Mesothelioma Cancer – A Deadly One
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.
Asbestos is used in products such as cement, insulation, linings of the brakes and more. If it is consumed or inhaled severe damage could be done to your health such as mesothelioma. Those living with someone who works at a factory that uses asbestos are also at risk. This is because asbestos clings on to hair and clothes. The worker will bring it home unless they change their clothing.
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.
It is difficult to diagnose this type of cancer because the symptoms of common of other illnesses. A variety of tests will be performed to diagnose what condition you have, if it is mesothelioma.
Someone living with mesothelioma cancer should seek treatment as soon as possible. Different treatments are available and depending where the cancer is located and the stage of the disease, it is then decided what treatment is given. Other factors such as the person’s age and health are considered when determining the 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.
More information about mesothelioma cancer can be found here http://www.mesotheliomalawadvice.org