Overview
Mesothelioma refers to tumors that develop in the mesothelium, a type of tissue that makes up the lining of cavities or hollows that protect and surround certain organs. This tissue forms:
- The pleura, which surrounds your lungs.
- The peritoneum, which surrounds the organs of your abdomen and pelvic area.
- The pericardium, which surrounds your heart.
- The tunica vaginalis, which surrounds your testicles.
Most people think of cancer of the pleura when they hear the word mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma is related to exposure to asbestos and is often cancerous.
What are the types of mesothelioma?
There are different ways to refer to mesothelioma. One way is to determine if the tumor is cancerous (malignant mesothelioma) or not cancerous (benign mesothelioma). Other types refer back to the cavities formed by mesothelial tissue and are called:
- Pleural mesothelioma.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma. You might also hear this called abdominal mesothelioma.
- Pericardial mesothelioma.
- Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis. You might also hear this called testicular mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma may also be divided into groups based on the type of cell that creates the tumor. These types are:
- Epithelioid. This type of cell usually has a better prognosis than the others. Epithelial cells are the most common cells in your body.
- Sarcomatoid. Sarcomatoid cells are the least common cells in your body. Their shape makes them more likely to move elsewhere in your body because it’s harder for them to stick together. This makes them more dangerous.
- Biphasic. This is a mix of the first two types.
Who does mesothelioma affect?
Mesothelioma is associated with exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral used in many industries. Its use is now regulated in the U.S. and safety measures are in place, but this hasn’t always been true. People who were exposed 20 to 40 years ago are only now being diagnosed.
More men than women are affected by mesothelioma, at a rate of 3 to 1. Men in their 50s to their 70s represent most of the diagnoses.
Workers in the following industries were, and possibly still are, more at risk due to increased exposure to asbestos products:
- Construction, roofing and demolition of buildings (asbestos is used in insulation and some tiles).
- Shipbuilding.
- Mining.
- Milling.
- Mechanics. (Asbestos is used in brakes).
Military veterans may have been exposed in many ways at military bases, on ships and in construction.
In childhood mesothelioma, asbestos doesn’t seem to be an issue. Children who have had earlier types of cancer and have been treated with radiation therapy have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
How common is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is considered a rare illness. Currently, there are an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 new cases of mesothelioma in the U.S. each year. Of the total, there are about 2,500 cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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