Testicular Mesothelioma

The rarest form of Mesothelioma is Testicular Mesothelioma. So far, less than 100 cases are recorded until now. It affects the lining or membrane that surrounds the tunica vaginalis which provides support and protection for the reproductive organ present inside the scortum. Exposure of asbestos is the main cause of this type of Mesothelioma. 

There is a hypothesis about that there are two possible origins of this disease. The tunica vaginalis where Testicular Mesothelioma develops made up of two layers; the outer layer (parietal) and the other is inner layer (visceral). On the serous membrane (serosa) of the tunica you can find firm yellowish white noodles. Sooner or later the noodles enclose the contents of scortum which causes tunica vaginalis to thicken and this result to the formation of tumors.

Signs and Symptoms

There is no particular or recognized symptom of this type of mesothelioma. This is just because of its rareness. In the number of cases the symptoms which are to be seen are swelling of scortum and emergence of lumps on testicles.

Let me tell you the most positive thing about Testicular mesothelioma is even though it is the rarest of all but it is also the most treatable type of Mesothelioma.

Treatment

The treatment of Testicular Mesothelioma generally includes removal of a part of testicle or even a whole testicle, if needed; it all depends on the extent of the cancer. When treating this cancer, chemotherapy is done first and then the radiation therapy is being done to destroy the remaining cancer cells.

Most often the Testicular Mesothelioma is a secondary tumor usually the primary tumor is to be found in the lining or membrane of abdominal cavity (peritoneum). In this situation, the case is not simple enough just to remove the testicle tumor, but in this type of scenario primary tumor must be treated as well.

When chemotherapy treatment is done on a patient, he/she is given chemotherapy medications through intravenous feeding (IV). This medicine kills the cancer cells quickly. Then, the patient undergoes radiation therapy through which the remaining cancerous cells are destroyed and also prevented the growth of new cancer cells by radiating the area that is affected.

According to clinically classification, Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Testicular Mesothelioma are the most aggressive types of Mesothelioma Cancer. This in fact means that these types of cancer spread very invasively and quickly. Even in some cases where tumors are removed through surgery, the Testicular Mesothelioma may reoccur!

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma affects the lining or membrane of the heart called pericardium. Not all but in majority of cases pericardium mesothelioma happens due to the exposure of asbestos. There are many patients of pericardial mesothelioma which have been exposed to asbestos at their workplaces or even in their homes. It is considered that pericardial mesothelioma is developed when fibers of asbestos enters to bloodstream and also make their way to the heart, from where they deposit in pericardium. Now the development of malignant tumors occurs, perhaps after a course of many years.

Pericardial mesothelioma is the very rarest type of mesothelioma as well as cancer too. About less than 200 cases are recorded until now. Because of the rareness of the disease physicians are not sure enough that just how the pericardial mesothelioma develops and advances.

Signs and Symptoms

Is it Pericardial mesothelioma?

Like other types of mesothelioma you will not notice the symptoms at early stages. In the later stages you will be mistaken the disease by the other heart conditions. So the pericardial mesothelioma is really hard to diagnose due to its rareness.

There are some common symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma which may include

• Pain in chest
• Heart murmurs
• Fatigue
• Issues of respiratory

Diagnosis

To be very sure whether a patient is suffering from pericardial mesothelioma or not, physician recommends MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The MRI shows how much the disease advances and also it helps the physician to choose a right treatment for you.

Treatment

Sadly, but I have to say that pericardial mesothelioma has a very poor diagnosis! This is due to some extent of the rareness of the disease and also to some extent due to the late prognosis. Over 50% of the patients of pericardial mesothelioma died within six months after a prognosis.

Most of the treatments of pericardial mesothelioma are designed to improve the quality of life of the patient. The symptoms of patient can noticeably improve for many weeks or months by draining the fluid which may build in the pericardium.

If the pericardium mesothelioma is diagnosed at earlier stage, it may be treated with radiation therapy and surgery. But the process of treatment is very difficult as the patient’s heart and other vital organs should not be excessively exposed to radiation.

