Understanding the Types of Malignant Mesothelioma Cancer

Testicular Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that has an effect on the body's mesothelium lining. The mesothelium is made up of mesothelial cells that form a layer covering the chest cavity, abdominal cavity, and many internal organs. This layer produces a fluid that lubricates and protects internal organs and helps with movement. The mesothelium of the chest cavity is called the pleura, while the mesothelium of the abdominal cavity is known as the peritoneum.

Mesothelioma tumors are either malignant or benign. The most common form of malignant mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma affects the chest cavity. Testicular mesothelioma, which occurs on the tunica vaginalis, is the rarest form of mesothelioma. The tunica vaginalis is the mesothelium lining that protects the testicles by pouching out from the peritoneum in a double layer. Overall, there have been fewer than a hundred cases of testicular mesothelioma.

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor in developing mesothelioma. Asbestos was used as a construction material because it resists burning and melting. Once the link to mesothelioma was discovered, asbestos was banned in most developing countries. Although asbestos is no longer used in many nations, it is still present in homes, buildings and schools that were made in the early 20th century. In addition, asbestos can also be found in mines, manufacturing facilities, shipyards, duct insulation and brake pads. Workers that were exposed to asbestos have a high risk of developing mesothelioma. Families of these workers may have encountered second-hand exposure from asbestos fibers attached to the worker's hair or clothing.

Most mesothelioma cases can be linked to asbestos exposure. The body cannot remove asbestos from the system, so any exposure is permanent.

Malignant mesothelioma symptoms are general and can be easily misdiagnosed. Symptoms can include the following:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anemia
• Loss of sensory capability
• Fatigue
• Night sweats/fever
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart palpitations
• Chest pain
• Trouble swallowing
• Weight loss
• A constant cough
• Hoarseness
• Loss of sensory capability
• Muscle weakness

In testicular mesothelioma, often the only symptom is a lump in the testicles. It is often found as an obvious tumor, but is sometimes discovered during a hernia repair. This finding can be associated with hydrocele, which is a fluid-filled sac surrounding the testicle, with or without a detectable mass. Testicular mesotheliomas are likely to recur within two years and spread to the lymph nodes, nearby organs, lungs, brain and chest cavity.

Because malignant mesothelioma is not a centralized tumor mass, it is hard to treat. The disease can spread to nerves, surfaces and blood vessels. Because of this, various treatments must be used to fight mesothelioma and treatment is usually not successful in advanced stages. If mesothelioma is diagnosed during the initial stage, surgery will usually be performed to remove the tumor. Radiation may be used if the patient's health cannot withstand a major operation. During the second and third stages, mesothelioma is usually incurable. Surgery can be performed to remove the cancer in addition to radiation and chemotherapy. These methods are usually used to relieve symptoms related to mesothelioma. During the fourth stage, malignant mesothelioma can spread to other organs. A hospice or supportive care is the best option for this advanced form.

Have you been diagnosed with Mesothelioma? Contact our Mesothelioma Lawyers now to protect your rights.

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