Malignant Mesothelioma – All about This Rare Cancer Disease

Malignant mesothelioma affects the lining or membranes of certain large cavities in the body. These cavities which is known as the serous cavities, houses certain major organs in the body, such as the lungs, heart, abdomen and others. The membranes which surround these cavities are called the serous membranes. Their duty is to protect these major organs from the friction and abrasion that may occur as the organs move against each other during typical daily functioning, for example, heart beating and breathing. The serous membranes have its origin from specialized cells known as mesothelial cells. These cells form to create the mesothelium, which is the major tissue layer of the serous membranes. It should be know that cancer that occurs in the mesothelium is known as mesothelioma.

There are three types, which are:
1. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of malignant mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lung cavity.
2. Peritoneal mesothelioma, in the peritoneum or membrane surrounding the abdomen. This is a rare form of peritoneal mesothelioma may also affect the male testicles; because of the lining around the scrotum is an extension of the peritoneum.
3. Pericardial mesothelioma, in the perdicardium or lining surrounding the heart.

Every mesothelioma is considered to be malignant or cancerous. They begin as a localized tumor and then spread rapidly to most of the surrounding tissues and organs. At first, fibrous cysts and other non cancerous growths that appeared in the serous membranes were thought to be mesotheliomas and were known as benign fibrous mesothelioma and multicystic mesothelioma. These conditions are now known not to originate in the mesothelial cells, but other cells within the serous membranes. Also, these conditions are typically localized, non cancerous and do not spread rapidly.

Etiology
Most cases of malignant mesothelioma are connected with a previous exposure to fibrous minerals, of which asbestos is the most important. There is now undeniable evidence of the role of these fibers in the development of this disease. There has been demonstration in animal experiments and so many other experiments. It should be known that not everyone who is exposed to asbestos fibers has developed this disease, suggesting that other factors can also be involved.
Though, malignant mesothelioma is rare, but it is a serious and deadly disease. It is some times in the advanced stages when it is detected; therefore the outlook for the mesothelioma patients is not as good as it is for patients with cancers that are detected earlier. According to a report, the average survival time after detection is 1-2 years and the survival time also depends on the type of mesothelioma.