As I have already discussed that Pericardial mesothelioma is very hard and difficult to diagnose that’s why the techniques of treatments are not that much advanced!

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdominal lining (peritoneum) which is why it is also called abdominal mesothelioma. This membrane covers and supports the organs of the abdomen.

The lining of abdominal cavity (peritoneum) is made up of two parts; the visceral layer that covers the internal organs and makes up the most of the outer layer of the intestinal tract and the other one is parietal peritoneum which covers the abdominal cavity.

Cells in these linings produce a fluid which let organs to move against each other easily. Like intestines is moving the food throughout the body. The cells of mesothelium are responsible to produce fluid. But when the cancer develops, it causes them to overproduce that create a buildup of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a very rare type of mesothelioma cancer. In US only 100 – 500 cases are diagnosed each year that makes up only less than thirty percent of all mesothelioma cases.

In most of the cases the pleural mesothelioma usually spreads to the peritoneal cavity, that’s why it is really essential to know that if the primary cancer is pleural or not.

Signs and Symptoms

Am I suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma?

This question must be arising in your mind, if this is the case go seek guidance with your doctor right away because diagnosis at early stage is very beneficial in this type of mesothelioma like every cancer. After the first exposure of asbestos it may take 20-30 years the symptoms to appear. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are so vague that it can be misunderstood by less serious medical issues. Because of this diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma becomes harder. So the best approach is if you have been ever exposed to asbestos then you should have regular check ups with your physician.

I am now discussing some very common symptoms:

 Swelling or pain in abdomen

The pain in abdomen is due to lots of solid tumor and while swelling is because of fluid retention. 

 Ascites

Abnormal collection of fluid in the abdomen is ascites. In cancer only 10% of ascites cases are being recorded out which peritoneal mesothelioma makes up a very small percentage. Ascites can cause swelling in abdomen, weight gain, an uncomfortable feeling, swelling of ankles and feet, indigestion and nausea. 

 Anemia

In anemia red blood cells are reduced below the normal range. Because of this the heart and other organs have to work harder to get the oxygen where it is needed. 

 Weight Loss

Regardless of the collection of fluid in abdomen, it increases the size of the waist but the appetite of the patient perhaps affected that cause weight loss.

  Obstruction in Bowel

 An obstruction in large or small intestine is quite uncommon, it usually occurs at later stages of peritoneal mesothelioma.

   Fever

 It can be caused because of the infection, obstruction in bowel or tumor can also cause fever.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are not unique so the observation is more required as compared to diagnosis.  Most of the symptoms are related to abdominal mesothelioma which seems to be less serious medical conditions.

Diagnosis

How it can be diagnosed?

The very first step is that your doctor should look your history, that if you have ever been exposed to asbestos or not. It may include your work history too along with your physical exam!

The next step should be followed by to get imaging of abdomen. It may include CAT scan (CT scan), X-ray or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Even though mesothelioma cannot be confirmed visually, tumors perhaps can be seen or excess of fluid can be seen also.

There are three main types of peritoneal mesothelioma tumors:

   Wet

 Related with swelling and ascites, small plaques and nodules are visible in this type of tumor.

   Dry

This is the most common type of tumor which is also painful, several small and one large in a similar way located peritoneal masses can be seen.

  Mixed

It is the combination of both wet and dry tumors. Paracentesis is performed to remove the excess fluid from the abdomen; a needle is inserted into the peritoneal cavity to remove the excess fluid and also to examine it by performing a test called cytologic. In this test specialists examine abnormal cells in fluid but it is not a very effective test for peritoneal mesothelioma.

Now the next step is most effective one in terms of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma and that is the collection of biopsy. In biopsy cells and tissues can be examined at microscopic level. Biopsy is usually performed at first because it is quite safe.  These tests use some special substances are used to mark the cells of cancer and it also color the protein.

At times further testing may require confirming this is because of the location of the tumors. So in this scenario the next step should be peritoneoscopy. In this test, a local anesthesia is being given and through a small incision with a tool called peritoneoscope doctor looks inside the abdomen. A large sample of biopsy can be collected through this test.  

