Mesothelioma Cancer Basics

Mesothelioma is rare form of cancer, affecting about 2,000 Americans a year, found in the sac-like lining around many of the body's internal organs. The most common form is pleural mesothelioma, which is cancer of the lining surrounding the lungs. This type accounts for about 60% of all cases. Other types include mesothelioma of the peritoneum (lining around the abdomen), occurring at about a 40% rate, and the pericardium (lining around the heart), which accounts for only a fraction of all cases. The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos mineral fibers. Mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos-related diseases, lays dormant in the body from 20-50 years or more after original asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma is found in the body in two forms: benign and malignant. Benign mesothelioma is non-cancerous and can usually be removed and cured through surgery. Malignant mesothelioma is cancerous, and a very aggressive disease. The life expectancy for patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma ranges from 4-24 months since this cancer is difficult to treat and spreads rapidly.

Symptoms

Because the symptoms associated with mesothelioma are common to many diseases and illnesses, it is often difficult to diagnose mesothelioma in its early stages. The earliest symptoms are usually chest or abdominal pain and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include:

Pleural Mesothelioma

Coughing and coughing up blood
Fever
Difficulty sleeping
Swelling of face and arms
Loss of appetite
Muscle weakness