Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare, but dangerous cancer that affects the lining around the lungs known as the 'mesothelium.' This type of cancer, even though it is not uncommon, is difficult to diagnose. Its main cause is through inhalation of air bound asbestos fibers. Those who have come in contact with the hazardous material do not experience side effects of symptoms of the cancer or any other lung type of disease until over 20 years later. Those who were exposed to asbestos came in contact with the material in their workplace or homes. Before the 1970s, many people knew nothing of the serious side effects that asbestos would have on a person's health. The best way for to eliminate a person's chances of developing mesothelioma is to stay out of places that may indeed be contaminated with particles.
The inhalation of asbestos fibers causes them to be lodged within the crevices of the lungs for many years. This continued exposure eventually causes scarring of the lung tissue that develops into cancerous tumors. These tumors make it difficult for the lungs to expand and contract, causing the patient to become severely uncomfortable and experience pain in their chest region. There is also an increased chance with mesothelioma that the patient will experience fluid within the lungs that can cause a patient discomfort when they are lying down or sleeping. If a person is not experiencing types of mesothelioma symptoms does not mean that they have not contracted some form of lung disease. The best way to diagnose this type of caner is through a complete physician followed by an x-ray or biopsy of the area in question.
There are many different symptoms that a person may experience if they have contracted mesothelioma. Some of the most common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain and severe cough. The diagnosis, however, for mesothelioma is very difficult task because many of the symptoms resemble other not as severe illnesses such as pneumonia. Also, if a person is indeed diagnosed with the cancer, it is often noted that rehabilitation is difficult. Those who suffer from mesothelioma are not very receptive to certain medications and treatments because it is so severe and lacks the ability to go into remission. Recently, it has been discovered that nearly 20% of patients who suffer from some sort of lung disease such as mesothelioma have a better survival rate because of the different types of medications and mesothelioma treatment options on the market. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma and treatment is often a difficult task, doctors have been able to sufficiently keep the patient comfortable and strong-willed during the process of rehabilitation and treatment.
Last modified: September 22 2008.