Very often peritoneal mesothelioma is being misdiagnosed so it is very important to share your history of being exposed with asbestos with your physician as asbestos is considered the main cause of this type of mesothelioma.

So be aware of the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. As the awareness can save your life!

Pleural Mesothelioma

The lining of lungs (pleura) is made up of two parts; the visceral layer (inner) which is next to lung and the other one is parietal layer (outer) that covers the chest wall. When we breathe these two layer slide over each other and to make this process easier the membranes in the lungs produce a lubricating fluid. After developing pleural mesothelioma these two layers become thicker and then they push inward on the lungs. Due to this a number of signs and symptoms can be seen which I am going to cover below:

Signs and Symptoms

1.     Chest Pain: - Chest pain is caused when the layers of pleura push against lungs as well as you may experience pain in your arms and shoulders.

2.     Breathing Difficulty: - Breathing difficulty is caused when the outer and inner layers of pleura push against the lungs. Due to this, you may face some problems like hoarse throat, swallowing difficulty, coughing and shortness of breath.

3.     Pleural Effusion: - As I have already discussed that the membranes of lungs produce a lubricating fluid through which layers of pleura can easily slide against each other. But after developing pleural mesothelioma the fluid can be easily trapped as the inner and outer layers becomes thicker. Trapping of fluid is called pleural effusion. It can lead to difficulty in breathing and more chest pain.

If you are experiencing the above mentioned symptoms, don’t wait just go to your doctor. Inform your doctor about the symptoms you are feeling and also if you have been ever exposed to asbestos. As exposure of asbestos is the reason for the pleural mesothelioma. The doctor will recommend a number of tests for you for the confirmation. If the tests indicate about the pleural mesothelioma so he can suggest you the best treatment for you.

The reason for this post is to give you information about the most common type of mesothelioma so if you have a slightly feeling of these symptoms you should go to your doctor right way. The diagnosis can be done at early stage and hence treatment can be started at earliest.

Early prognosis can save your life and lead you to a happy life with your loved ones!

Side Effects of Treatment

Most of the cancer patients claim that the after effects of the treatments are more difficult to bear rather than the cancer itself. Mesothelioma is one of the cancers whose treatment side effects are awfully painful and difficult to endure. Because of this reason, I have gathered some resources that explain you the some most common side effects associated with the treatment, it surely will help you.

Pain Management

The most critical and important part of a patient care plan is pain dependency and management. The pain tolerance and pain itself varies with their experience. The first step is to assess where is the origin of pain? Where is the pain coming from? When is the pain start? Is it chronic or is it acute? Whether the pain has changed from acute to chronic? What relieves the pain? If the pain changes from acute to intolerable or chronic pain it means that cancer is advancing. You have to report immediately to your physician.

The most common and helpful practice for pain management is to maintain a daily pain journal where you can note down the origin of pain, variation or fluctuation of pain and what alleviates the pain.

Pain Clinics

In United Sates there are many clinics located for the pain management. They are assisting people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other cancer. So, that they can learn different strategies to manage the pain effectively and can experience a piece of mind with comfort. There are number of clinics which offer in-home or in-hospital consultations, they will check the pain regularly and also assist family members that how they can administrate pain medicines.

Sleep Apnea or Sleep Disorders

The disturbance in sleep may delay the effectiveness of mesothelioma treatment. So how can you combat this issue? First you have to keep up with a very positive attitude. Then to promote a sufficient sleep the following actions must be taken:

•   A couple of hours before going to bed have a high protein snack.
•   Avoid caffeine.
•   Wear comfortable clothes when going to sleep like pajamas.
•    Before bedtime have a massage and back rub for relaxation and to ease the pain.
•   Sleep on your own pillows, sheets and blankets.
•   Set up a schedule for bedtime and wake up time to train your body.
•  Avoid night time visitors and also limit the number of visits of nursing staff to check the blood pressure.

Anorexia and Cachexia

Cancer treatment routines are linked with loss of appetite and reduction in strength and vitality of mind and body. To prevent anorexia is to set up good nutrition and eating habits. A patient must be check by a nurse or nutritionist during meals and should strictly follow the diet plan. Additionally, a patient may be prescribed by anti-depressants and may attend support group meetings with the people who are suffering from anorexia.

