Mesothelioma is a Cancer that Attacks The Mesothelium

Mesothelioma is a cancer that attacks the mesothelium, the tissue that lines various organs of the body.

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There are four types of mesothelioma cancer

• Pleural mesothelioma (pleural mesothelioma), which is cancer that attacks the mesothelium lining the lungs (pleura). This type is the most common type.
• Peritoneal mesothelioma (peritoneal mesothelioma), namely mesothelioma in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
• Pericardial mesothelioma (pericardial mesothelioma), namely mesothelioma that attacks the protective layer of the heart organ.
• Testicular mesothelioma (testicular mesothelioma), which is mesothelioma that attacks the protective layer of the testes or testicles.

There is a benign tumor in the chest called solitary fibrous tumor which is sometimes called benign mesothelioma. These conditions are not included in mesothelioma which will be discussed.

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Causes of Mesothelioma

The exact cause of mesothelioma is not known. However, mesothelioma is always associated with exposure to asbestos or asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is widely used as a building construction material, such as roofing, because of its heat resistance and fire resistance. The use of asbestos has been officially banned since 1999.

When asbestos is destroyed, either during the mining process or building renovations, asbestos will produce fine fibers or dust. Asbestos fine fibers are very easily inhaled, then enter and settle in the organs of the body, especially the lungs. Ingested asbestos fibers can also move through the lymphatic system, settle, and infect cells in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

Exposure to asbestos can also affect the function of the reproductive organs and the heart. However, the exact process of its spread is not known because it is very rare.

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In general, there are several factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma

• Work environments that are prone to exposure to asbestos, such as mineral mines, construction sites, automotive industry, power plants, textile industry, and steel factories.
• Living in an old building or environment where the soil contains asbestos.
• Having family members who work in an environment prone to asbestos exposure. Asbestos can stick to skin and clothing, so asbestos can be carried into homes or other environments.
• Have a history of mesothelioma or genetic disorders that increase the risk of cancer.

In addition to asbestos, there are several other factors that can increase the risk of mesothelioma, although it is rare. These include exposure to the mineral erionite, radiation exposure from the chemical thorium dioxide used in X-ray examinations until the 1950s, and infection with simian virus (SV40).

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Symptoms of mesothelioma develop gradually and usually take 20-30 years for symptoms to appear. Patients may not feel any symptoms when mesothelioma is in its early stages. But over time, cancer cells will grow and press on nerves or other organs, causing symptoms.

Mesothelioma symptoms vary depending on the location of the presence of cancer cells. In pulmonary mesothelioma, the symptoms that may appear are as,

1. Fever with sweating, especially at night.
2. Excessive fatigue.
3. Cough with unbearable pain.
4. Shortness of breath due to fluid buildup in the lungs, precisely in the pleural cavity, which is the space between the two layers of pleura that line the lungs.
5. Weight loss for no apparent reason.
6. Chest pain.
7. Swelling and deformity of the fingertips (club fingers).
8. A lump appears in the tissue under the skin surface in the chest area.

Meanwhile, abdominal (peritoneal) mesothelioma has the following symptoms

1. Loss of appetite.
2. Weight decreased drastically.
3. Diarrhea.
4. Constipation.
5. Pain in the abdomen.
6. Swelling in the abdominal area.
7. A lump appears in the stomach.
8. Disturbances in defecation and urination.

Pericardial and testicular mesothelioma is a very rare type of mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma usually causes symptoms in the form of chest pain and breathing problems, while testicular mesothelioma is characterized by swelling or the appearance of a lump in the testicular area.

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Symptoms of mesothelioma are non-specific and can be caused by other conditions. Therefore, immediately see a doctor if you feel the above symptoms, especially if you have a history of exposure to asbestos.

So for the attention of all of us, if there is one of the relatives who experience the symptoms as above, it would be nice to immediately consult a doctor to anticipate unwanted events.

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