Mesothelioma - Catch It Early to Avoid Big Trouble

Mesothelioma - Catch It Early to Avoid Big Trouble

Many people have never heard of Mesothelioma and do not know their symptoms. Although considered a rare form of cancer, each year the number of cases grows. With the spread of this disease on the rise, it is important to understand why and how Mesothelioma develops and what courses of action can be taken in the event of diagnosis. Below are some questions and answers that you. Containing information about mesothelioma ** What is Mesothelioma? ** Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancer) cells in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the found of the internal organs. The organs most commonly affected are the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma - cancer of the lung lining. But cancer cells (the pericardium) are also found in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and the lining around the heart. ** What Causes Mesothelioma? ** Mesothelioma is almost always caused by asbestos.

Asbestos is commonly found in building materials used before the mid-1970s. In addition, materials such as pipes, boiler insulation, floor, ceiling and roof tiles may contain asbestos. It is believed that even insignificant exposure to asbestos in environments such as asbestos mills, mines, shipping yards, some older Navy ships or even in patients homes can result in mesothelioma. In many cases mesothelioma does not occur for decades after initial exposure to this cancer-causing asbestos. 2000-3000 cases of mesothelioma per year are currently being diagnosed. Family members of workers potentially exposed to asbestos also become ill by exposure of the worker's clothing. Like many other cancers, smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma. How much will ** cause asbestos mesothelioma? ** In general, the probability of developing this form of cancer is directly with the length of time you are exposed to asbestos, are related. The health risk also increases with the intensity of exposure to asbestos.

However, an exposure of as little as one or two months can result in mesothelioma 30 or 40 years later. At the age of 48, became a member of the Canadian Parliament Chuck beam, the recently diagnosed with mesothelioma and traces the cause to change back brake pads on logging equipment after he graduated from high school. Beam case is a good example of the fact that Mesothelioma has a latency period of anywhere from 20 to 50 years. Like thousands of others he developed the disease long after his exposure to asbestos. ** What are the symptoms of mesothelioma? ** Mesothelioma is a very subtle form of cancer that only a few noticeable symptoms until it is very advanced. 75% of all cases are mesolthelioma Pleural mesothelioma - cancer of the lung lining. This type of cancer causes shortness of breath and / or chronic coughing that can easily be mistaken for allergies or a cold. Mesothelioma is often discovered by accident when patients are examined for these common symptoms.

Other symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may include: chest pain, shortness of breath, chronic cough that worsens over time, swallowing, fatigue, dyspnea, pneumonia, hoarseness, weight loss, difficulty, chest or abdominal pain or blood in the mucus from the lungs when coughingPeritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining around the stomach and intestines and can be just as dangerous and deadly. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include pain or swelling in the abdomen, weight loss, bowel obstruction (blockage in the small or large intestine), anemia (decreased number of red blood cells) and fever.The start of Mesothelioma is quite slow in general. Patients will begin to experience the symptoms such as lower back pain and pain in the chest. Unfortunately, once Mesothelioma develops, it quickly becomes aggressive and treatment must be sought immediately. ** Can Mesothelioma be treated? Unfortunately, ** become aware by the time most infected people, they have mesothelioma has stopped, dormant and becomes extremely aggressive.

 Once it is no longer dormant, this type of cancer can travel quickly, and that makes it almost impossible stop.While there are treatments that are available to keep the patient comfortable, there is currently no cure for mesothelioma, and so many than 75% of those who will develop the disease will lose their life within one year. The remainder may last for up to six months. Among the treatments used to reduce the effects of the disease, are oxygen, postural drainage and analgesics. A wide range of treatment approaches are being tested by experiments, the body's natural immune system to gene therapy which strengthen the problem at the DNA level, homeopathy, herbs and acupuncture attempted attack. But no one has yet been shown to be very effective once the disease reaches the aggressive stage.Given the generally poor prognosis for people who do not catch the disease in time, early detection is the best defense against mesothelioma. If you suspect in a like construction or industry that you have worked have been exposed to asbestos, be alert for symptoms and contact your doctor immediately. Like all forms of cancer, mesothelioma detection at the earliest stage possible increases your chances of survival