Mesothelioma Type

Mesothelioma is caused by long-term, repeated exposure to asbestos fibers. The disease is generally found in four different forms: pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and testicular. In each case, the cancer develops in mesothelial cells, which form the membranous linings that surround and protect organs. The different names for each type of mesothelioma refer to the point of origin of the cancer. 

Mesothelial membranes are made up of two different layers, called the parietal and visceral layers. Parietal layers are outer layers, and these typically cover large areas such as the chest cavity (in the case of pleural and pericardial membranes) and the abdominal cavity (as in the case of peritoneal membranes). Visceral layers are those that cover organs such as the lungs and heart. Mesothelioma develops in these membranes when asbestos fibers become trapped in the spaces between mesothelial cells. 

Mesothelioma is a particularly aggressive type of asbestos cancer, and is highly resistant to treatment, resulting in very high mortality rates and poor prognosis for people diagnosed with the disease. In general, pleural mesothelioma responds more positively to treatment, particularly if the disease is diagnosed early. However, all forms of mesothelioma are difficult to diagnose, and unfortunately, it is common for the disease to be diagnosed too late for treatment to be effective.

Benign Mesothelioma

In most cases, forms of asbestos cancers, such as mesothelioma, do not surface for 20 to 50 years after exposure. However, a rare disease known as benign (non-malignant) mesothelioma can occur much sooner. Since it is not a form of cancer, benign mesothelioma is typically addressed easily and immediately once detected. It can also act as a sort of "wake-up call," prompting the patient's doctor to search for other asbestos-related diseases, or at least signal the need for consistent monitoring.

In contrast to malignant mesothelioma, which has an extremely high mortality rate, effective treatment and full recovery is possible for most people who are diagnosed with benign mesothelioma.

Malignant Versus Benign Mesothelioma

Tumors form when previously healthy cells begin rapid division. This rapid pace of cellular growth leads to the formation of tumors as cells mass on top of one another, forming a solid lump of cells. Tumor cells are not all the same, which may be classified as benign or malignant. It is important to note that benign tumors are not cancerous. The term cancer only refers to malignant tumors.

There are two important differences between malignant and benign tumor cells. First, malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues and cause damage to healthy tissues and organs, whereas benign cannot. Second, malignant tumor cells can 'relocate' to other parts of the body by traveling through the blood or lymphatic system. When this occurs, these cells can begin forming new cancerous tumors in other locations.

What is Benign Mesothelioma?

More recently referred to as a "solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura," benign mesothelioma - as the name indicates - is usually not cancerous, though cancerous forms can occur from time to time.

Appearing more in men than women, these tumors usually start in the tissues under the mesothelium, which is known as the submesothelium. A similar tumor may grow in the peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen. Doctors have appropriately named that disease "solitary fibrous tumor of the peritoneum."

 

Why is this Tumor Different?

The most important difference between these benign mesothelioma tumors and the cancerous forms is that these tumors do not spread, invading adjacent tissue. On the other hand, malignant tumors often spread quite quickly, making mesothelioma treatment difficult and non-effective.

 

Symptoms of Benign Mesothelioma

Benign mesotheliomas are actually very rare. They account for less than 10 percent of all mesothelioma cases worldwide. However, they do occur, usually presenting symptoms that are quite similar to those connected with malignant pleural mesothelioma. As a matter of fact, it is nearly impossible to differentiate between the two without extensive testing or surgical procedures.