In later stages symptoms such as small bowel obstruction may be experienced. Epithelial malignant mesothelioma mainly affects adults between 50-70 years of age and its occurrence is directly related to a history of asbestos exposure. Individuals diagnosed with this type of cancer have been exposed to asbestos as children. Cases of spontaneous mesothelioma without exposure to asbestos exist but are rare.
Physical examination can only detect pleural thickening due to tumor infestation and signs of pleural effusion. The mesothelioma tumor develops mainly on the pleura and starts spreading via the pleural fissures and finally encases the lung surfaces. Epithelial malignant mesothelioma can spread along surgical incisions and needle tracks. In some cases mesothelioma has been associated with autoimmune hemolytic anemia and blood tests can be used to diagnose an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
Diagnosis of asbestos is done by using a combination of the history of asbestos exposure together with radiology and pathology exams. Deciduoid mesothelioma is a sub category of epithelial malignant mesothelioma in which the cells are large and have cytoplasm that stands out when viewed under the microscope. This type of epithelial cancer is found around the abdomen region. It is common among women. Prognosis varies for individuals diagnosed with epithelial malignant mesothelioma. Deciducoid sufferers have a better prognosis than those with either sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma.
Treatment is by radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and symptom palliation. Victims generally follow less aggressive treatment courses with the specific treatment option dependent on the patient. Life expectancy for people suffering from epithelial malignant mesothelioma is poor with the median survival rate being one year after diagnosis.
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