mesothelioma info

Information about Mesothelioma

Information about Mesothelioma



A cancerous disease called mesothelioma can be seen among people in increasing numbers. This disease affects the mesothelial cells of which the mesothelium is constituted.

The mesothelium is the outer layer that acts as a protector for organs such as lungs, stomach and heart. Unprotected and regular exposure to asbestos is the main reason why this type of cancer develops. It is also very difficult to diagnose due to the latency period and the symptoms. There are treatment options carried out for mesothelioma, but they are simply not effective enough and scientists are looking for new forms of treatment.

The greatest chances of being the carriers of this disease are people exposed to asbestos for a long period of time, which is the main reason why people between 60 and 70 years of age get this type of cancer more often. People who work with asbestos usually work under the rules of poor protection and are therefore being exposed to fibers and dust from asbestos. This could lead to abnormal behavior of mesothelium cells. The problem with this disease is that it can not be detected during exposure, it only appears after 40 years, so people are not aware of the risks. Workers who come in contact with asbestos are carriers and can pass the disease to other people as well. The fibers and dust remain on the skin and clothes, and can find their way to friends and family, causing respiratory problems, mesothelioma or some other disease.

Types of mesothelioma
The lungs and the surrounding tissue are affected mainly by this form of cancer. Cancer of the lining of the lungs, called pleural mesothelioma, causes shortness of breath, problems with swallowing and breathing, weight loss, and fever. This form of cancer is the most common of this type. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the abdomen and causes fever, loss of appetite, weight loss and vomiting, but it can also cause nausea, swelling and pain in the stomach area and intestinal obstruction. This type of cancer rarely occurs when compared to pleural mesothelioma. The heart and the surrounding tissue can also suffer from this type of cancer called pericardial mesothelioma, but this cancer appears very rarely.

Treatment for mesothelioma
This cancer can be confused with a number of other well-known diseases due to the presence of similar symptoms. So when you go to the doctor, always mention that you are working with asbestos so that the doctor can know what to do and what test for the proper diagnosis can be established. Survival rates are low when mesothelioma is in question and the chances of survival depend on the stage of the cancer and the time of treatment. Chemotherapy, palliative therapy, radiotherapy and surgery are treatment options, but others will probably be available in the future, as many scientists are looking for new ways to treat mesothelioma.