Different Types of Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is usually associated with exposure to asbestos. In fact the only known cause of the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma is asbestos. This cancer affects the areas of human mesothelial cells of the body where they are located.

pleural mesothelioma includes the majority of malignant mesothelioma cases. This is the type of malignant mesothelioma that affects the pleura, the lining of the lungs. About 70% of all cases of malignant mesothelioma occur in the pleura. As asbestos fibers that are sloughed from the asbestos-containing products people breathe, and then lodged in the lining of the lungs. The human body has no physiological ability to remove these fibers. Over time, these accumulated fibers will find they way into the pleura mesothelial cells. These asbestos fibers are considered as foreign bodies in the body. Thus, their presence causes a reactive inflammatory process to occur, as evidenced by pleural thickening, plaque formation, vasculitis, and even spills. As the disease progresses, the thickening of the parietal and visceral pleura causes a narrowing of the pleural space. Eventually, the two leaves of the pleura rubbing against each other. These processes are manifested as dyspnea, rales, and even chest pain or discomfort, fatigue and weight loss in patients. Continued thickening of mesothelial cells due to assaultive presence of these fibers and will result in the creation of tumors. On average, it takes about 40 years from exposure to these fibers on the manifestation of symptoms.

Peritoneal mesothelioma involves about 20 to 25% of all malignant mesothelioma cases. This is the type of mesothelioma affects the peritoneum mesothelial cells. As asbestos fibers come in contact with mesothelial cells, the effect of those changes that cause cells to multiply without limit, and thicken. Ascites is happening. Together, these cause a pressure buildup in the abdominal cavity. This pressure affects other internal organs and causes them to deteriorate. Intestinal obstruction often arises. Thrombosis, intestinal diseases, as well as hypoglycemia, anemia, and often the initial symptoms. Lesions may vary from one tumor, diffuse small tumors, or calcified nodules.

Pericardial mesothelioma comprises about 5% of all cases of malignant mesothelioma. This is the rarest type of mesothelioma. With pericardial mesothelioma, malignant tumors are found in the pericardium, a sac of fibrous tissue that surrounds the heart. It is speculated that the way in which asbestos fibers traveling to the heart through the lymphatic system or the cardiovascular patients. As with other types of mesothelioma, asbestos fibers cause the cells to stiffen the pericardium. This thickening effect on the pressure chambers of the heart. This in turn causes severe shortness of breath, chest pain, as well as thrombosis in veins. Over time, and causes thickening of mesothelial cells undergo unlimited division and growth, which leads to the formation of tumors. As with other species, the excess pressure buildup of tumor growth puts pressure on the heart contributes to congestive heart failure.