Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma -- The Cancer Of Abdominal Lining
By Fred Lindel



One of the fatal types of mesothelioma is Peritoneal Mesothelioma in which the cancerous cells attack the lining of the abdomen called Peritoneum. Peritoneum is the thin membrane, which shields various organs of the abdomen and also provides a lubricating fluid to enable the organs to move and work properly. Peritoneal Mesothelioma, which affects this lining, is yet now a relatively rare disease that accounts for about 1/5 of all mesotheliomas. Its only known cause in the U.S. till date is previous exposure to asbestos.

Major symptoms

Though Mesothelioma is neither age nor sex specific, peritoneal Mesothelioma is mostly seen in men who are in the age group of 50-70 years. There are a number of symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma most of which start appearing after 20, 30 or 50 years after the exposure to asbestos. These symptoms may include weight loss (however, waist line may increase), pain or swelling in the abdomen, weakness, loss of appetite, bowel obstruction, anemia, nausea and fever. Also, fluid often accumulates in the peritoneal space leading to a condition called Ascites.

Diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma

The initial step towards detection of peritoneal mesothelioma includes X-rays and CT scans. For confirmed diagnosis, however the doctor needs to do biopsy whereby a piece of tissue is cut from the affected part of the victim's body and is placed under microscope for examination. If the disease is detected at an early stage it stands better chance of getting cured than the state of diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma, where the cancer has already spread to various parts.

The cure

It's true that peritoneal mesothelioma is fatal and leads to several deaths every year. However, with continued researches, several modes of treatments have been embarked upon and in the future there is a fair chance of the disease becoming absolutely curable. The types of treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

In surgery a part of the abdominal tissue is cut out to remove the tumor. At times the doctor may also need to remove a lung or a portion of the diaphragm as per the requirement of the surgery. Radiation therapy, the second method, requires the application of high energy X-rays to shrink the tumor and kill the malignant cells. The rays may be applied from an external machine or by placing the radiation source directly to the affected part of the body, by means of plastic tubes. Last treatment type is the chemotherapy whereby a combination of drugs is applied to kill the cancer cells. The drugs may be administered by mouth in the capsule form or may be applied intravenously via needle.

However, it is essential to mention that cost of treating any form of cancer is extravagant and you may consult a mesothelioma lawyer to earn you a handsome compensation from the authority who was responsible for your prior exposure to asbestos.

So learn more about peritoneal mesothelioma so that you can initiate the treatment at the very early stage and get cured.

benign mesothelioma

Benign Vs Malignant Tumors

By Joseph Devine

When you notice an abnormal growth in your body, it can be frightening. Unregulated cell growth produces a mass called a tumor, which can press on other areas of your body. There are two types of tumors: benign and malignant.

Our bodies naturally produce new cells. In fact, during the course of a year, we replace almost every single cell in our bodies. The frequency of this turnover depends on the location. For example, stomach cells divide rapidly because of the wear and tear they receive from stomach acid. However, normally cells die off as new ones replace them in order to keep our body at a normal size. Sometimes, though, this growth can become unregulated and lead to a mass of cells.

Proteins in the body tell cells when they should grow, double their chromosomes, and divide into to distinct cells. In somatic cells, or the cells of the body besides egg and sperm, this process is called mitosis. Because each cycle of mitosis leads to one cell becoming two, this growth can quickly accumulate if unrestricted.

Cells lose the ability to regulate growth if their genetic information is mutated, or changed, due to exposure to carcinogens like radiation or asbestos. This mutation can lead to two different types of tumors, benign and malignant. The form of the tumor depends on the type of growth that it undergoes.

Benign tumors cause an estimated 13,000 deaths each year in the United States, even though they are not cancerous. Benign tumors are basically areas of extreme cell growth, although this can happen at a slow rate. The group of cells proliferates, but does not metastasize to other parts of the body. They are usually not harmful. Doctors may decide to wait on a benign tumor to see if it will continue growing, or they may remove the growth. Often, the tumor does not return. However, benign tumors can hurt someone when they press against organs, blood vessels, and nerves in the area.

Malignant tumors are the type associated with cancer. Cancerous tumors have the ability to metastasize. This means that they can break off into pieces and spread throughout the body. Once they adhere to a spot inside the body, malignant tumors have the ability to harm the body not only by pressing on nearby tissues, but also invading them and interfering with their normal tasks. Additionally, they can contribute to infection in healthy tissue as well as secrete substances that kill off the normal tissue.

