Epithelial Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused almost entirely by exposure to asbestos. This asbestos cancer is aggressive and considered terminal, meaning there is no cure. It affects the lining around several organs called the mesothelium. The mesothelium produces fluid that lubricates and protects the organs as they function and move.
A couple of different kinds of cells can be affected by mesothelioma. One of those kinds is the epithelial cells. Since mesothelioma cancer can spread to other types of cells and move throughout the body, epithelial mesothelioma is the name for mesothelioma that begins in the epithelial lining.
Diagnostic procedures and tests are typically conducted after a patient's symptoms do not subside. To accurately diagnose epithelial mesothelioma, a tumor, mass or build up of fluid must be spotted during an examination, x-ray, CT scan or MRI, and then a biopsy of the tissue or fluid must be examined by a pathologist. When the pathologist finds cancer in the epithelial cells of the mesothelium, a diagnosis of epithelial mesothelioma is given.
It is important to note that epithelial mesothelioma cells in the lungs can very closely resemble those of another type of cancer called adenocarcinoma. If you have a history of asbestos exposure and are diagnosed with adenocarcinoma rather than epithelial mesothelioma, it is highly recommended you seek a second opinion.
Curative treatments - this term is misleading because there is no cure for epithelial mesothelioma. The reason these kinds of therapies are called “curative” is because they attempt to eradicate cancer from the body, but as of yet, these treatments have at best only slowed the growth or spread of mesothelioma. Curative treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of any or all of these.
Palliative treatments - these therapies include medical treatments that are meant to ease the patient's pain or discomfort such as pain medicine or surgeries to drain fluid or remove large tumors that are creating pressure.
Palliative treatments also include alternative methods that may make the patient more comfortable, physically, emotionally or spiritually. Some examples of alternative palliative therapies include meditation or prayer, massage, nutritional supplements and a strict diet.
It is important to note that neither medical nor alternative palliative therapies have shown any evidence of curing the disease.
Experimental treatments - researchers are investigating new treatments to slow or cure epithelial cancer. Some of these treatments are still in an early stage of research. Others are available in clinical trials. At this time, none of the experimental treatments have been proven to cure mesothelioma, although some offer hope of a cure in the future. If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, discuss your interest with your physician to see if you are eligible.
A couple of different kinds of cells can be affected by mesothelioma. One of those kinds is the epithelial cells. Since mesothelioma cancer can spread to other types of cells and move throughout the body, epithelial mesothelioma is the name for mesothelioma that begins in the epithelial lining.
How does Epithelial Mesothelioma Form?
Epithelial mesothelioma almost always begins years earlier with exposure to asbestos. When asbestos is present in an environment, its tiny fibers can become airborne dust and be inhaled or ingested. When these fibers enter the body, they migrate to certain areas, such as the mesothelium, where they become stuck and do not break down. In some people, over time, the fibers cause changes in the cells nearby that eventually lead to cancer. When the cells affected are epithelial cells, the victim has developed epithelial mesothelioma.Diagnosis and Treatment
Mesothelioma has a long latency period. This means that many years, frequently decades, can pass between the date the victim breaths in or swallows the asbestos fibers and begins having symptoms. Often, the disease becomes rather advanced before symptoms become severe enough to seek the advice of a physician.Symptoms
The symptoms of epithelial mesothelioma depend on the organ or area of the body where the cancer is:- Pleural mesothelioma, affecting the lungs.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma, affecting the stomach or abdomen
- Rarely, pericardial mesothelioma, affecting the heart
- Very rarely, testicular mesothelioma, affecting the testicles
Diagnosis
Devastatingly, epithelial mesothelioma is most often diagnosed only when it has reached an advanced stage. This is because of the disease's long latency period coupled with its low incidence (only 2000 – 3000 cases a year are diagnosed in the United States).Diagnostic procedures and tests are typically conducted after a patient's symptoms do not subside. To accurately diagnose epithelial mesothelioma, a tumor, mass or build up of fluid must be spotted during an examination, x-ray, CT scan or MRI, and then a biopsy of the tissue or fluid must be examined by a pathologist. When the pathologist finds cancer in the epithelial cells of the mesothelium, a diagnosis of epithelial mesothelioma is given.
It is important to note that epithelial mesothelioma cells in the lungs can very closely resemble those of another type of cancer called adenocarcinoma. If you have a history of asbestos exposure and are diagnosed with adenocarcinoma rather than epithelial mesothelioma, it is highly recommended you seek a second opinion.
Treatment
Treatment for epithelial mesothelioma depends on several factors such as:- Where the cancer is located, the size of the tumor, and the pain or discomfort the patient is experiencing
- The patient's overall health
- Whether mesothelioma has spread to other areas of the body (the stage)
- The wishes of the patient and their family
Curative treatments - this term is misleading because there is no cure for epithelial mesothelioma. The reason these kinds of therapies are called “curative” is because they attempt to eradicate cancer from the body, but as of yet, these treatments have at best only slowed the growth or spread of mesothelioma. Curative treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of any or all of these.
Palliative treatments - these therapies include medical treatments that are meant to ease the patient's pain or discomfort such as pain medicine or surgeries to drain fluid or remove large tumors that are creating pressure.
Palliative treatments also include alternative methods that may make the patient more comfortable, physically, emotionally or spiritually. Some examples of alternative palliative therapies include meditation or prayer, massage, nutritional supplements and a strict diet.
It is important to note that neither medical nor alternative palliative therapies have shown any evidence of curing the disease.
Experimental treatments - researchers are investigating new treatments to slow or cure epithelial cancer. Some of these treatments are still in an early stage of research. Others are available in clinical trials. At this time, none of the experimental treatments have been proven to cure mesothelioma, although some offer hope of a cure in the future. If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, discuss your interest with your physician to see if you are eligible.
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