Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that starts in the mesothelium, the thin tissue layer which covers many internal organs. It is considered to be a deadly form of cancer. This aggressive disease can be treated with a variety of procedures and therapies. But as of now, there is no complete cure for the condition.

This form of cancer occurs due to a mutation in the DNA. As abnormal cells grow and multiply out of control, they aggregate and form a tumor. Researchers have found that the primary risk factor for mesothelioma is prolonged exposure to asbestos. This form of cancer is also gentically inherited.

There are several types of mesothelioma based on which part of the mesothelium has been affected. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, and it affects the tissue that covers the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare form of the disease that affects abdominal tissues.

Symptoms of mesothelioma
The symptoms of this disease differ based on the type of mesothelioma that a patient suffers from.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are:

• Chest pain
• Lumps of tissue below the skin of the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained loss of body weight
• Painful coughing

The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are:

• Swelling of the abdomen
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained loss of body weight
• Nausea

There are no clear symptoms of the other forms of the disease because these types are quite rare. Pericardial mesothelioma affects the tissues that surround the heart. Its symptoms include chest pain and difficulty in breathing. Another type, known as malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis, affects the surrounding tissues of the testicles. The symptoms of this type include a mass growing on the testicle or swelling of the testicle.

If one faces any of the symptoms of mesothelioma mentioned above, it is advisable to visit a doctor at the earliest. One should inform their doctor if they have been exposed to asbestos so that they can make a well-informed diagnosis and recommend the most effective treatment accordingly.