Asbestos Cancer Types

Asbestos Cancer Types

Asbestos cancer or Mesothelioma is a deadly, aggressive and rare type of cancer that is caused due to the overexposure to asbestos. It develops in the mesothelial lining of the internal organs and body cavities. Since the symptoms are similar to those of the other diseases like pneumonia, influenza etc, its diagnosis is very difficult. The symptoms vary according to the location of the affected mesothelial lining. Based on this there are different types of asbestos cancer or mesothelioma.

1. Pleural Mesothelioma: This is the most common type that develops in the pleura or the pleural membrane, which is the lining of the lungs. This is developed when the thin asbestos fibers get trapped in the spaces between the pleura. Once these fibers are trapped they start to multiply abnormally resulting in the thickening of the pleural membrane. As a result fluid builds up in this region known as pleural effusion. This fluid pressurizes the lungs and the respiratory system causing breathlessness. The common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are:

• Severe breathing difficulty even when at rest
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Severe dry cough
• Coughing up of blood
• Pain in the chest area
• Painful breathing
• Small lumps under the skin of the chest
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Fever or night sweating

2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma: This develops when the asbestos fibers get trapped in the spaces between the peritoneum membranes of the abdomen. The trapped fibers start multiplying resulting in fluid build up, membrane thickening and development of tumors that puts pressure on the abdominal organs. The common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are:

• Fatigue and weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling and pain of abdomen
• Fever and night sweating
• Anemia
• Constipation or Diarrhea
• Lumps under the skin of the abdomen

3. Pericardial Mesothelioma: This develops when the fibers get trapped in the pericardial membrane which surrounds and protects the heart. These results in fluid build up and pressure on the heart. Since the symptoms are very similar to those of the other heart conditions it is difficult to diagnose this form of cancer. Some of the common symptoms are:

• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Heart murmurs
• Fever or night sweating
• Breathing difficulty

4.  Testicular Mesothelioma: This is the rarest form of malignant mesothelioma that develops in the membranous lining of the testicle. This membrane is known as the tunica vaginalis. It offers support and protection to the reproductive .organs. Because of its rarity there are no set symptoms for testicular mesothelioma except for a couple of noticeable symptoms which are:

• Swelling of the scrotum
• Lumps in the testicle

Treatment of this form of cancer involves the surgical removal of a portion or the entire testicle depending on the severity of the cancer. This is followed by chemotherapy and radiation to destroy the remaining cells.

In most cases the diagnosis is made only at a very late stage due to the long latency period of this disease. After exposure, it takes years for the symptoms to appear. Hence it not only makes the diagnosis difficult but also complicates the treatment procedures. So prevention is always better than cure as this is a 100% preventable disease.

Tagged as: Asbestos Cancer Types