Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that attacks
body's mesothelial cells around organs. The mesothelium provides a protective membranous lining for internal organs and allows moving organs (i.e. heart and lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures. The names of three regions of mesothelial cells that provide protective coating are 1) pleura, sac which surrounds lungs; 2) peritoneum, lining which protects abdominal cavity; and 3) pericardium, sac which surrounds heart. Three different types of mesothelioma cancer attack these three different regions.Pleural mesothelioma: A type of lung cancer which attacks pleura surrounding lungs, this is most common type of mesothelioma, affecting approximately two-thirds of all mesothelioma patients. Symptoms include horseness, fever, blood in sputum, swollen arms and face, coughing, loss of weight, difficulty breathing, chest pain, weak muscles, and reduced tactile sensitivity.
Peritoneal mesothelioma: A cancer of abdomen which attacks peritoneum lining abdominal cavity. This affects approximately one-third of all mesothelioma patients. Symptoms include abdominal bloating, impaired bowl function, fever, swollen feet, and nausea.
Pericardial mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma which attacks pericardium surrounding heart is extremely rare. Symptoms include chest pain, dyspnea, cough, and palpitations.
Mesothelioma has been linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a type of building material used in thermal insulation products and ceiling tiles. In United States, asbestos usage peaked during 1950s - 1970s. During late 1960s, concerns over health consequences of asbestos exposure began to arise, thereby decreasing amount of asbestos manufactured in next two decades. By 1980s, a new industry of asbestos abatement began to flourish. But according to United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as many as 733,000 schools and public buildings still contain asbestos.
