There Are Two Main Types Of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, like other forms of cancer, can be divided into two groups: benign and malignant.

Benign mesothelioma refers to non-cancerous tumors develop in the pleura (layers of cells around the lungs). The main difference between benign and cancer is that it does not spread to other tissues. However, the symptoms of both benign and malignant tumors have the same shape and is often difficult to distinguish between the two, if not through the lung biopsies. However, less than 10% of mesothelioma cases are benign. Half of benign mesothelioma, there are no symptoms.

Patients can learn about the disease through a routine X-ray scanning in the lungs. The other side, the symptoms of benign mesothelioma include chest pain, chronic cough and fever. However, the most distinctive feature is the presence of identifying the fingers. This occurs when blood oxygen levels fall as a result of a distorted angle of the nail bed. Benign mesothelioma treatment is relatively easy. It is surgically removed tumors. Patients should continue to settle medical examination and chest radiograph for a benign mesothelioma does not develop a malignant form.

Malignant mesothelioma is the most common form of the disease. This type of mesothelioma can be classified in the place where there is the type of malignancy or cancer cells produced. Classification in the cancer site offers three types of mesothelioma:

(I), pleural mesothelioma: This has generated a protective lining and cavity of the lungs. Most of the symptoms associated with it for the accumulation of fluid in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (called pleural effusion). This leads to breathing, shortness of breath, persistent cough, coughing up blood and fever. This is the most common form of mesothelioma cancer account for 75% of all cases

(Ii) peritoneal mesothelioma: This is the development of cancer of the stomach and abdomen. Cancer usually begins in the abdomen and spreads to other parts of the body. Symptoms due to pressure of stomach cancer and stomach, causing abdominal pain, bloating, loss of appetite, vomiting, difficulty breathing, anemia and a host of other symptoms. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounted for 10-20% of mesothelioma cases.

(Iii) pericardial mesothelioma, affecting the lining of the heart chamber. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath and palpitations. This is the rarest form of mesothelioma, accounting for less than 10% of cases.

Another way to classify mesothelioma is through this type of cancer cells that arise. There are basically two types of mesothelioma cells: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cells occurs in the lining of the organs alone. The chances of survival are higher with this type of cancer. Sarcomatoid cells are difficult to treat because it affects the secondary tissues such as bones, muscles, cartilage ... etc. This type of cancer rarely responds to any type of treatment. In cases where the two cell types occurs, it is known as biphasic mesothelioma.