Mesothelioma Cancer



Posted: Saturday, December 12, 2009

by Kor Rassad

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is not often heard of. The cancer is found in the protective sac covering the internal organs of someone's body called mesothelium. The mesothelioma cancer will damage the nearby tissues and organs. The cancerous cells will spread throughout the body eventually. Every year cases like these account for 2000 in the United States. Cases also show those who have this cancer previously worked at a location where asbestos particles were being used.

This is a deadly disease that is developed from asbestos, a main factor for developing this. Asbestos was used since the 1800s, and its use increased during World War II. Years later there was a connection found between mesothelioma cancer and people working in shipyards, heating and construction industries, asbestos products, among others. In reports given, up to 80% of mesothelioma cases are from being exposed to asbestos at work.

Cement, insulation and brake linings are all examples of products that use asbestos. Asbestos can cause serious health problems (mesothelioma) if consumed, even inhaled. Family members of people working around asbestos are also at risk. This is because the asbestos clings to clothing and to the hair and if the worker does not change and wash up, it is brought home to the family to breathe.

Symptoms of mesothelioma may vary, depending on what type you have but some common symptoms include shortness of breath, pain in chest, weight loss, pain in the abdomen, blood clotting, anemia, and fever. If the cancer spreads, symptoms such as swelling, trouble swallowing, among others can appear also. Symptoms may take 30 to 50 years to show.

Mesothelioma cancer is hard to diagnose since the symptoms of it are of other conditions also. Doctors will perform a variety of tests until they are able to make an accurate diagnosis.

People living with this condition should seek medical treatment right away. Treatments are given after doctors determine where the cancer is located and what stage it is in. The age of the patient and their health is also considered before deciding on a treatment.

Doctors may suggest surgery as an option for this cancer. More treatments used to treat this cancer include radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In some situations, these treatments are used together. There are still new treatments being studies since it is hard to control mesothelioma cancer.

To Learn more about mesothelioma cancer, please visit http://www.mesotheliomalawadvice.org
 
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