Some malignant tumors can be caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos that is ingested or inhaled can lead to two types of malignant tumors, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Mesothelioma has the ability to spread throughout the body by attacking the serous linings of the body.

mesothelioma lung

Asbestos Cause Lung Mesothelioma Cancer

By Nathalie Fiset



Asbestos induced lung cancer is known as Mesothelioma. It is a dangerous disease that, while rare, is troublesome for several reasons. For one thing, the initial symptoms of mesothelioma are ones that can usually be associated with other, less threatening problems, including asthma, old age, and being out of shape. Because of this, while only 3000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed every year, it is held that quite a few fatal cases of seemingly harmless lung ailments were in fact misdiagnosed cases of mesothelioma.

The inital cause of mesothelioma is the introduction of minute fibers of asbestos into a person's lungs through inhalation. Asbestos is a fibrous, fire retardant material that was commonly used in the past several decades for fire proofing purposes. The fibrous nature of the material causes it to fragment into small slivers that are easily airborne and almost invisible to the naked eye. People who inhale the fibers first develop a problem called asbestosis.

Asbestosis is the development of small scar tissue in the lungs due to the fibers of asbestos. This scar tissue causes difficulty breathing, and given time can block entire sections of the lung's air passages altogether. However, if left unchecked, asbestosis causes a more severe lung problem called mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer caused by tumors in the lungs. The lungs and chest cavity in general develop an excess of fluids due to the body's unsuccessful effort to combat these tumors and the foreign particles (the asbestos fibers).

Symptoms

The earliest symptoms of lung asbestos problems is a harsh, rattling breathing pattern commonly associated with smokers. The other symptoms include shortness of breath, shallow breathing, and a drop in physical endurance. Since these symptoms are commonly found in smokers as well, it was a previously held misconception that asbestosis was also caused by smoking filtered cigarettes. Recent studies show that this is not the case - not that smoking is healthy, but rather only that the two, while having the same symptoms, are not related.

If left unchecked asbestosis develops into mesothelioma, and the symptoms worsen to sudden chest pains, even more difficulty breathing, and even a "sloshing" feeling when breathing, like that experienced by people during severe coughs where the lungs temporarily fill with phlegm. Again, this symptom can be easily explained away as a case of fever or cough, and can easily be misdiagnosed.

In either case, the only real way to determine if someone has asbestosis or mesothelioma is to undergo an x ray. X ray scans can detect the presence of asbestos fiber induced scar tissue, or the formation of tumors in the lungs. Without an x ray there is no sure way to determine the presence of asbestos in the lungs.

Effects

The effects of asbestosis and mesothelioma are ultimately fatal if left unchecked. Pulmonary emboli, a condition where blood clotting forms in the lungs and not only restricts breathing, but also sends these clots into the blood stream and eventually causing cardiac arrest, is one of the usual causes of death from asbestos inhalation.

The fluid buildup in the lungs, chest cavity, and chest lining brought about by mesothelioma is another common cause of death, as this fluid can literally fill a person's lungs, restricting breathing completely, or can likewise cause cardiac arrest eventually. The lung tumors of mesothelioma can also grow out of control, eventually eating away a person's lungs like a regular cancer, or can cause severe wounds in the chest cavity that causes internal hemorrhaging.

Treatment

Regular lung surgery can be used to treat early cases of asbestosis, assuming that no cancers have developed yet. The survival rate is pretty much on par with regular operations, so at this early stage people can be treated with safety. However, if the asbestosis has already developed into mesothelioma, regular surgery ceases to be an option, as the average life expectancy of a patient after the operation is only 5 years. Chemotherapy and laser surgery procedures geared towards cancer treatment are the most effective medical procedures used in tandem to treat mesothelioma tumors.

Avoidance/Safety Tips

One fact about asbestosis and mesothelioma is that the symptoms only manifest between 20 to 50 years after inhaling the fibers, depending on the fitness of the person and the amount of asbestos inhaled. Therefore, at the first possible signs x rays should be taken to determine of the problems are simply old age or not.

Wearing safety masks with air filters if working in an area with asbestos is a must to prevent asbestosis and mesothelioma. This not only includes factory workers who are exposed to industrial materials laced with asbestos, but to civilians who travel through construction and demolition sites where old houses are situated. The reason for this is because some houses and buildings constructed in the 1970s and 1980s included asbestos lining as part of the materials in an attempt at fire proofing.

mesothelioma symptoms

Symptoms That Help You Identify Mesothelioma

By Fatima Asna

Mesothelioma can only be identified with help of its symptoms which appear after 20-50 years the person has developed the disease. Symptoms of mesothelioma appear when you have been exposed to the deadly toxic asbestos decades back. By the time they appear, they have already spread to all parts of the body.

