Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is extremely dangerous and carcinogenic substances ever used regularly in widely used in industry and homes and buildings. Dust from the inhaled asbestos irreversible and cause damage to the lungs. The most common in industries that used asbestos, including construction, insulation, paper, building ships, railroads, auto parts and ceramics (2).

There are three main types of mesothelioma, the epithelial, sarcomatous (also called the fiber), and biphasic / mixed (2) (6). The most common epithelial is the type of the disease and is found in 50-70% of cases. Epithelial mesothelioma is a cancer of epithelial tissue, which is the membranes that line your internal organs. Epithelial mesothelioma has a better prognosis than other types (3), although still very deadly form of cancer.

The median length of life of a patient with mesothelioma only eleven months (1). This is because the disease is often not diagnosed and treated until much later, in the early stages because the symptoms are often very vague and include shortness of breath and chest pain (1). This is very important to consult a doctor immediately in a way without mild symptoms, especially if you know that you have been exposed to asbestos. If caught early, there is a better prognosis.

Mesothelioma live with the new price increase and more aggressive treatment. They are also much better if the disease is caught at an early stage of aggressive is the most effective treatment. There is a 50% rate after five years of life if the cancer was caught at stage 1 and aggressive treatment can be started immediately (4). Aggressive treatment is less effective in advanced stages and are used to try to stop the cancer spreading to other parts of the body (1).

Mesothelioma types is determined by medical tests and biological cells such as needle biopsies. However, often epithelial mesothelioma may be difficult to diagnose accurately because it can also be seen as highly anaplastic lung cancer or other metastatic cancer (5). Sometimes it's necessary to use diagnostic tool for accurate diagnosis.

Epithelial mesothelioma, as well as other types, can develop in different areas of the body. Can be found in the cells of the pleural lung, stomach or in the pericardium. The most common place for the existing form in the cells of the pleural lung, which reaches 60% of cases (3), with the membrane (abdominal) involvement is also very common. Pericardial mesothelioma occurs when cancer develops in the membrane, or epithelial tissue, around the heart and is actually quite rare (1).

Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest discomfort, chest pain and others such as pneumonia symptoms. Many times there may be no symptoms at all until the more advanced stage of cancer (3). Membrane, or abdominal mesothelioma can also cause shortness of breath, and weight gain, bowel problems, anemia, swelling of the feet and swelling in the abdomen.

Treatment for epithelial mesothelioma is more similar to other types of mesothelioma and can include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Maintenance and operations performed more frequently depending on the cancer stage and the region located in the body of the type of mesothelioma. Chemotherapy has not proven to be very effective in epithelial cancers (2) and not used alone, although still can be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment.

Chemotherapy and radiation used to kill cancer cells and thereby reduce the size of the tumor. However, this treatment will also kill and destroy healthy cells as well, which produces the various symptoms associated with the type of treatment. You have to understand all the risks and side effects that occurred in the pre-treatment and ready with what is expected.

There are several options available to operations that epithelial mesothelioma, depending on the stage of cancer, the affected areas of the body, and under certain circumstances as a whole. Your doctor will go through the options available to you and all the benefits and risks of each. You should also make sure to ask your doctor lots of questions and make sure you have a thorough understanding of your situation to be able to make decisions about your care.

Surgery for epithelial mesothelioma can be used for various medical reasons. Treatment, including surgery, can be used to try to heal or to improve the longevity and life chances. Sometimes surgery is used to reduce the patient's symptoms and make them more comfortable. This is known as palliative surgery (1) and is often an option for cancer patients is more advanced.

Receiving a diagnosis of epithelial mesothelioma is a very scary and experience. Many patients received a diagnosis through a variety of intense emotions that closely resembles the process of grieving, including denial and anger. This is a normal human response, though not to let this get in the way to take charge of your situation and receive prompt treatment. Action and involvement can make a difference in the lives and quality of the final result.

'Epithelial Mesothelioma' Resources:

Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment Center. "Epithelial mesothelioma cancer." Epithelial mesothelioma: Early Detection and Treatment. Date documented.

Accessed: July 24, 2007. WebMD. "Mesothelioma." Emedicine from WebMD. February 9, 2007.

Accessed: July 24, 2007. News asbestos. "Epithelial malignant Mesothelioma." Asbestos News: devoted mesothelioma and Information About Asbestos Exposure. 2006.

The following articles in Pericardial mesothelioma will explain this condition is, what causes and symptoms of Pericardial mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is a type of cancer associated with asbestos that affects the lining that surrounds the heart muscle. Although the form of mesothelioma is sometimes referred to as lung cancer, cancers that initially did not really affect the lungs. Pericardial mesothelioma affects the lining of the heart, which is the medical term for the lining of the heart, and serous membranes of the lungs.

