The rate at which mesothelioma travels from its site of origin to other areas of the body is influenced by some factors, including the location at which cancer first manifested itself, the kind of cells that are affected, the patient's current stage of the disease, and the treatment that they have been receiving. The pleura, often known as the lining that surrounds the lungs, is the common location where mesothelioma first manifests itself. It is also conceivable that it will start in the lining that surrounds the testicles, heart, or abdomen. Mesothelioma has the potential to metastasise, or spread to other areas of the body, either through the lymph nodes or the bloodstream.
The term "metastasis" means the process by which cancer spreads to other parts of the body and happens when the disease moves beyond the location where it was initially discovered. In the instance of mesothelioma, cancer most commonly begins to grow in the lungs' mucous membrane. However, it is also possible for cancer to begin developing in the testes, the belly, or the area surrounding the heart. Once it has reached this stage, it is able to metastasise and spread throughout the body via the lymph nodes, circulation, and other organs.
When it comes to mesothelioma, the process of metastasis will not go very quickly. The asbestos fibres that cause mesothelioma are usually absorbed into the lungs, where they become lodged in the mesothelium. Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma. After the first exposure, it may take decades before this cancer starts and begins to spread throughout the body. Because of the disease's very sluggish course, it is frequently misdiagnosed for a considerable amount of time. Your life expectancy can be significantly increased by receiving adequate therapy, which will halt the progression of mesothelioma.
In the majority of instances, there is some kind of treatment that can limit the progression of mesothelioma. This is true regardless of the stage cancer has reached. To assist in putting a halt to the progression of your cancer, your medical team may decide to utilise any one of the following therapies.
Variables Involved in the Progress
The progression of mesothelioma is rapid, and the onset of metastases can take place as soon as a few weeks after the first diagnosis. In comparison to other cancer types, it is typically rather aggressive and moves relatively quickly. However, the progression of mesothelioma might vary in speed based on the type of cell it came from. Epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells, and biphasic cells, which are a combination of epithelial and sarcomatoid cells, are the three primary cell types that are seen in malignant mesothelioma tumours.
The most severe form of mesothelioma, known as sarcomatoid mesothelioma, will rapidly spread and advance. Because these cells do not attach to one another tightly, they are able to quickly detach from the tumour and disseminate throughout the body. Because epithelial mesothelioma is the most prevalent variety of mesothelioma, and because its cancer cells stick to each other more tenaciously, metastasis occurs more gradually with this form of the disease. In between these two types of cancers are biphasic tumours.
