Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos or asbestos related materials. Like most other forms of cancer, it is separated into two groups, malignant and benign. Rarely is mesothelioma benign, so frequently any mention of the condition refers to its malignant state, known as a tumor. A malignant tumor will grow and expand, and can spread cancerous cells into other parts of the body.

There are three main types of malignant mesotheliomas cells: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and mixed/biphasic.

Epithelioid is the most common kind; 50-70% cases reported are of this type, which also has the best possibility of survival. This type affects the covering surrounding the internal organs and internal surfaces in the body. Sarcomatoid is much more serious, and it affects the secondary tissues such as bone, muscles, cartilage, and/or fat. This cell is much rarer, occurring 7-20% of the time. Mixed/biphasic refers to both types of cancers at once, and make up the rest of the 20-35% of the occurrences.

Aside from the types of cancerous cells, there are three main types of mesothelioma, and each affects a different area of the body. The three types of this deadly cancer are:

* Pleural Mesothelioma
* Peritoneal Mesothelioma
* Benign Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is found around the pleural cavity around the lungs, and is responsible for 75% of all mesothelioma diagnosed. The second most common form is called peritoneal mesothelioma and affects the tissues in the abdomen, namely the stomach and intestines, and it accounts for approximately 10-20% of all reported cases. The rarest form is called pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the sac and lining surrounding the heart.

Regardless of the area it affects, mesothelioma is fatal. Survival rates are usually 1-5 years after diagnosis, but medical technology is rapidly improving not only the length but also of the quality of life for those victims of asbestos exposure who contracted mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is truly one of the most devastating diseases imaginable. Thousands of people across the country must come to grips with the fact the asbestos industry put their own profits ahead of the safety of their employees and the public at large.

Source : resource4mesothelioma

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