Malignant Mesothelioma treatment programs depend on many factors which primarily include the mapping of the stage at which the cancer is and the extent to which it has spread. It also depends on the location in the body that has been affected. Different cancer cells have different features and growth patterns and this too governs the treatment program. Most importantly, the age and the complications of the individual also need to be considered.

What is Mesothelioma?

There are many types of cancers and Mesothelioma is one of them. This type of cancer attacks the lungs and the cavity in the chest. It is a type of cancer that is caused by the exposure to asbestos and therefore it is also termed as asbestos lung cancer. In this form of cancer tumors are formed in the mesothelial cells which actually protect the lungs, abdominal organs and also the heart by building a protective shield.

Mesothelioma takes many years to actually develop and manifest symptoms. At present every year there are about 300 cases that are reported the world over and these numbers are expected to increase to about 300.000 by the year 2030. It mostly affects men who are above the age of 40 years. The Mesothelioma life expectancy is narrowed down to less than two years.

Different types of Mesothelioma

The first type is called Epithelial Mesothelioma which is a rare type of malignant Mesothelioma. This cancer affects the inner membrane of the cavity in the chest, heart, abdominal cavity and lungs. In this type of cancer there are three forms; the first one being Pleural Mesothelioma. This type is the most commonly seen one and it affects the Pleura which is the membrane that exists in between the cavity of the chest and the lungs. This has two types and one of them is a Malignant Mesothelioma. The Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pericardial Mesothelioma are outcomes of the infection and get malignant in no time at all. The mesothelioma life expectancy in this case is much less than that of the other cancers.

Is Malignant Mesothelioma the same as lung cancer?

Mesothelioma or cancer of the lung lining is different from lung cancer. This lining is called mesothelium and that is the reason why the condition is termed as Mesothelioma. Though the main cause of Mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos, it is not the only cause. When the cancer spreads to other organs and it is termed as malignant and may not always be because of asbestos.

The Mesothelioma life expectancy is much less than that of lung cancer. There are three stages in this type of cancer and they are measured by the Butchart, TNM and Brigham systems. Each of these systems has different stages for diagnosing the cancer. Each of them have four stages with the first stage being the diagnosis and the last stage being mapping of the spread of the cancer to other organs. Clinical staging is pivotal to understand the onslaught and take the necessary action, including legal assistance for compensation.