|
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma (pronounced mee-so-thee-lee-oma) is a cancer of the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a thin membrane that lines the chest and abdomen and surrounds the organs in these areas. The lining around the lungs is called the pleura and in the abdomen it is known as the peritoneum. (more about mesothelioma)
Pleural mesothelioma
The pleura has two layers: the inner (visceral) layer, which is next to the lung and the outer (parietal) layer, which lines the chest wall. The two layers of the pleura are usually in contact and slide over each other as we breathe. The membranes produce fluid, which allows them to slide over each other easily. (more about mesothelioma)
Peritoneal mesothelioma
The lining of the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. It also has two layers: the inner (visceral) layer, which is next to the abdominal organs and the outer (parietal) layer, which lines the abdominal wall. (more about mesothelioma)
What causes mesothelioma?
Up to 9 out of 10 cases of mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a natural mineral, mined from rock found in many countries. It is made up of tiny fibres that are as strong as steel but can be woven like cotton and are highly resistant to heat and chemicals. When asbestos is disturbed or damaged, it releases tiny fibres that can be breathed into the lungs and cause inflammation, a build-up of scar tissue (fibrosis) and sometimes cancer. (more about mesothelioma)
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma often starts as many tiny lumps (nodules) in the pleura, which may not show up on scans or x-rays until they are quite large. The main symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are pain in the chest and breathlessness. Some people also notice that their voice becomes hoarse and they have a cough that does not go away. (more about mesothelioma)
How it is mesothelioma diagnosed?
Most people begin by seeing their GP when they have symptoms. Your GP will examine you and may arrange for you to have some tests or x-rays. You may be referred to hospital for these tests and for specialist advice and treatment. (more about mesothelioma)
Stages of mesothelioma
The stage of a cancer is a term used to describe its size and whether it has spread beyond its original site. Knowing the extent of the cancer helps the doctors to decide on the most appropriate treatment. (more about mesothelioma)
Treatment of mesothelioma
The treatment for mesothelioma will depend on whether it is only in one place or has spread. Currently, there is no cure for mesothelioma, unless it can be removed by an operation. (more about mesothelioma)
Surgery
In the uncommon situation where the cancer is only in one area of the pleura (localised), surgery can be used to treat mesothelioma. It may involve removing part, or all, of the pleura and the lung tissue close to it, which is known as pleurectomy/decortication. (more about mesothelioma)
Radiotherapy treatment
Radiotherapy treats cancer by using high-energy x-rays that destroy the cancer cells while doing as little harm as possible to normal cells. As a treatment for mesothelioma, radiotherapy is usually given to help relieve symptoms such as pain and breathlessness, rather than to try to cure the mesothelioma. Often, only one treatment or a few treatments are needed, but occasionally a course of treatment may be given over two weeks or so. (more about mesothelioma)
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. They work by disrupting the growth of cancer cells. (more about mesothelioma)
Who can help?
There are many people available to help you and your family.
Most large cancer treatment hospitals have a specialist nurse. The specialist mesothelioma nurses answer questions on treatments, cancer and support services from people in their areas. They can also organise equipment that may be needed by people with mesothelioma, such as special beds or walking aids. (more about mesothelioma)
|
