What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the Mesothelium, a thin membrane that can be found in either the abdomen, where it is known as the peritoneum, or in part of the inner chest wall, which is known as the pleural. There are therefore two types of Mesothelioma dependant on where the cancer is, peritoneal Mesothelioma which is in the abdomen and, the far more common, pleural Mesothelioma that is in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos is responsible for up to 9 out of 10 Mesothelioma cases. As yet, no patient has yet been cured of the disease even after treatment.

Types of Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma

In the chest the pleura, which is the thin transparent membrane that lines the chest wall and then doubles back to cover the lungs, produces fluid. This fluid lubricates the space between the two layers of pleural linings, one of which is next to the lung (visceral or inner layer) and the other next to the chest walls (the parietal or outer layer). This allows the two layers to slide comfortably over each other as a person breathes in and out.

Pleural Mesothelioma, however, causes the pleura to thicken and can result in several litres of fluid collecting between the two layers of the pleura. This makes it more difficult to expand the lung and causes a feeling of breathlessness and pain in the chest for the sufferer. This is known as a pleural effusion.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

There are also two layers of lining in the peritoneum; one next to the abdominal organs, known as the inner or visceral layer, and the other which lines the abdominal wall, called the outer or parietal layer.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma causes ‘ascites’ which is the collection of fluid in the abdomen which then leads to swelling in this area.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Often, in the early stages, Mesothelioma causes few symptoms and tumours can be difficult to identify even on scans and x-rays.

As the cancer progresses, however, sufferers may experience sweating, tiredness, loss of appetite and weight loss. Pleural Mesothelioma also often causes breathlessness and chest pains and a change in the voice or a cough can also develop. Peritoneal Mesothelioma often causes swelling and pain in the abdomen. Click for further details and some self help techniques.