Mesothelioma cancers are the cancers that spread in the mesothelium tissues. Mesothelium in general is the name of tissue that forms lining of different body organs such as heart, lungs, abdomen & reproductive organs. The lining around abdominal organs is called peritoneal membrane. Lining around lungs is called pleural membrane while the lining around heart is called pericardium.
These linings perform two functions. They protect the internal organs by producing a oiling liquid & to permit the smooth movement of the internal organs. Mesothelioma cancers are the cancers affecting these membranes. The names of the cancers depend on the tissue or linings they affect. Peritoneal mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma & pericardial mesothelioma are the names of cancers of linings of abdomen, lungs & heart, respectively. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common of all mesothelioma cancers & is present in 70 % of the mesothelioma patients. Peritoneal mesothelioma constitutes 10% to 20% of the mesothelioma patients while third type pericardial mesothelioma, is rare.
Signs of Mesothelioma Cancers
Signs of mesothelioma cancers are same as of other common diseases. It makes diagnosis mesothelioma cancers a difficult task. Pain & swelling in abdomen, weakness, loss of weight, loss of appetite & nausea are some signs of peritoneal mesothelioma. Signs of pleural mesothelioma are persistent cough, difficulty in breathing, weight loss, loss of appetite, weakness, chest pains, lower back pains & difficulty in swallowing.
History
History of mesothelioma cancers goes back to as far back as 1900s. It took about 60 years to collect sufficient information about these mesothelioma cancers. By the finish of sixth decade of last century, specialists could conclude that exposure to asbestos particles is the reason behind the disease. J. C. Wagner was first researcher to document 32 cases of mesothelioma cancers & confirmed its association with asbestos exposure.
One alarming fact about the mesothelioma cancers is its extended latency period. These cancers may stay asymptomatic in the body for even up to 50 years. Chances of survival for mesothelioma patients are rare & the average survival period after diagnosis is not over 12-24 months. Surgical procedure if diagnosed early, chemotherapy & radiation therapy are some common treatments for all types of mesothelioma cancers. People suffering from mesothelioma cancers can file lawsuits to recover damages for medical expenses & other damages. They can file the lawsuits against the persons & companies responsible for causing asbestos exposure.