Pericardial mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure. Long exposure and inhalation of asbestos dust, which made the building, maintenance, and repair of goods containing asbestos, is the only known cause of pericardial mesothelioma (5). However, he did not really understand how these asbestos dust, or microscopic asbestos fibers are brought, became trapped in the pericardium or membranes. One theory is that asbestos fibers in the damaged lungs and transferred via the bloodstream to the pericardium and serous membranes. With other types of thin mesothelioma have been shown the system to assist in the transfer of asbestos fibers from one part of the body. This route can also explain the distribution of fibers that cause pericardial mesothelioma (5).

Since the spread of fiber is more difficult for this region of the body of pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of the disease. In fact, the type of asbestos cancer contributed only 6% of all mesotheliomas (1).

Exposure to asbestos and asbestos dust does not directly result in mesothelioma. In fact, these symptoms may take up to thirty years for the first time appeared. That is why it is important to understand the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma if you've been there for exposure to asbestos dust. A clear understanding of the symptoms and knowledge about what to look for early signs of this disease may increase the chance of early diagnosis and treatment increase the likelihood of success.

Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms are similar to symptoms seen with pleural mesothelioma and include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing continued, heart Palpitations, extreme and fatigue after the light energy or activity (2). Although it is best to recognize the symptoms and documents in the early development of pericardial mesothelioma, most symptoms do not occur until the disease has progressed into the later stages.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma is not directly due to the disease itself. Conversely, symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and heart Palpitations, caused by an accumulation of fluid around the heart. This fluid is not a symptom of pericardial mesothelioma. On the other hand is a by-product that has expanded cancerous tumors (1). As pericardial mesothelioma grows in the lining of the heart that causes an expansion of the surrounding tissue. This expansion led to the building of the excess fluid puts pressure on surrounding organs like the liver and lungs. This pressure is actually a cause of chest pain and shortness of breath. Swelling in the network will also reduce the space to be allowed inhaled air, thus reducing the oxygen available to the body. Reduced oxygen supply can cause early and extreme fatigue.

If anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure began to suffer symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma is important that they seek medical attention immediately. A prompt and proper diagnosis is the first step in the treatment of mesothelioma. After a diagnosis of alternative medicine, such as surgery, can increase the rate of long-term individual life.

In order to physicians to make an accurate diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma are many steps must be taken and various tests to be done. Most medical professionals begin the process of medical diagnosis full of history. This history will contain detailed questions about asbestos exposure, such as the date of exposure, circumstances of exposure, and duration of asbestos exposure. The next step in testing is usually pericardial mesothelioma medical imaging. Most traditional doctors starting with x-ray to get a general picture of heart health. From there the doctor to find more detail with CT scans and MRIs. A biopsy, a procedure where a small needle inserted into the affected tissue in order to draw a sample of suspected mesothelioma, can be used to confirm or deny the existence of mesothelioma in the lining of the heart (6).

Currently this test is the only reliable method for detecting and diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma, or any mesotheliomas. Current research, but focused on the development of more accurate testing method. This diagnostic aids are designed to promote early detection and help prolong the life diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma (3).

After an accurate diagnosis of pericardial mesothelomia has made correct treatment can be started. However, it is important to understand that the cure for mesothelioma is not currently available and most forms of treatment that is focused not to make the patient comfortable during the development of the disease and prolonging life in affected individuals (6).

Options for treatment of pericardial mesothelioma include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and drug therapy. The operation is usually not recommended for treatment of pericardial mesothelioma unless disease is caught in a very early stage when the procedure would be most effective. Radiation therapy, a procedure that employs both high-energy radiation in the form of an x-ray-emitting radiation or materials incorporated into the body affecting the region, which is used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors large pericardial mesothelioma. Types of treatment therapy has proven to be most successful with the type of mesothelioma cancer and usually one treatment done.

Chemotherapy, a procedure in which drugs and chemicals are injected into the veins, is also used to target and kill cancer cells. This type of treatment is the second most common form is used to treat pericardial mesothelioma but also contain a high risk for side effects that are not desirable.

One type of pericardial mesothelioma treatment involves removal of fluid from the chest and abdominal areas. This procedure, thoracentesis and paracentesis, are not actually treat or cure the mesothelioma, they instead focus on relieving the pressure caused by fluid build up and relieving the pain and symptoms associated with the building.

Events pericardial mesothelioma research aimed at finding new ways to treat and cure this form of cancer. IMRT (Instensity Modulated Radiation Therapy), PDT (Photodynamic Therpay), gene therapy, biological therapy, and new drugs such as Alimta and Veglin is showing promising results and offers new hope for those diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma (4).

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare disease and death directly linked to asbestos exposure. Greatest chance of life lies in early detection so that every person who has been exposed to asbestos dust are encouraged to seek regular in the middle of check-ups and legal advice.

'Pericardial Mesothelioma' Resources:

Warren WH: The clinical diagnosis and manifestation of mesothelioma. In Mesothelioma: Diagnosis and Management. Edited by CF intriguing. Chicago: Year Book, 1987: 31.

Pass HI: Emerging translational therapies for mesothelioma. Chest 1999, 116:455 S-460S. Quinn DW: Pericardial mesothelioma: the diagnostic dilemma of misleading images. Ann Thorac Surg 2000, 69:1926-1927.