There are 3 major types of mesothelioma which attack the body with some similar symptoms. These types of mesothelioma along with their symptoms are:

Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma attacks the lining of the lungs and causes various symptoms. These symptoms include:
# Cough

# Difficulty sleeping

# Fever

# Pain at the side of the chest or the lower back

# Pleural effusions (fluid in the chest cavity)

# Progressive loss of appetite and weight loss

# Dyspnea

# Tiredness

# Trouble swallowing

# Muscle weakness

# Sensory loss

# Nausea

Pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity. It is one of most common symptoms of mesothelioma and leads to shortness of breath. As the fluid collects in the lining of the lungs and chest, the pain and shortness of breath also increase. Dyspnea is shortness of breath which can be caused by a pleural effusion and/or by the presence of a tumor in the pleura or the lining of the lungs.

A buildup of fluid in the pleural can create a feeling of fullness and pressure, causing areas of pain in the chest cavity and sometimes in the lower back area. Chest pain occurs more often on the right side of the body, as mesothelioma affects the right lung 60% of the time. Only 5% patients suffer from mesothelioma in both lungs.

In some cases, a patient may also have chronic hoarseness, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and/or the coughing up of blood (hemoptysis). These are the rare symptoms of mesothelioma and seen in less than 1% mesothelioma patients. If the patient also suffers from swelling of the face or neck areas, it means that the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The other type of mesothelioma is peritoneal which attacks the lining of the stomach or the abdominal cavity. It can cause symptoms like:
# Belly Pain

# Nausea

# Vomiting

# Weight loss

# Fever

# Night sweats

# Frequency of urination

# Bowel obstruction

Abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen also known as ascites is one of the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. If there is a tumor in the peritoneum membrane, it can put increasing pressure on the organs in the abdomen, leading to bowel obstruction and distention.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

The third type of mesothelioma is pericardial mesothelioma which attacks the lining of the chest cavity. It is not a common type of cancer. It can cause symptoms like:
# Heart palpitations

# Chest pains

# Shortness of breath

# Persistent cough

# Weight loss

# Irregular heartbeat

Pericardial effusion may also occur in pericardial mesothelioma. It is the accumulation of liquid in the lining of the chest cavity which may cause difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath. The patient may also complain of irregular heartbeat which is caused due to liquid accumulation in the chest. Persistent cough along with blood may also occur. Pericardial mesothelioma can also lead to lung cancer.

Some of these symptoms can help you identify mesothelioma. Some patients show no symptoms of their mesothelioma which makes it more difficult to diagnose. The exact symptoms will often depend on the area where mesothelioma affects which will help you identify mesothelioma.

mesothelioma prognosis

Mesothelioma Prognosis - Get Straight Facts

By Yachi Verma



The word meaning of the term prognosis is outcome. It is important when it is spoken together with mesothelioma. Mesothelioma prognosis can be tough for some of the patients. After all those years serving the industry, when the patient realizes that they are swindled ultimately, the desperation and pain can proliferate in the sadness. Some of the doctors will conclude the truth that the prospects of survival are slim. The rest of the ensemble inspires hope into the mind of the patient. The outcome of mesothelioma depends on how the body is responding to the treatment.

Mesothelioma is similar to the other embodiments of cancers. It has certain inherent properties that give it a distinctive role. The doctor can start the only after the condition has been examined. Here lies the problem; the condition cannot be diagnosed that easily. It is usually during the advanced stages of the cancer, that tests will reveal that the patient is truly suffering from mesothelioma. Most of the doctors falter at this stage itself, because if timely medication is not provided, the survival chances are thin. Once the condition has been successfully diagnosed, then the doctor can start working on the mesothelioma prognosismesothelioma prognosis.

There are various factors affecting the mesothelioma prognosis. Some of them will be listed as well as illustrated in the rest of the passage. The location where mesothelioma is known to occur plays a pivotal role in the entire process. It is commonly known to occur on the pleura, peritonea, pericardium and the testis. Among these, the one developing on the pleura is the most common form of mesothelioma. The rest of the forms of asbestos cancers is also equally fatal. The next factor that decides the prognosis is the rate of infection. If the condition is found out by suitable tests during the initial phases, with appropriate surgical and therapy sessions, the patient can be saved.

