Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatments
The diseased defined Mesothelium is the protective tissue that covers the chest, abdominal cavity and the cavity around the heart and also produces a special lubricating fluid that allows the internal organs of the body to move. Malignant Mesothelioma can be defined as cancer of the mesothelial cells become abnormal and start dividing without any order. Most mesothelioma patients have a history of asbestos exposure.
Types of Malignant Mesothelioma Malignant Mesothelioma or simply Mesothelioma can be divided into three main types namely – Epithelioid – sarcomatoid – mixed / biphasic, Epithelioid is the most common (50 to 70% of cases) and represents the best chance of recovery. Sarcomatoid type is seen in cases of 7% to 20% whereas a mixed / biphasic is seen in cases of 20% to 35%.
Approximately ¾ of all cases of mesothelioma originates in the chest cavity (pleura) and is known as pleural mesothelioma. The cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) is called peritoneal mesothelioma and harmful space “sac like” around the heart (pericardial cavity) is called pericardial mesothelioma. Mesothelioma at times also affects the top layer of the testicles. However, the latter two cases are very rare.
Diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma tumors of the mesothelium can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). So whenever there are symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain / swelling in the belly or abdomen, you should consult your doctor immediately.
After the initial X-rays and tests, the doctor may look inside the chest cavity (in the case of pleural tumor) with an instrument called a thoracoscope and the test is called thoracoscopy. In case of tumor in peritoneum the doctor can go for peritoneoscopy with the help of tool called a peritoneoscope. Finally, if the abnormal tissue is found, then a biopsy is done, through which a piece of abnormal tissue is cut and placed under the microscope for examination.
After a confirmed diagnosis of mesothelioma is also essential to determine its stages ie whether it is located on stage or in advanced stages. In the localized phase, the cancer is found in the lining of the chest or diaphragm or lung. Advanced malignant Mesothelioma can again be divided into three phases: phase II, III and IV. In phase II, the cancer spreads beyond the lining of the chest to lymph nodes and stage III spreads in the chest wall, center of the chest, heart, through the diaphragm or abdominal lining, etc.. The final or fourth stage is when the cancer has spread to distant organs.
Treatment depending on the stage of cancer, its location and health, age and medical history, three types of treatments are mated out to malignant mesothelioma patients from surgery (to remove the tumor), radiation therapy (application of high-energy rays) and chemotherapy (using combinations of drugs). This far, if there is any accumulation of fluid in the chest or abdomen, then the doctor needs to drain it and the process is regarded as thoracentesis and paracentesis respectively.
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