line the chest cavity, abdominal cavity and heart cavity. These cells are calles mesothelial cells. They also cover the outer surface of most organs. These cells together form a tissue called mesothelium. The mesothelium is very helpful to the organs is surrounds. It produces a special lubricating fluid for them to move around in. This fluid allows the lungs to move freely while breathing, etc. There is mesothelium in chest, known as pleura, and mesothelium in the abdomen known as peritoneum. The mesothelium surrounding the pericardial cavity is called the pericardium.

Mesothelioma cancer is cancer of this tissue. These cancer tumors may be benign, or malignant. A malignant tumor in the mesothelium is called a malignant mesothelioma. Most mesothelioma is malignant, so this type is cancer is often simply referred to as “mesothelioma”.

The various types of mesothelioma reference which part of the mesothelium it occurs within. Therefore, mesothelioma of the chest is known as pleural mesothelioma, mesothelioma of the abdomen is known as peritoneal mesothelioma, and mesothelioma of the cardiac cavity is known as pericardium mesothelioma.

There are three main types of malignant mesothelioma. These are the epitheliod type, which has the best prognosis. Second is the sarcomatoid and missed/biphasic types. Treatment for all three types is the same. Almost three fourths of mesothelioma occur in the chest cavity, and is therefore known as pelural mesothelioma.