Mesothelioma develops from the tissue lining the surface of the chest, abdominal or heart cavities. Most mesotheliomas arise in the chest cavity and are called pleural mesotheliomas. In 10-20% of cases the tumor develops in the abdominal cavity - mesothelioma of the peritoneum. Mesothelioma of the pericardium are very rare.

Causes of malignant mesothelioma

Contact with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. The risk of developing mesothelioma depends on the intensity and duration of exposure to asbestos. Prolonged contact at a young age greatly increases the risk of mesothelioma. Smoking by itself does not affect the increase in the incidence of mesothelioma, but the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer.

Symptoms of malignant mesothelioma

Tumor for a long time may be asymptomatic and therefore often detected in late stages, which negatively influences the prognosis of the disease. Average survival is typically only 1-2 years.

Early symptoms of mesotheliomas are not specific. These patients are often ignored or taken for normal manifestations of non-tumorous diseases. In most patients, mesothelioma symptoms appear within 2-3 months prior to the detection of tumors.

In some patients symptoms may persist for 6 months or more. 50% of patients with pleural mesothelioma noted pain in the lower chest to the side or rear surface. Many patients complain of shortness of breath. In some cases there is difficulty swallowing, coughing, sweating, weakness, weight loss and fever. Almost all detected effusion, fluid in the pleural cavity.

Other symptoms can point to the voice hoarseness, coughing up blood, swelling of the face and upper extremities.

In patients with mesothelioma of the peritoneum can abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss. Some patients may receive the fluid in the abdomen (ascites) and / or tumor.