HealthTree Blog

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium (the layer of tissue that covers the internal organs). It can affect several different organ systems. The three main system this cancer affects are: The abdominal organs, this is known as peritoneal mesothelioma; the heart; which is known as pericardial mesothelioma; and the lungs-pleural mesothelioma.

Pericardial mesothelioma can lead to heart damage by affecting the covering of they heart and can cause irregular heart rhythm. The heart must work harder to circulate blood through the body and can lead to fluid around the heart and heart failure. If there is already a problem with the heart a person may suffer a heart attack due to the additional strain.

Cancer that affects the lungs, pleural mesothelioma, causes fluid to build up between the lungs and the chest wall. This put pressure on the lungs and cause chest pain, coughing and difficult breathing. Often this fluid needs to be removed by inserting a needle and draining the fluid. As this cancer progresses, more and more fluid builds up and will need to be drained more frequently.

Peritoneal mesothelioma causes abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, weight loss and anemia. A loss of appetite is one problem of this cancer. The liver and gallbladder can also be affected.

Other complications of mesothelioma can include: Dysphasia is which a problem swallowing food. This is a rare occurrence and usually is found only in advance stages of the cancer.

Superior Vena Cava Syndrome occurs when the superior vena cava vein (which carries blood from the heart to the upper part of the body) becomes blocked. This leads to airway obstruction and shortness of breath.

As the cancer worsens tumors may appear in other parts of the body including the liver and the bones. Since there is not cure for mesothelioma, treatment is given to improve the quality of life of the patient.