Hair Loss

After chemotherapy treatment hair loss is a very common side effect. For most of the cancer patient it is really painful especially for women watching their hair falling day by day in large clumps, as indeed our hair is part of our identity. Therefore, many people take destiny into their hands and shave their head. If, on the other hand you didn’t choose to shave your head then during chemotherapy you should treat your hair gently. Wash your hair when necessary will slow down the hair fall. Avoid chemicals and sprays as your scalp becomes more exposed. To cover thinning of hair and baldness you can also wear a wig. When taking a step to buy a wig, you will find different types of wigs according to your need. While shopping for the wig you can find Synthetic wig which is light-weight, comfortable and really simple to take care and the other type is made up of real human hair which can be washed and conditioned just like real hair but you have to follow the manufacture’s instructions. If you do not feel comfortable in wearing a wig, you can cover your head by a cotton or silk scarf, some sort of hat or it can be soft turban too.

Vaccinations for Flu

In mesothelioma patients, immune function is usually compromised. Regardless of type or stage of mesothelioma there is a high risk of catching the flu. Not only for mesothelioma but for all cancer patients, they are at higher risk infecting with flu. That is why flu vaccinations are highly recommended for cancer and mesothelioma patients. In United States swine flu or H₁N₁ has become more common other than risk of influenza is usually associated with mesothelioma. If it is not treated properly it will complicated the ongoing treatment, extend the stay in hospital or even cause death.

The best preventative measure for influenza is vaccination. It is recommended that friends and family members of the patient must take more preventative measure against influenza. The people who are regular in touch with mesothelioma patient must receive a vaccination and can also use nasal spray. The nasal spray is not suggested for mesothelioma patients. The most primary preventive measure is vaccination and other measures may include:

• Wash your hand thoroughly with soap and water
• Avoid contact with family members and friend who have been exposed to flu
• Used tissues should be disposed
• When coughing and sneezing cover your mouth and nose
• Get sufficient rest
•  Keep yourself hydrated
• Wear mask in the presence of the person who is showing symptoms of flu and also while traveling outside.

Memory Loss or Chemo Brain

After going through treatments like chemotherapy, hormone or radiation most of the patients suffer from Chemo brain which includes loss of memory, lack in concentration and difficulty in doing multiple works at a time. Oncologists just have an idea that why this happens? May be it is the disease itself cause a memory loss or it can be due to prescribed anticancer drugs. Generally when the treatment is ended the symptoms of chemo brain are gone but in few cases it is not.  It is really frustrating for a person having these symptoms but it can be managed if he consults with his physician to help him out in this matter. Following steps can be taken to manage these symptoms:

•    Add vegetables in your diet which improve your brain and memory function
•   Record your daily events, appointments, telephone numbers, medication in a daily planner
•  You can also post your daily routine on your room’s door in your hospital to provide reference to your doctor and other staff  
•   Discuss the problem with your team of doctors and ask for help so they can plan your treatment and assist you when you forget something
•  After taking approval from your doctor you can also do exercises to improve your mood, improve functioning of brain and for better sleep

In fact there is no specific treatment for chemo brain but the better way to manage is to discuss your issues with your doctor to find a most appropriate way out.

Physical Intimacy

Most of the cancer patients experience sexual problems after being diagnosed which may include depression, early menopause, erectile dysfunction and issues regarding body image. A patient should not feel embarrassed in facing these problems as it is very common in cancer. If you are having any of these issues you can honestly deals with your spouse through discussion. The most common issue related to sex is image of body. After going through such painful treatments, the body of cancer may have bruises, gain or loss in weight or hair loss. These are the reasons patient usually stay away from being sexually intimate. You can ask your doctor and talk about the issues regarding sexual intimacy. Many doctors consider that sex can be healing force for the patient. You have to think positive, touch, hug, kiss and discover new ways to get close to your partner.

The best way to combat with the disease is to be optimistic! There is no way you won’t succeed.