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Mesothelioma is an antagonistic and deadly form of cancer that severely affects the membranes that lines the body cavities. Different treatments for this type of cancer are available, but for most of the people suffering with this fatal disease, the cure is impossible. In reality, Mesothelioma treatment is focused on keeping the sufferer as comfortable as possible.
Mesothelioma Facts
Mesothelioma is essentially a cancer of membrane and almost 3% of all cancer diagnosed in the United States are Mesothelioma Cancer. Mesothelium or the membrane that lines up different organs presented in the body contains serous fluid that makes freely sliding of the layers possible. Because of the presence of this fluid, organs are able to move independently. Depending on the location of body, mesothelium has particular names. Mesothelioma can cause damage to mesothelium; this in most of the cases is fatal.
Physicians divide Mesothelioma cancer into different types depending on exactly which part of lining is affected. Mesothelioma has generally found to affect the tissues surrounding the lungs (pleura). Pleural malignant mesothelioma is the name given to this type of cancer. Other rare types of Mesothelioma cancer include those that affect abdominal tissues and the tissues around the testicles and heart.
According to a study, about 2500 to 3000 new cases of Mesothelioma cancer are reported every year in US. The worst part about Mesothelioma is that its symptoms may not appear at all for 20 years or even more. This causes the cancer to worsen even before it is actually diagnosed.
Mesothelioma Causes
According to National Cancer Institute more than 70 to 80 percent of mesothelioma cases are caused due to exposure to asbestos. Due to asbestos exposure, its fibers are ingested or inhaled. These fibers attacked the human tissue causing infection and inflammation. Although Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral but its exposure can cause fatal health problems.
Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma sufferers may experience fatigue, chest pain and shortness of breath. Chest X-ray diagnosis may show pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is a condition in which fluids within the mesothelium gets accumulated around the lungs. Accumulation of fluid in the lungs may cause swelling and abdominal pain. Anemia, weight loss and fever may also show up. Most of the times mesothelioma is discovered that when there is a pleural effusion with no other symptoms.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma may also include Computed Tomography as it is quite helpful in locating malignant tumors and metastases. Positron Emission Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may also provide helpful tests. However the most dependable method of diagnosing Mesothelioma is Tumor biopsy. Laboratory test may show a decrease in RBC’s and leukocytes.
Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma treatment depends on the intensity, location and stage of the cancer. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is quite an attacking disease and it spreads quite fast. Most of the times, cure for mesothelioma is not possible. However different methods such as radiation, chemotherapy, surgery and combined therapy can be used at early stages. Mesothelioma is most of the time identified at the final or advanced stage because of which its treatment becomes difficult. This is why; doctors usually work on controlling the cancer and making you feel most comfortable.
Mesothelioma Facts
Mesothelioma is essentially a cancer of membrane and almost 3% of all cancer diagnosed in the United States are Mesothelioma Cancer. Mesothelium or the membrane that lines up different organs presented in the body contains serous fluid that makes freely sliding of the layers possible. Because of the presence of this fluid, organs are able to move independently. Depending on the location of body, mesothelium has particular names. Mesothelioma can cause damage to mesothelium; this in most of the cases is fatal.
Physicians divide Mesothelioma cancer into different types depending on exactly which part of lining is affected. Mesothelioma has generally found to affect the tissues surrounding the lungs (pleura). Pleural malignant mesothelioma is the name given to this type of cancer. Other rare types of Mesothelioma cancer include those that affect abdominal tissues and the tissues around the testicles and heart.
According to a study, about 2500 to 3000 new cases of Mesothelioma cancer are reported every year in US. The worst part about Mesothelioma is that its symptoms may not appear at all for 20 years or even more. This causes the cancer to worsen even before it is actually diagnosed.
Mesothelioma Causes
According to National Cancer Institute more than 70 to 80 percent of mesothelioma cases are caused due to exposure to asbestos. Due to asbestos exposure, its fibers are ingested or inhaled. These fibers attacked the human tissue causing infection and inflammation. Although Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral but its exposure can cause fatal health problems.
Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma sufferers may experience fatigue, chest pain and shortness of breath. Chest X-ray diagnosis may show pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is a condition in which fluids within the mesothelium gets accumulated around the lungs. Accumulation of fluid in the lungs may cause swelling and abdominal pain. Anemia, weight loss and fever may also show up. Most of the times mesothelioma is discovered that when there is a pleural effusion with no other symptoms.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma may also include Computed Tomography as it is quite helpful in locating malignant tumors and metastases. Positron Emission Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may also provide helpful tests. However the most dependable method of diagnosing Mesothelioma is Tumor biopsy. Laboratory test may show a decrease in RBC’s and leukocytes.
Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma treatment depends on the intensity, location and stage of the cancer. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is quite an attacking disease and it spreads quite fast. Most of the times, cure for mesothelioma is not possible. However different methods such as radiation, chemotherapy, surgery and combined therapy can be used at early stages. Mesothelioma is most of the time identified at the final or advanced stage because of which its treatment becomes difficult. This is why; doctors usually work on controlling the cancer and making you feel most comfortable.
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