Mesothelioma
Information for people with Mesothelioma and their carers
What is Mesothelioma?
This is about the disease itself and is written in a ‘question and answer’ format to answer the most common questions asked about mesothelioma. I’m sure there are many more which are beyond the scope of this small booklet, but further sources of
information and advice are listed in part
Mesothelioma (also known as ‘diffuse’ or ‘malignant’ Mesothelioma) is a form of cancer, which affects the thin membranes which line the chest (pleural mesothelioma). Less commonly it can affect the linings of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). It may also surround the organs found within these cavities for example the heart, lung and intestines.
Pleural Mesothelioma
The pleural lining has two layers - an inner (visceral) layer which lines the lung and an outer (parietal) layer which lines the chest wall. The pleura produce fluid to lubricate the space between the two layers allowing the layers to slide comfortably over each other as we breathe.Pleural Mesothelioma causes the pleura to thicken. This may make it press on the lung or attach itself to the chest wall. Fluid, sometimes several litres, can collect between the two layers and cause
breathlessness. This is known as a Pleural effusion
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The peritoneum also has two layers, the inner (visceral) layer which is next to the abdominal organs and the outer (parietal) layer which lines the abdominal wall. Peritoneal Mesothelioma causes the peritoneum to thicken and fluid to collect in the abdomen, this collection of fluid is called ascites and causes the abdomen to swell. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is much less common than Pleural Mesothelioma.
What is Mesothelioma?
This is about the disease itself and is written in a ‘question and answer’ format to answer the most common questions asked about mesothelioma. I’m sure there are many more which are beyond the scope of this small booklet, but further sources of
information and advice are listed in part
Mesothelioma (also known as ‘diffuse’ or ‘malignant’ Mesothelioma) is a form of cancer, which affects the thin membranes which line the chest (pleural mesothelioma). Less commonly it can affect the linings of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). It may also surround the organs found within these cavities for example the heart, lung and intestines.
Pleural Mesothelioma
The pleural lining has two layers - an inner (visceral) layer which lines the lung and an outer (parietal) layer which lines the chest wall. The pleura produce fluid to lubricate the space between the two layers allowing the layers to slide comfortably over each other as we breathe.Pleural Mesothelioma causes the pleura to thicken. This may make it press on the lung or attach itself to the chest wall. Fluid, sometimes several litres, can collect between the two layers and cause
breathlessness. This is known as a Pleural effusion
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The peritoneum also has two layers, the inner (visceral) layer which is next to the abdominal organs and the outer (parietal) layer which lines the abdominal wall. Peritoneal Mesothelioma causes the peritoneum to thicken and fluid to collect in the abdomen, this collection of fluid is called ascites and causes the abdomen to swell. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is much less common than Pleural Mesothelioma.
we hope Mesothelioma are solution for your problem.
