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What Is Mesothelioma Sarcoma?
Between the two forms of tumors of the mesothelioma, which are
either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), the
latter is more common and dangerous, popularly known as
mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is characterized by its dangerous
potential to spread to other parts of the body.
Types of Mesothelioma
There are three different types of Mesothelioma:
1) Ephitheliod: It affects the membranous tissue covering the
internal organs and surfaces of the body. Though majority of the
mesothelioma cases occurring today belong to this type, it has
the best prognosis (outlook for survival or treatment).
2) Sarcomatoid: It is also known as mesothelioma sarcoma. It
arises from supportive tissues such as bones, muscles,
cartilages and fats. About 7% to 20% of mesothelioma cases are
of this type.
3) Mixed/Biphasic: 20% to 35% of mesothelioma cases belong to
this type. It carries both the features of the above two types.
The treatment options remain the same for all the types.
Physical Aspects of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma arising from the
chest cavity are known as pleural mesothelioma and amounts to an
approximate three fourths of the total cases. Peritoneal
mesothelioma, which starts and spreads in the abdomen,
constitutes 10% to 20% mesothelioma cases. Mesothelioma
affecting the covering of the testicles, which is in fact an
out- pouching of peritoneum into the scrotum, is rather
uncommon. Cases of Pericardial Mesothelioma that starts in the
cavities of the heart are also very rare.
Mesothelioma and the Masses New cases of mesothelioma, even
though they are less common, amount from 2000 to 3000 every year
only in the United States. Most of the patients diagnosed with
mesothelioma are from the age group of 50 years and above with
majority being the people in the seventies.
This is primarily due to their exposure to asbestos in the 1940s
and 1950s or even earlier. Exposure victims of later year's
i.e.1970s and 1980s are yet to be diagnosed. Men are more
susceptible than females with male victims constituting 3 to 5
times higher in numbers than females. This is probably because
during that period women liberation movements were started,
which resulted into barring them from construction works. On the
racial parameters, it is more common among the Caucasians than
African Americans.
Even though mesothelioma sarcoma cases are rare, they are
extremely dangerous. People diagnosed with the disease are
mostly in their last and critical stages, making their treatment
more difficult in comparison to other forms of cancer. The
survival time ranges from one to two years. With unparallel
advancements in modern science and medical technology, chances
of mesothelioma treatment and recovery have always been
increasing.
The good news is that the patients suffering from mesothelioma
sarcoma can file lawsuits for seeking compensation against the
companies responsible for asbestos exposure.
About the author:
Kirsten Hawkins is a asbestos and mesothelioma specialist from
Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.asbestosblog.org/ for
information on asbestos reform, mesothelioma lawsuit news, and
more.
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