What Is Mesothelioma, And How Does It Affect The Body?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. It attacks the lining of the lungs (the pleura), the lining of the sac surrounding the heart (the pericardium), or the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum).
There are three cancer cell types in mesothelioma: epithelioid, sarcomatous, and mixed, which includes both epithelioid and sarcomatous cells. These are abnormal cells which multiply and cause fluid build-up, thickening, or tumors, and therefore impede the normal structure and function of the heart, lungs, or abdominal organs.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may include shortness of breath, pain, or cough, as a result of fluid build up in the pleural space. On auscultation, normal breath sounds are diminished. Peritoneal mesothelioma can present as swelling or distention (increased girth related to ascites), or pain related to a mass. Symptoms of both are often non-specific in the early stages.
