Causes of Testicular Mesothelioma on the Tunica Vaginalis
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Testicular Mesothelioma, or Tunica Vaginalis Mesothelioma
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Tunica Vaginalis/The Mesothelioma Library
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, afflicting approximately 2,000 men and women every year. It is thought to be caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. It occurs in the mesothelium, the thin, membranous lining protecting the internal organs. Malignant mesothelioma attacks this lining, targeting a particular organ, most commonly the lungs. Mesothelioma attacks other organs sometimes, such as the testicles. Nevertheless, tunica vaginalis mesothelioma is especially rare, with less than a hundred cases reported in the last year.
Cause of Testicular Mesothelioma
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Asbestos is a natural mineral, often used for its durability and resistance to high temperatures; it is most commonly used in insulation, cement, brakes, shingles and flooring. Exposure to this mineral ranks highest in correlation to incidence of mesothelioma, higher even than that of patients having a family history of either mesothelioma or other types of cancer. In fact, asbestos exposure is as yet the only proven cause of mesothelioma. It therefore poses the greatest potential risk factor.
Types of Mesothelioma
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There are four distinct types of malignant mesothelioma; not to be confused with benign mesothelioma. In order of highest to least occurence: we have pleural mesothelioma, which affects the tissue surrounding the lungs; peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the tissue of the abdomen; and pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the tissue surrounding the heart; while finishing last in this order, we have tunica vaginalis mesothelioma, which occurs in the testes. Unlike the other three types of mesothelioma, the cause of tunica vaginalis mesothelioma remain unclear, as the testes do not have any direct or indirect contact with asbestos. Some have suggested, however, that the malignant mesothelioma spread from elsewhere, possibly from a pre-existing, as yet undetected peritoneal mesothelioma.
Treatment of Tunica Vaginalis Mesothelioma
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As with the other types, vaginalis tunica mesothelioma leads to death, if left untreated. Sadly, tunica vaginalis (testicular) mesothelioma does not have any discernible signs or symptoms. When this is combined with its rarity, it becomes exceptionally dangerous, as it is too easily ignored until far too late. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer and little can be done to treat this mesothelioma, if caught too late. The patient, in this situation, must learn with the help of his doctor to manage the cancer. If caught early enough, however, surgery remains an option and a good one. Either part of the testes or all of it, depending on the stage, gets removed. In some cases, both testes get removed. Other possibilities include chemotherapy, radiation, combination therapy and possibly clinical trials. However, most people will eventually experience a recurrence of this cancer despite aggressive treatments.
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