Understanding Mesothelioma Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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Understanding Mesothelioma: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is becoming more and more known to the public. This type of cancer is almost always caused by an exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma develops when the mesothelium is affected. The mesothelium is the thin covering on the outside of the organs. Once the mesothelium cells become mesothelioma it can put pressure on the internal organs. Mesothelioma can occur in the lining of the chest cavity, abdominal cavity, or even the sac that surrounds and protects the heart. Almost everyone who develops this type of cancer was exposed to asbestos. Direct asbestos exposure occurs where the victim themselves has been exposed to the carcinogen. Secondary exposure may occur when asbestos fibers are brought home on the clothes of the person who had direct exposure. An example of this is a mechanic who brings asbestos fibers home on his clothes and his spouse washes the clothes and inadvertently inhales some of the fibers. Determining asbestos exposure It is hard to determine exactly when exposure to asbestos occurred because the symptoms of mesothelioma typically do not present themselves until 20-40 years after the exposure. Asbestos exposure was very common 30-50 years ago, and many epidemiologists believe this is why the cancer is showing up more commonly among patients today. The first signs of pleural mesothelioma (the one affecting the chest cavity) include: chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Those suffering with mesothelioma often experience weight loss, anemia and fever as it begins to progress. Swelling from fluid retention around the lungs also occurs with pleural mesothelioma and this requires prompt medical attention or it can be fatal. When mesothelioma is diagnosed it can either be local or metastasized. There are generally more treatment options available with local disease. That’s why early detection and diagnosis is very important for those who have mesothelioma. Diagnosis of mesothelioma is not simple. Scans such as MRI’s or CT’s may begin the process. The gold standard is to perform a biopsy where a tumor sample is removed from the patient and given to the pathologist for examination. Because mesothelioma cells can resemble other cancers, pathologists now use immunohistochemistry to help identify what proteins and DNA the cancer cells have. Very often, when mesothelioma is suspected, the hospital will send the pathology sample to another medical center for a second opinion. Once a diagnosis is certain, medical professionals will begin to organize a treatment plan for the patient.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

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