Mesothelioma Cancer

At North Houston Cancer Clinics, we promise our patients to provide the best support and education to make their cancer journey smooth. We have high-technology diagnostic tools and procedures for the early and accurate detection of Mesothelioma. We are committed to offering the best Mesothelioma treatments to our patients.

What Is Mesothelioma Cancer ?

Mesothelioma is a severe type of cancer that starts to develop in the thin lining of some tissues that help to cover most of the internal organs of your body. It is mainly because of asbestos exposure. It is an aggressive type of cancer that can become deadly and life-threatening to the patients. For most people, mesothelioma treatment is possible, but in some cases, mesothelioma treatment is not possible. It mainly affects the mesothelium, a membrane covering most organs, including the lungs, abdominal areas, heart, and testicles. More than 3000 people have been diagnosed with this aggressive Mesothelioma in recent years, and people, primarily men, are likely to develop Mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Cancer Treatments & Diagnostics

Whenever the patient or physician suspects signs and symptoms, they must perform tests to confirm the Mesothelioma diagnosis. Many diagnostic tests are available today that help accurately diagnose Mesothelioma.

If any abnormal growth tumor or fluid is detected around the lungs in the pleural cavity, doctors recommend performing these imaging scans, which include CT scan, MRI, or PET. Scans will create images of that specific area that doctors can see.

A biopsy is a minor procedure used for mesothelioma diagnosis. In this procedure, doctors will take a small sample from the tissue and observe this sample to check the malignant cells of Mesothelioma. It is a necessary step for the confirmation of mesothelioma cancer.

Blood tests are used to detect the changes in the blood sample. Still, blood tests alone are not enough for mesothelioma diagnosis as these tests only indicate biomarkers in the blood.

Risk Factors of Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma’s leading cause is exposure to asbestos, and people who are in direct contact with asbestos are always at high risk of developing Mesothelioma. The amount of asbestos does not directly depend upon the stage of Mesothelioma.
Staff and workers are at high risk because they work in industries with higher rates of asbestos exposure. They can only do a little to avoid this as they have to do their jobs.
Families of those workers are also at high risk because asbestos can affect them as workers bring the minute fibers of asbestos along with their clothes and hair. This is considered secondary exposure.
Auto mechanics, auto workers, aircraft mechanics, mine workers, insulators, HVAC workers, and firefighters are risky professions for asbestos exposure.

Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma Cancer

The common symptoms of Mesothelioma start to develop with time. They did not appear in the early stages but began to occur after several exposures to asbestos. Common symptoms include chest pain, persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, redness, and swelling in the fingertips with extreme weakness and fatigue. Moreover, other symptoms of Mesothelioma include feeling sick and changes in bowel movements, causing diarrhea and constipation.

At North Houston Cancer Clinics, our professional team educates all the patients about the signs and symptoms that must be considered. These signs and symptoms are significant factors that help diagnose Mesothelioma.

Types of Mesothelioma Cancer

Following are some types of Mesothelioma depending upon the location of tumors present. Other than these categories, Mesothelioma can be divided into three more subcategories depending on the cells.

means this tumor has epithelioid cells, which are the same as epithelial cells, and it is the most common type of Mesothelioma and gives the best response upon treatment.

In this type of Mesothelioma, the tumor contains sarcoma cells, which are generally the same as cancer cells, and this type responds well to immunotherapy treatment.

is characterized by a tumor that contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It means this type of cancer occurs in the pleural cavity and the peritoneum.

There are four more types depending on the organs

It is a kind of Mesothelioma that affects the pleural cavity and is responsible for covering and protecting the lungs. It is considered the most common among all types of Mesothelioma.

It is a kind of Mesothelioma that affects the peritoneal cavity responsible for protecting your abdominal cavity. It is the second most common cancer, which causes tumors in the peritoneum.

It is a kind of Mesothelioma that directly affects the surrounding and lining of the pericardium, a layer that provides protection and support to the heart. It is a rare form of Mesothelioma.

Testicular Mesothelioma is the least common form of Mesothelioma, and it develops in the lining of the testicles, called tunica vaginalis. It also causes swelling and pain in the surrounding tissues.

Types of cancer we treat in North Houston Cancer Clinics

Frequently Asked Question

What is the leading cause of Mesothelioma?

The main reason for Mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. It is the only reported cause that is known. Asbestos is a fire-like mineral used to make brake pads and roof materials.

What are some facts about Mesothelioma?

About 80% of patients with Mesothelioma show that it is caused by asbestos, and that is the reason asbestos exposure is considered to be the single causative agent for Mesothelioma.

What organs and areas of the body are affected by Mesothelioma?

The area around your anus will become red and sore after the radiotherapy treatment. It will make you feel some pain, but not to that extent.

Is Mesothelioma a genetic disease?

No, Mesothelioma is not a hereditary disease, as it is caused by exposure to asbestos. However, some risk factors can be transmitted through genes.

CANCERS WE TREAT

TREATMENT OPTIONS

DIAGNOSING CANCER

INTEGRATIVE CARE