The cancer cells are known to spread to the surrounding cells or migrate to a different location and start attacking the normal cells present in the region. This happens during the later stages and plays an important role in the mesothelioma prognosis. The condition is known to occur with other forms of associated symptoms. These symptoms may be caused by the alternate action of the cancer cells. The smoking and the drinking habits of the patient will also influence the mesothelioma prognosis largely.

The patient has to actively take on the medication sessions without fail. Never lose hope, because in the absence of hope, the chances of recovery are slim. Miracles happen all the time, and if an early detection is made the chances of survival are colossal. The family members should be supportive of the patient at all times. The usual survival rate as published by some of the eminent journal is just 10 percent. People who are undergoing treatment for mesothelioma are known to live approximately five to six years after the initial detection. This is an impressive figure considering the lasting rates of other forms of cancers.

mesothelioma settlement

Mesothelioma Settlement Facts

By Yachi Verma



When you are out to seek mesothelioma settlements, it is imperative that you must be fully aware of the situation at hand. It is true that you can seek the help of professional lawyers. The amount that is settled pursuant to the mesothelioma settlement usually runs into millions. Well, in fact, you cannot entrust the lawyer to handle such amounts and keep you out of the loop. The treatment for mesothelioma must be initiated soon after the diagnosis is completed. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy is the usual methods of treating mesothelioma. It has to be understood that these procedures are expensive.

This is why the settlement amounts run into millions. When you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, there are primarily two ways in which you will be able to proceed. You can either file for a lawsuit or opt for a mesothelioma settlement. If you are dealing with large multinational corporations, then they would always recommend opting for the mesothelioma settlement. This is because they value their business and reputation is an important matter in business. If a firm looses that inherent character, then many important business deals that are about to materialize might be canceled.

If the party prefers for mesothelioma settlement, then no one will know about the entire circumstance. This is because the settlement discussions are held in closed rooms. The firm will be willing to provide compensation or might agree to take care of all the medical expenses that will be incurred. The importance of the situation must never be underestimated. There are firms and lawyers who are involved with mesothelioma settlements. Your first priority must be to find the best lawyer in the city and proceed with them to settle the scores. Do not worry; the niche is filled with many eminent personalities, hence, you might never feel at loss when they are working on your case.

These settlements are largely governed by the laws that are in existence on the particular state. In other words, the lawyer must be proficient with the laws laid out in the particular state for the paradigm. Do not expect an easy route to the mesothelioma settlement. Every detail that is being asked by the attorney must be presented to him at the appropriate times. The attorney will require time to study the case and reach conclusive factors that will determine the settlement amounts. Some of the environmental rules might not be in existence during those times.

Some companies have known to wriggle out of lawsuits and settlements by stating such facts. The attorney must be adept at handling these situations. The time taken to grant the settlement amount is also an important factor. The patient must pay for his treatment; else, the authorities will stop it. Leaving the treatment halfway will lead to serious consequences. Whether the victim used to work with asbestos, or whether he was subjected to secondary currents of microscopic air currents is also an important issue that will be a deciding factor for the mesothelioma settlement.

asbestosis mesothelioma

Asbestosis - A Disease Caused by Asbestos Exposure

By Slaton K Case

Asbestosis
Asbestos exposure has been linked with many life threatening diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. While most of these diagnosed cases are severe, recent medical advances have allowed asbestos exposure victims a better chance at survival and an ever-increasing quality of life. Depending on severity of the symptoms and how quickly treatment is begun, asbestosis may have little impact on a person's lifestyle; if preventative measures are not taken however the impact becomes much more pronounced, even potentially resulting in death.

How People Get Asbestosis
Asbestosis is most common among previous workers of asbestos-heavy industries, such as construction, shipyards, and manufacturing. While occupational asbestosis is the most common, anyone who was previous exposed to asbestos through their home, apartment, or second hand exposure to a worker of an asbestos-heavy industry might have been affected. Asbestosis is the result of the inhalation of asbestos fibers, which are the carcinogenic particles which make asbestos so dangerous. Upon inhalation of the asbestos fibers, scar tissue forms around the damage caused by the sensitive lung tissues contact with the rough asbestos fiber, damaging the cellular integrity.

