Epithelial mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral fiber frequently used in materials such as insulation in construction due to its strength and heat-resistance. However, when the materials that contain asbestos are damaged and the dust is inhaled, serious and life-threatening health effects result. Epithelial mesothelioma is the most common type of asbestos-caused cancer and has a slightly better outlook than the other two types – sarcomatoid and biphasic/mixed. However, the average length of time to live following diagnosis of this type of cancer is still up to one year.
The epithelial tissue is the membrane surrounding internal organs and it provides coverage to all body parts. Symptoms of epithelial mesothelioma are vague and depend upon which organs and area of the body are affected. The cancer cells can form in the heart, known as pericardial mesothelioma, in the tissue of the lungs which is called pleural mesothelioma, or in the abdomen, referred to as peritoneal or abdominal mesothelioma.
Surgery can help alleviate the pain patients in later stages of the cancer are experiencing. In addition, surgery can also attempt to cure the person of cancer or better their prognosis for longevity. It is extremely important to discuss the benefits and risks of all treatment options with the doctors who are treating the disease and make informed decisions.
References:
American Cancer Society
Mayo Clinic
The epithelial tissue is the membrane surrounding internal organs and it provides coverage to all body parts. Symptoms of epithelial mesothelioma are vague and depend upon which organs and area of the body are affected. The cancer cells can form in the heart, known as pericardial mesothelioma, in the tissue of the lungs which is called pleural mesothelioma, or in the abdomen, referred to as peritoneal or abdominal mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Depending on which area of the body is being affected, symptoms are varied and can range from shortness of breath and chest pain to weight loss and abdominal swelling. Given that symptoms can be mild and indistinguishable from other common illnesses a diagnosis is often not made until the cancer has reached the later stages, when it is less treatable. Aggressive treatment such as surgery and radiation can be much more effective in the earlier stages and studies have demonstrated a survival rate up to 50% after five years when treatment began during Stage 1. With the knowledge that early detection is vital to a better prognosis, if an individual is experiencing symptoms indicative of epithelial mesothelioma and has had known exposure to asbestos dust, further diagnostic tests are warranted.Diagnosing Mesothelioma
Cytology and needle biopsies are utilized in helping determine whether or not an individual has mesothelioma. Which type of treatment will be most effective in fighting and preventing the spread of cancer cells will depend on the severity of the cancer and where it is located in the body. Chemotherapy alone has not been shown as an effective treatment but can be used in conjunction with radiation or surgery. Chemotherapy and radiation function to reduce the presence of cancer cells but at the same time damage healthy cells as well, resulting in numerous side effects.
Surgical Options
Surgery can help alleviate the pain patients in later stages of the cancer are experiencing. In addition, surgery can also attempt to cure the person of cancer or better their prognosis for longevity. It is extremely important to discuss the benefits and risks of all treatment options with the doctors who are treating the disease and make informed decisions.References:
American Cancer Society
Mayo Clinic
