Mesothelioma Symptoms & Skin Rash
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer occurring in the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue covering the internal organs. There are four different types of mesothelioma: Peritoneal mesothelioma affects abdominal tissue; pericardial mesothelioma affects tissue surrounding the heart; mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis occurs in the lining around the testicles; and pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent form, which affects the tissue surrounding the lungs.
Causes and Risk Factors
Mesothelioma is most frequently caused by occupational exposure to asbestos, a strong, heat resistant mineral used in a number of materials, including cement, flooring and insulation. When asbestos fibers or dust are inhaled and swallowed, they may eventually become embedded in the lining of the lungs and abdomen, leading to mesothelioma. Though asbestos is the most common risk factor for mesothelioma, smoking, family history, SV40 (a simian virus originally found in monkeys) and radiation may also increase risk.
Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms can vary from person to person, with each type of mesothelioma presenting a different range of signs and symptoms.
Pleural mesothelioma is primarily found in people who have been exposed to high levels of asbestos on the job. Symptoms may include pleurisy (painful breathing), dry coughing, shortness of breath, pain under the rib cage, unexplained weight loss, and lumps under the skin on the chest. In some cases, it can take 10 years or more for symptoms to appear.
Peritoneal mesotheliomia is caused by small asbestos fibers that are inhaled or swallowed, becoming lodged in the abdominal tissue. Signs and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can include abdominal swelling and pain, unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits, and lumps in the abdomen. Approximately 20 percent of all diagnosed cases of mesothelioma are peritoneal mesothelioma.
Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms are unclear, but may include chest pain and difficulty breathing. Fewer than 10 percent of all mesothelioma cases are pericardial.
The cause of tunica vaginalis mesothelioma is unclear, as it is very rare. Tunica vaginalis mesothelioma may initially appear in a mass on a testicle.
Skin Rash
Skin rash is not listed as a specific sign or symptom of mesothelioma; however, skin rashes can result from a variety of health conditions. Immune disorders, such as lupus and lyme disease, can cause skin rashes. Skin rashes can also appear as a result of allergic reactions, bacterial and fungal infections, and drug interactions. Individuals with mesothelioma may have weakened immunity that leaves them susceptible to skin rashes, and may suffer from skin rashes caused by another health condition.
Diagnosis
According to the American Cancer Society, Mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people in the United States each year. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma involves evaluating the patient's medical history, lifestyle and risk factors. Diagnostic imaging tests, including x-rays, CT scans and MRIs can identify unusual tissue growth, mineral deposits and fluid build-up in the affected areas. Samples of body tissue and fluid from the lungs and abdomen may also be collected and tested.
Tags: skin rashes, Skin Rash, abdominal tissue, affects tissue, affects tissue surrounding, asbestos fibers