How Are People Diagnosed With Asbestosis
Asbestosis can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are shared with many other illnesses, such as pneumoconiosis, interstitial fibrosis, and others. If you have received an asbestosis diagnosis it is advised that you seek a second opinion before taking action upon the diagnosis.
The typical diagnosis for asbestosis involves an intensive physical exam from a medical professional, preferably one who has experience with asbestos related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. The exam will include breathing tests to determine the lungs capacity and gauge any damage, as well as x-rays which are used to view the severity of any scarring that might be present in and around the lungs. Asbestosis is less malignant than some of the other diseases caused by asbestos exposure, such as mesothelioma whose mortality rate is nearly 100%, however asbestosis can develop into more serious cases. Consult an experienced doctor with asbestos experience for the best recommendations on treatment.

The Future Of Asbestosis
Mesothelioma and asbestosis cases are expected to continue throughout the next two decades, reaching a peak in the coming years as more workers who worked in dangerous asbestos conditions reach retirement age. Neither mesothelioma nor asbestosis manifest quickly but can remain dormant for dozens of years before afflicting individuals. This makes diagnosis even more difficult, however earlier screenings are becoming available in the attempt to increase detection and treatment. The life expectancy and quality of life for individuals with asbestosis is expected to become better in the future, however there are currently no cures.

mesothelioma peritoneum

The Relationship Between Mesothelioma and the Mesothelium

By Thomas Ajava



Mesothelioma is a brutal form of cancer that is usually associated with exposure to asbestos. Fortunately, this form of cancer is fairly rare. That is particularly good news since it is also very deadly.

The name Mesothelioma is a bit of a tongue twister and one that most people don't exactly grasp. The name comes from a part of the body known as the mesothelium. The Mesothelium is a protective lining or sac that covers many of the internal organs in the body including the lungs and heart. As the name suggests, the cancer produces tumors in this lining, thus giving it the name Mesothelioma.

The mesothelium is a rather amazing organic process. It is actually comprised of two layers. The first layer surrounds the internal organ. The second forms a sac around the first layer. A lubricating liquid is then found between the two layers. This is a critical anatomical development. Why? It allows the organs to move without causing friction or injury. Without the mesothelium, a pumping heart or expanding lungs would be unable to function correctly.

You will rarely hear the term mesothelium used in these cancer cases. This is because of the fact the lining carries a different name depending on where it is located in the body. The pericardium is the name given the lining that covers the heart. The pleura is the name used for the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. The peritoneum is the name used for the lining in the abdominal area. When a diagnosis of Mesothelioma cancer is made, it will usually be referred to as being in one of these locations, most often the pleura. There is a lining of mesothelium around the female and male reproductive organs, but it rarely impacted by Mesothelioma.

A diagnosis of Mesothelioma is frankly not a good one. The cancer can take 30 or 40 years to manifest, but is brutal once it does. The presence of the mesothelium throughout the internal cavity of the upper body gives the cancer ready made access to all the critical components of the body.

papillary mesothelioma

Developing Mesothelioma

By Miodrag Trajkovic




Mesothelioma is a fairly rare cancer that can lead to a malignant tumor and is associated with prior
exposure to asbestos. The exposure could have been 20 to even 50 years ago and only now will symptoms start to appear. Mesothelioma can develop in mesothelial cells in the pleura, pericardium, and peritoneum.

The pleura is the outer lining that surrounds your lungs. This lining lets your lungs have flexibility
when you breathe in or out. After exposure to asbestos, a tumor may eventually develop in this area creating what is known as pleural mesothelioma. This is common if asbestos material has been inhaled either by mining it or working in a factory that uses it in a product.

The pericardium contains all of the hearts blood vessels and arteries. This membrane separates the
heart from the rest of the chest cavity and ensures it has greater protection. Occasionally, asbestos can go from the lungs to the heart through the bloodstream and tumors can develop. This is a very dangerous place for a tumor to develop and is known as pericardial mesothelioma.

The peritoneum is the large outer lining that protects all of the organs in your abdominal cavity. This is the least likely place for a tumor to develop from asbestos but is very dangerous if it does occur. This is known as peritoneal mesothelioma.

If you or someone you know have ever been around anyone who worked with asbestos, it couldn't hurt to tell your doctor and have some tests run. Mesothelioma is treatable like most cancer and surgery and chemotherapy are just a couple of the available options.

peritoneal mesothelioma cancer

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Cancer - Symptoms & Treatment Options

By Dave Casey



Peritoneal mesothelioma, also known as asbestos lung cancer, is a relatively uncommon form of mesothelioma cancer, accounting for less than a quarter of all mesothelioma cases. It is called peritoneal because it appears as a tumor in the peritoneum membrane of the abdomen.

