Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops from cells of the mesothelium, the protective lining that covers many of the internal organs of the body. Mesothelioma is most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos. The most common anatomical site for mesothelioma is the pleura (the outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall), but it can also arise in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), the pericardium (the sac that surrounds the heart), or the tunica vaginalis (a sac that surrounds the testis).
Mesothelioma is a rare and often fatal cancer of the mesothelium, the membrane that covers most of the body's internal organs. Mesothelium is a type of tissue lining the lungs, stomach, heart and other vital organs. Once these tissues are exposed to risk factors, specifically asbestos, an individual becomes susceptible to a rare type of cancer we call mesothelioma cancer.
Also known as malignant
mesothelioma, this illness comes in three types: pleural, peritoneal,
and pericardial mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common
type, accounting to more than 70 percent of all cases of mesothelioma.
This usually afflicts the pleura, a lining in the lungs. Meanwhile,
peritoneal mesothelioma attacks the abdominal cavity, while pericardial
mesothelioma originates from the cardial lining pericardium.
In
the United Kingdom alone, more than 2,300 people are found positive with
mesothelioma symptoms. People who are constantly exposed to asbestos,
be it at home or at work. This could either be direct exposure or
through inhalation, although a person does not usually develop the
disease, let alone manifest mesothelioma symptoms until many years after
his exposure. In fact, according to the National Cancer Institute, it
could even take takes 30-50 years to manifest mesothelioma.
Washing
clothes of someone who has direct contact with asbestos, and other
indirect factors, could also put a person at risk of mesothelioma.
While
tobacco and mesothelioma do not have any significant relationship with
each another, smoking could hasten asbestos-induced lung cancer.
Individuals
who were exposed to asbestos could be susceptible to "collected damages
for asbestos-related disease," mesothelioma being one of them. This
stems to the legal issues surrounding compensation via asbestos funds or
class action lawsuits regarding mesothelioma, a hot topic these days.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops from cells of the mesothelium, the protective lining that covers many of the internal organs of the body. Mesothelioma is most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos. The most common anatomical site for mesothelioma is the pleura (the outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall), but it can also arise in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), the pericardium (the sac that surrounds the heart), or the tunica vaginalis (a sac that surrounds the testis). Information about mesothelioma, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, side effects.
The
most common symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath caused
by pleural effusion, which happens upon the formation of fluid between
lungs and chest walls. Also common are chest pains and rapid weight
loss. Chest x-ray and CT scan could reveal the presence of mesothelioma,
although more specific confirmations via serous effusion cytology or
biopsy and microscopic examination.
Although chemotherapy,
radiation and cobalt therapies, as well as surgery sometimes, are proven
effective in combating cancer, the same could not be said with
mesothelioma given the poor mesothelioma prognosis as manifested by
patients.
However, recent scientific research has produced
significant breakthroughs with regard to treatment protocols for
mesothelioma patients and more options are now available for managing
mesothelioma and supporting improved quality of life. This sheds light,
especially the afflicted individuals, who endure the physical,
emotional, and financial strain of a seemingly hopeless condition.
Likewise, recently diagnosed patients often bombard their physicians
about what treatment is best for this disease. Aside from the
traditional cancer therapies we've mentioned above, lately-introduced
chemotherapy drugs such as Alimta® and Cisplatin have shown promising
results in some patients with mesothelioma.
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