The diseased defined
Mesothelium is the protective tissue that covers the chest cavity, abdominal cavity & the cavity around the heart & also produces a special oiling liquid that allows the internal organs of the body to move around. Malignant Mesothelioma can be defined as the cancer of the mesothelial cells which become abnormal & start dividing without any order. Majority of the mesothelioma patients have a prior history of exposure to asbestos.
Types of malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant Mesothelioma or basically Mesothelioma can be divided in to 3 main types namely
- Epithelioid
- Sarcomatoid
- Mixed/biphasic
Of these, Epithelioid is the most common (50% to 70% cases) & stands the best chance of recovery. Sarcomatoid type is seen in 7% to 20% cases whereas mixed/biphasic type is seen in 20% to 35% cases.
About, ¾ of the total cases of Mesothelioma originates in the chest cavity (pleura) & is called pleural mesothelioma. The cancer affecting the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) is called the peritoneal mesothelioma & that affecting the “sac like” space around the heart (pericardial cavity) is called the pericardial mesothelioma. Mesothelioma sometimes also affects the covering layer of the testicles. However, the last three types of cases are rare.
Diagnosis of malignant Mesothelioma
The tumors of the mesothelium can either be benign (non cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). So whenever there's signs like shortness of breath, pain in chest/abdomen or swelling in the abdomen, you ought to consult your doctor immediately.
After the preliminary X-rays & scans, the doctor may look inside the chest cavity (in case of pleural tumor) with an gizmo called thoracoscope & the check is called thoracoscopy. In case of tumor in peritoneum the doctor may go for peritoneoscopy with the help of a gizmo called peritoneoscope. Finally, if the abnormal tissue is found then a biopsy is done, whereby a piece of the unnatural tissue is cut out & placed under microscope for examination.
After the confirmed diagnosis of Mesothelioma it is also essential to ascertain its stages i.e. whether it is in localized stage or in advanced stage. In the localized stage, the cancer is present in the lining of the chest cavity or in the diaphragm or the lung. Advanced malignant Mesothelioma can again be divided in to 3 stages namely stage II, III & IV. In stage II, the cancer spreads beyond the chest lining to lymph nodes & in stage III it spreads in to chest wall, middle of the chest, heart, through the diaphragm or abdominal lining, etc. The final or the fourth stage is the one in which the cancer has already spread to distant organs.
