Mesothelioma cancer affects the lining or membranes of some large cavities in the body. The major organs in the body including the heart, abdomen, lungs etc are contained in these cavities, otherwise known as the serous cavities. Serous membranes are the membranes which surround these cavities. The protection of the major organs from friction and abrasion that occur as the organs move against each other during daily functioning like breathing and heart beating is done by serous membranes. Specialized cells called mesothelial cells form to create the mesothelium, which is the major tissue layer of the serous membranes. Mesothelioma is the cancer that affects the mesothelium tissue.

There are mainly three forms of mesothelioma. The peritoneal mesothelioma affects the peritoneum or membrane which surrounds the abdomen. Sometimes it is found that the cancer affects male testicles, as the lining around the scrotum is an extension of peritoneum. The second form called pericardial mesothelioma attacks the pericardium, which is the lining surrounding the heart. The third and most common malignant cancer known as pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lung cavity.

The mesothelioma cancer which starts as a localized tumor spreads very fast to the nearby tissues and organs. The gristly cysts and other growths which appeared in the serous membrane were initially thought to be benign fibrous mesothelioma. In fact, such conditions do not start in mesothelial cells but other cells within the serous membranes. They do not spread fast as they are localized.

There is proof that mesothelioma is caused by previous exposure to asbestos. It is a rare, serious, deadly disease and it is during the advanced stages that the cancer is detected. Hence a complete cure is normally out of question and the average survival time after the diagnosis is one to two years. The type of mesothelioma is also a determining factor of the survival time.

Both traditional and modern treatment procedures are available for tackling mesothelioma cancer. Traditional treatment procedures include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Sometimes doctors use a combination of methods according to their discretion. Palliative treatment, ie, treating the symptoms, is resorted, once the cancer assumes larger proportions.

If you enjoyed this write up about mesothelioma cancer treatment, then most definitely check over this different website discussing peritoneal mesothelioma.