Causes
Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of this disease in the USA. Patients afflicted with Peritoneal Mesothelioma have inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers usually through work related activities. Symptoms do not occur until 20 to 40 years after contact with the mineral and its by products. Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is often fatal and patients who are afflicted by it live on average of less than a year from the time of their diagnosis.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Symptoms may include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, a change in your bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation, lumps of tissue in the abdomen and unexplained weight loss.

Diagnostic Tools
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is first detected by X-rays or CT scans, peritoneoscopy (analysis of the peritoneum) or a biopsy where a tissue sample in taken for examination by a pathologist.

Treatment Options
Localized treatments treat only the original cancer site by either surgery or radiotherapy. A peritonectomy is a surgery used when peritoneal mesothelioma is detected early on. However, the symptoms are usually detected only in the most advanced stages because of the gradual development of symptoms. Complete removal of the caner through surgery is doubtful even in the earliest stages of the disease. The first 30 days following surgery are crucial. Unfortunately, the post surgery death rate for this operation is very high. Many patients do not make it through the procedure. With this in mind, many medical centers do not choose surgery as a viable treatment option plan at this time.

Regional chemotherapy is used in peritoneal mesothelioma cases, when the cancer is still localized at its point of origin. This option treatment is employed in both early and late stages of the disease using anti-cancer drugs. The drugs are injected directly into the abdomen. Patients undergo weekly or biweekly treatments depending upon the specific drugs used.

An additional procedure known as adjuvant chemotherapy, (regional chemotherapy) can be used directly following surgery in order to reduce the likelihood of the cancer returning. However, when the cancer cannot be entirely removed through surgery, chemotherapy will continue throughout the existence of the cancer in an attempt to slow its development.

A second type of treatment known as systemic treatments are used when the cancer has metastasized (spread throughout the body). Systematic treatments are implemented in either earlier stages or late stages of peritoneal mesothelioma.

Since peritoneal mesothelioma often remains dormant for years, the cancer is usually detected in its end stages. At this point patients are too ill to handle intensive chemotherapy. Doctors choose non-aggressive palliative care treatments at this time. Treatment goals are concentrated on remedying pain, discomfort and weight loss rather than attacking the disease head on. One type of pain common in the late states of this disease is caused by fluid buildup inside the abdomen. Doctors will attempt to reduce the pain and discomfort by draining the excess fluid through a procedure called abdominal paracentesis.

malignant peritoneal mesothelioma

Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma
By Ryan T Murphy

Background:

"Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs." The disease then proceeds to affect the abdomen wall or in this case, the peritoneum. It then goes on to infect a serious of membranes in the region as well as the membranes that enclose several other major organs. Mesothelioma is most oftenly found in people who have in some way inhaled asbestos particles or other airborn particles at their job or place of residence. Although, there is no connection between mesothelioma and smoking, which is a major factor in lung cancer. While smoking has not been proven to cause mesothelioma, it has been found to increase the risk of other asbestos-induce cancer. Of the 2.6 million annually diagnosed cases of mesolthelioma, 15% to 20% are peritoneal mesothelioma.

Asbestos

"Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral with long thin fibrous crystals." This naturally occurring substance has been used in fire retardant coatings, bricks, pipes, drywall, and roofing. Its importance became known during the Industrial Revolution and is now being utilized in various ways. Although this mineral has numerous practical appliances, it does have very hazardous effects on the body. If inhaled, asbestos particles are known to cause very serious and potentially fatal diseases such as lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Various other minor effects of asbestos exposure include asbestos warts, pleural plaques, and diffuse pleural thickening. While these conditions can all be a results of asbestos exposure, malignant "peritoneal" mesothelioma is the most deadly. Basically, mesothelioma is a lethal cancer that "attacks the membranes around the lungs, the heart, and the abdominal cavity." Of the various forms of this cancer, mesothelioma of the lung is most common. Mesothelioma of the lung, much like that of lung cancer, is a very deadly and underdiagnosed disease because of the very subtle symptoms. Fortunately for those who have inhaled asbestos fibers, it takes years for the fibers to infect the membranes and then cause fluid accumulation and even tumor development. Asbestos particles are extremely harmful for they can result in the development of lethal diseases.