Malignant Mesothelioma, sometimes referred to as simply mesothelioma, is a type of cancer that affects the protective lining of the body’s internal organs called the mesothelium. The cancer develops in patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos and is caused by asbestos dust or fibers entering the body and becoming lodged in the mesothelium. With prolonged irritation from the asbestos fibers, inflammation begins to develop and thereafter causes fluid buildup and thickening of the walls of the mesothelium. Scarring develops, and eventually tumors begin to form. Cancer cells form when they become abnormal and begin to divide uncontrollably into growths that can break off and spread to other parts of the body.

Malignant mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body, and there are various types:

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma of the pleura is cancer that develops in the protective lining of the chest organs. Asbestos fibers inhaled via the lungs pass into the body and become embedded within the inner and outer layers of the mesothelium, where they cause abnormal buildup of fluids and thickening of the lining. As the lining expands, the pressure against the lungs begin to cause breathing-related symptoms, including shortness of breath, persistent dry coughing, pain in the chest area and lumps under the skin. Other symptoms include coughing blood, difficulty swallowing, tiredness and weight loss.

Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma

The second most common form of malignant mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is the cancer of the peritoneum, or the protective membrane that lines the abdominal organs. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos dust and fibers that enter into the body become trapped within the inner and outer layers of the peritoneum. The toxicity of the asbestos leads to thickening of the mesothelium, buildup of fluid, and eventually the development of cancerous tumors and growths. The expansion of the lining puts pressure against the abdominal organs, which leads to pain in the abdominal area, swelling, irregular bowel movements, nausea and tiredness.

Malignant Pericardial Mesothelioma

Accounting for a much smaller proportion of malignant mesothelioma cases, pericardial mesothelioma affects the protective lining surrounding the heart. These rarer cases are usually caused by an extended degree of exposure to asbestos dust and fibers, which get into the pericardium, causing tissue scaring, thickening of the lining and eventually the development of cancer cells that divide uncontrollably and spread throughout the body. The symptoms of malignant pericardial mesothelioma typically resemble other cardiovascular diseases, such as chest pain, coughing, chest palpitations and irregular heart beats.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Malignant Mesothelioma

Diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma starts with determining whether there has been a history of asbestos exposure. More often than not, the exposure usually takes place at the workplace and certain occupations have higher risk of exposure than others. Patients suspected of having malignant mesothelioma are given x-rays, CT scans or MRI’s, followed by surgical procedures depending upon various factors. These surgical procedures usually involve collecting internal tissue samples of abnormal growths that are then examined in further for diagnosis. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.