Mesothelioma Cancer Types
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer caused by increased exposure to asbestos or related materials. Based on the type of cancerous cells, mesothelioma is mainly classified into epithelioid, sacromatoid and mixed/biphasic. Epithelioid is the most common form of mesothelioma cell and accounts for about 50-70 percent of all cases. It also bears the most positive prognosis among all other types. This form of mesothelioma targets the thin membrane surrounding the body's internal organs and surfaces. Sacromaoid mesothelioma is more aggressive and affects the body's secondary tissues - muscles, bones, fats and cartilage. It is found in about 7-20 percent of all mesothelioma cases and has a lower life expectancy. Mixed/biphasic accounts for approximately 25-30 percent of all diagnosed mesothelioma cases and is a combination of epithelioid and sarcomatoid.
Types of Mesothelioma
Another classification of mesothelioma is based on the areas /parts of the body affected by the cancer. There are main types of mesothelioma targeting various mid-section body organs - pleural mesothelioma, peritonea mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common mesothelioma condition and accounts for about 75 percent of all diagnosed cases. It targets the pleural cavity located between the thin membranes surrounding the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in about 10-20 percent of all mesothelioma cases and attacks tissues located around the stomach and abdomen. The rarest form of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma, damages the lining and sac around the heart.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma affects the pleura sac surrounding the lungs and is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos. The pleura sac comprises the lungs and a flimsy membrane, termed the mesothelium, which secretes fluid to enable the comfortable expansion and contraction of lungs during the process of breathing. Inhalation of asbestos causes the sharp fibers to penetrate through the lung walls and make their way into the pleural cavity. As they buildup inside the pleural cavity, these fibers cause the mutilation of the mesothelium and ultimately lead to the formation of malignant tumors. The cancerous tumors subsequently cause the pleural fluid to thicken and impede lung movement. Since the lungs re-oxygenate blood, there is a high possibility of the cancerous cells spreading to other body parts via the bloodstream. Some of the most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath, dry cough, pleural effusion and fever with chills.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma targets the thin peritoneum cell membrane that surrounds the gastrointestinal tract and serves the function of lubricating the stomach and intestines to enable proper processing and digestion of food. Formation of cancerous cells and the resultant swelling around the peritoneum causes inhibition of the primary functions of the stomach and abdomen and can be painful. Some of the most common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are stomach/abdomen pain, loss of appetite, abdominal swelling, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, constricted bowel movements and a constant feeling of fatigue/weakness.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma obstructs the functioning of the protective sac covering and lubricating the heart. Increased exposure to asbestos leads the deadly fibers to penetrate the pericardium and causes mutations which results in symptoms such as chest pain, chronic cough, heart palpitations and breathing problems.
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