Mesothelioma Cancer
Mesothelioma is a benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor affecting the lining of the chest or abdomen. Commonly referred to as asbestos cancer, mesothelioma is an aggressive, although rare form of cancer that attacks the thin lining (mesothelium) that protects the lungs, abdomen, and heart within the chest cavity. There are approximately 2000 new cases of mesothelioma reported every year. The primary cause of mesothelioma is the inhalation of micro asbestos fibers that get lodged in the lungs and eventually work their way through the lung tissue into the mesothelium areas that protect vital organs. Lesions and tumors develop restricting normal movement of organs such as the lungs.
There are two primary reasons that make mesothelioma cancer difficult to diagnose. The first reason is it can take 20 to 50 years for an individual to develop symptoms of mesothelioma after they where initially exposed to asbestos. The second issue, many of the symptoms associated with this type of cancer is similar to other common ailments and diseases. This long latency period explains why most mesothelioma patients are older.
Page Contents:
What is Mesothelioma?
What is Mesothelium?
How common is Mesothelioma,
Risks of Developing Mesothelioma,
Mesothelioma Symptoms,
Who is at Risk of Developing Mesothelioma?
Symptoms of Mesothelioma,
Types of Mesothelioma Cancer:
Pleural,
Peritoneal,
Pericardial
Diagnosing Mesothelioma,
Treating Mesothelioma,
Mesothelioma Law,
Mesothelioma Attorney.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a disease where the cells of the mesothelium are affected. The affected cells will divide without control. Affected cells can damage or invade nearby tissue and organs. In most cases of mesothelioma, the disease begins in the pleura or peritoneum. Cancer cells can spread from their original site to other parts of the body.
What is Mesothelium?
The mesothelium is composed of two layers of cells forming a membrane that covers and protects the internal organs of the body. The first layer of cells surrounds the organ and the second layer creates a sac around the organ. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid between the two layers which allows moving organs, such as the heart, to move against adjacent body structures.
How common is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. There are approximately 2,000 new cases reported in the United States each year. While mesothelioma can appear in both men and women at any age, Mesothelioma is more common in men and increases with age.
Who is at Risk of Developing Mesothelioma?
Research indicates that 70 to 80 percent of all mesothelioma cases have a history of asbestos exposure in a work environment. It is important to note that not all cases of mesothelioma are asbestos related. Some individuals have reported mesothelioma with no know exposure.
It is well established that exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma. The initial risks associated with asbestos and its link to mesothelioma were not know. Millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust in the past 50 years. Today there are strict industry standards setting limits for acceptable levels of exposure in the workplace.
What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
Symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath and chest pain resulting from an accumulation of fluids in the pleural. Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluids in the abdomen. Other symptoms or peritoneal mesothelioma may include anemia, abnormal blood clotting, obstruction of the bowel and fever. If the cancer spreads symptoms may include swelling of the neck, trouble swallowing or pain in the neck or face.
Types of Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of asbestos related cancer affecting the pleural lining that protects the lungs. Cancer cells invade the mesothelium affecting the movement of the lungs within the chest cavity making it very difficult for the patient to breath. As the disease progresses patents need oxygen to breath.
Peritoneal mesothelioma cancer is less common, in this case tumors develop in the lining of the abdominal cavity near the digestive track. It is suspected that this type of cancer is caused when ingested asbestos fibers lodge in the outer tissue of the organs causing inflammation. Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting resulting in severe weight loss.
Pericardial mesothelioma is very rare form of cancer that occurs in the lining of the heart. Little is know as to how this type of cancer develop or how asbestos fibers make thier way into this region of the body. One possibility is asbestos fibers affect the heart through the bloodstream.
Diagnosing Mesothelioma
Symptoms of cancer mesothelioma are similar to other medical conditions making mesothelioma difficult to diagnose. The first step is to review the patients medical history and determine if there is any evidence or history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination including x-rays, CT or MRI of the chest or abdomen and lung test function test should be performed. To confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma a biopsy is required. Once confirmed, the doctor will determine the extent of the disease, conduct more test and attempt to determine if the cancer is localized or has spread to other parts of the body.
Treating Mesothelioma
Standard treatment for mesothelioma include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. To relieve symptoms and help control pain, a doctor may perform a thoracentesis or paracentesis procedure. This is a procedure that inserts a needle or thin tube into the chest or abdomen to drain built up fluids.
Mesothelioma Attorney
If you or a loved one has mesothelioma or asbestos related symptoms you may want to contact an asbestos Attorney or Lawyer. Visit our Mesothelioma Attorney or Mesothelioma Lawyer pages for information on asbestos law and questions to ask an Attorney or Lawyer.
Important news... Our Occupational Health Advisor has been assigned the job of editing this page. New topics will include additional information and data on other causes and types of mesothelioma diseases like papillary, epithelioid, orange, calretinin and sarcomatoid. We are current gathering more information on new treatments, prognosis, survival rate and support information and forums. We hope to have a complete update in a couple weeks.
Mesothilioma and mesotheliom are common variations of mesothelioma... learn more about asbestos related mesotheliomia cancer, information on symptoms and treatment options and more.
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