In today’s world, various diseases and cancers have become common, and mesothelioma cancer is one of them. This type of cancer is mainly caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a natural mineral that was commonly used in building materials and insulation before its dangers were discovered. Mesothelioma cancer can affect different parts of the body, but it is most commonly found in the lungs. In this article, we will discuss the portion of the lung where mesothelioma cancer is found, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.
What is Mesothelioma Cancer?
Mesothelioma cancer is a type of cancer that mainly affects the mesothelium membrane. This membrane is a thin layer that lines the lungs, chest cavity, heart, and abdominal cavity. This type of cancer is characterized by the growth of malignant cells in the mesothelium, which can spread to other parts of the body. Mesothelioma cancer is mainly caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral that was widely used in the construction industry in the past. Asbestos can be inhaled into the lungs, and over time, it can cause damage to the mesothelium, which can lead to cancer.
Mesothelioma Cancer Types
There are three main types of mesothelioma cancer, which are:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Pleural Mesothelioma | It is the most common type of mesothelioma cancer and affects the lining of the lungs known as the pleura. |
| Peritoneal Mesothelioma | It affects the lining of the abdominal cavity known as the peritoneum. |
| Pericardial Mesothelioma | It affects the lining of the heart known as the pericardium, which is the rarest type of mesothelioma cancer. |
Which Portion of the Lung is Affected by Mesothelioma Cancer?
Mesothelioma cancer mainly affects the lining of the lungs known as the pleura. The pleura has two layers, the inner layer which covers the lungs, and the outer layer which lines the chest cavity. Mesothelioma cancer can develop in either of these layers. The pleura is divided into four parts, which are:
Four Parts of Pleura
The four parts of pleura are:
- Visceral Pleura: It covers the lungs and is in contact with the lung tissue.
- Parietal Pleura: It lines the chest cavity and is in contact with the chest wall.
- Pleural Cavity: It is the space between the visceral and parietal pleura.
- Pleural Fluid: It is a fluid that is present in the pleural cavity and helps in the movement of the lungs.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma Cancer
The symptoms of mesothelioma cancer depend on the type and stage of cancer. Some common symptoms of mesothelioma cancer are:
Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma Cancer
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma Cancer
Diagnosis of mesothelioma cancer involves various tests and procedures. Some tests that are commonly used to diagnose mesothelioma cancer are:
Common Diagnostic Tests for Mesothelioma Cancer
- Chest X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI
- PET scan
- Blood tests
- Biopsy
- Pleural fluid analysis
Treatments for Mesothelioma Cancer
The treatment of mesothelioma cancer depends on the stage of cancer and the overall health of the patient. Some common treatments for mesothelioma cancer are:
Common Treatments for Mesothelioma Cancer
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Palliative care
- Alternative therapies
- Clinical trials
FAQs
What are the risk factors for mesothelioma cancer?
The main risk factor for mesothelioma cancer is exposure to asbestos. Other factors that may increase the risk of mesothelioma cancer are smoking, radiation exposure, and genetic predisposition.
What is the survival rate of mesothelioma cancer?
The survival rate of mesothelioma cancer depends on the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis, the type of cancer, and the overall health of the patient. The average survival rate of mesothelioma cancer is about 12-21 months.
Is mesothelioma cancer hereditary?
Mesothelioma cancer is not considered hereditary, but some studies have shown that genetic mutations may play a role in the development of mesothelioma cancer.
What are the early signs of mesothelioma cancer?
The early signs of mesothelioma cancer are usually subtle and may include fatigue, coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
What is the treatment for late-stage mesothelioma cancer?
The treatment for late-stage mesothelioma cancer may include palliative care, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical trials.
How long does it take for mesothelioma cancer to develop?
It can take several years or even decades for mesothelioma cancer to develop after exposure to asbestos.
What is the difference between mesothelioma cancer and lung cancer?
The main difference between mesothelioma cancer and lung cancer is that mesothelioma cancer affects the lining of the lungs, while lung cancer affects the lung tissue.
What is the prognosis for mesothelioma cancer?
The prognosis for mesothelioma cancer depends on the type and stage of cancer, the overall health of the patient, and the treatment options available. The prognosis for mesothelioma cancer is generally poor, with an average survival rate of about 12-21 months.
What is the stage of mesothelioma cancer?
The stage of mesothelioma cancer is determined by the size of the tumor, the extent of the cancer, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
Can mesothelioma cancer be prevented?
Mesothelioma cancer can be prevented by avoiding exposure to asbestos. If you work in an industry where you may be exposed to asbestos, make sure to take proper precautions and wear protective equipment.
Is mesothelioma cancer curable?
Mesothelioma cancer is not usually curable, but there are various treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and extend the patient’s life.
What are the long-term effects of mesothelioma cancer?
The long-term effects of mesothelioma cancer depend on the stage of cancer and the type of treatment received. Some common long-term effects of mesothelioma cancer are fatigue, difficulty breathing, and reduced quality of life.
What is the cost of mesothelioma cancer treatment?
The cost of mesothelioma cancer treatment varies depending on the type and stage of cancer, the type of treatment received, and the location of treatment. Mesothelioma cancer treatment can be expensive, and some insurance companies may not cover the cost of treatment.
How can I support someone with mesothelioma cancer?
You can support someone with mesothelioma cancer by being there for them, listening to their concerns, helping them with daily activities, and providing emotional support.
Conclusion
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare but deadly form of cancer that mainly affects the lining of the lungs known as the pleura. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral that was widely used in the construction industry in the past. Mesothelioma cancer can be difficult to diagnose and treat, and the prognosis is generally poor. However, there are various treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and extend the patient’s life. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, it is important to seek medical attention and explore all the available treatment options.
Closing Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns about your health or the health of someone else, please consult a qualified healthcare p
rovider.
