The lining or membranes of certain large cavities of our body is influenced by a serious form of cancer known as mesothelioma cancer. These cavities are sometimes called the serous cavities and the vital organs like abdomen, heart, lungs etc are contained in them. The surfaces which surround these cavities are called serous membranes. The main function of the serous membranes is to offer protection to the organs from damages caused by abrasion and friction, while they move against one another during routine working. Mesothelial cells are the special cells which create the mesothelium, the major tissue layer of the serous membranes. The mesothelium tissue gets impacted by mesothelioma.
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Mesothelioma takes on three forms, the first being peritoneal mesothelioma. This form of cancer attacks the peritoneum or membrane surrounding the abdomen. It can also affect male testicles rarely, since the lining around the scrotum is an extension of peritoneum. The pericardium or lining surrounding the heart is affected by the second form, called pericardial mesothelioma. The third form is the most malignant form and affects the lining of the lung cavity. This is known as the pleural mesothelioma.
The mesothelioma cancer which starts as a localized tumor spreads very fast to the nearby tissues and organs. The gristly cysts and other growths which appeared in the serous membrane were initially thought to be benign fibrous mesothelioma. In fact, such conditions do not start in mesothelial cells but other cells within the serous membranes. They do not spread fast as they are localized.
There is proof that mesothelioma is caused by previous exposure to asbestos. It is a rare, serious, deadly disease and it is during the advanced stages that the cancer is detected. Hence a complete cure is normally out of question and the average survival time after the diagnosis is one to two years. The type of mesothelioma is also a determining factor of the survival time.
Conventional as well as modern treatment procedures are there for treating mesothelioma cancer. The main normal procedures include surgery, chemo and radiation. According to the obligation of the situation, doctors occasionally adopt a combination of these techniques. But once the cancer spreads beyond control, palliative treatment, that is, treating the symptoms is the only treatment option left.
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Mesothelioma takes on three forms, the first being peritoneal mesothelioma. This form of cancer attacks the peritoneum or membrane surrounding the abdomen. It can also affect male testicles rarely, since the lining around the scrotum is an extension of peritoneum. The pericardium or lining surrounding the heart is affected by the second form, called pericardial mesothelioma. The third form is the most malignant form and affects the lining of the lung cavity. This is known as the pleural mesothelioma.
The mesothelioma cancer which starts as a localized tumor spreads very fast to the nearby tissues and organs. The gristly cysts and other growths which appeared in the serous membrane were initially thought to be benign fibrous mesothelioma. In fact, such conditions do not start in mesothelial cells but other cells within the serous membranes. They do not spread fast as they are localized.
There is proof that mesothelioma is caused by previous exposure to asbestos. It is a rare, serious, deadly disease and it is during the advanced stages that the cancer is detected. Hence a complete cure is normally out of question and the average survival time after the diagnosis is one to two years. The type of mesothelioma is also a determining factor of the survival time.
Conventional as well as modern treatment procedures are there for treating mesothelioma cancer. The main normal procedures include surgery, chemo and radiation. According to the obligation of the situation, doctors occasionally adopt a combination of these techniques. But once the cancer spreads beyond control, palliative treatment, that is, treating the symptoms is the only treatment option left.
