Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused almost entirely by exposure to asbestos. This asbestos cancer is aggressive and considered terminal, meaning there is no cure. It affects the lining around several organs called the mesothelium. The mesothelium produces fluid that lubricates and protects the organs as they function and move.
A couple of different kinds of cells can be affected by mesothelioma. One of those kinds is the epithelial cells. Since mesothelioma cancer can spread to other types of cells and move throughout the body, epithelial mesothelioma is the name for mesothelioma that begins in the epithelial lining.
How does Epithelial Mesothelioma Form?
Epithelial mesothelioma almost always begins years earlier with exposure to asbestos. When asbestos is present in an environment, its tiny fibers can become airborne dust and be inhaled or ingested. When these fibers enter the body, they migrate to certain areas, such as the mesothelium, where they become stuck and do not break down. In some people, over time, the fibers cause changes in the cells nearby that eventually lead to cancer. When the cells affected are epithelial cells, the victim has developed epithelial mesothelioma.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Mesothelioma has a long latency period. This means that many years, frequently decades, can pass between the date the victim breaths in or swallows the asbestos fibers and begins having symptoms. Often, the disease becomes rather advanced before symptoms become severe enough to seek the advice of a physician.
Symptoms
The symptoms of epithelial mesothelioma depend on the organ or area of the body where the cancer is:
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