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Exposure to asbestos has been shown to be the cause of the form of cancer known as Mesothelioma. Because of the threat of Mesothelioma, most asbestos has been removed from public and private locations, ever since we have known about the
effects of this illness. However, the threat of asbestos exposure does still exist, and far from all cases of this cancer are known, since it takes between 10 and 50 years to exhibit the symptoms of Mesothelioma. So many people who
have been exposed years ago are still at risk for this cancer. Parts of the population who may have breathed particles of asbestos as far back as 1955 may still develop Mesothelioma.
There are three known types of Mesothelioma: pleural, peritoneal and pericardial. As the names imply, each attacks a different part of the body. The cancer affects the mesothelium, the sac that lines and protects vital organs,such as the lungs and the heart, to give a technical description. Mesothelioma is the cancer of the cells within the lining of the mesothelium become cancerous.
The most common form of the illness ~ Pleural Mesothelioma ~ targets the lungs, their protective lining and cavity. When fluid builds up between the lung lining and chest cavity as a result of Mesothelioma, pleural effusion is the result. In addition, other symptoms may make their presence known, which may include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, difficulty
swallowing, rasping, bloody discharge from coughing, fever and weight loss.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma ~ a rare form of the disease ~ affects the stomach and abdominal region. Although this may first present itself in the abdomen, it can spread to other parts of the body as it advances. The symptoms that become apparent are due to the tumors which press against the wall of the abdomen and may include abdominal pain and swelling, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, respiratory problems, bowel obstructions, fever, anemia and a disruption of the coagulation of the blood.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is the rarest of all types of Mesothilioma. This is the form of the disease that targets the heart and the surrounding cavity. Tumors form in this type as well, causing similar symptoms as Peritoneal Mesothelioma, such as the shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, palpitations and persistent cough.
Because it exhibits many symptoms that other diseases exhibit, Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. Both heart disease and pneumonia cause shortness of breath; heart disease causes chest pain, etc. So Mesothelioma will not be assumed as a cause of these symptoms if the patient is not aware of any prior exposure to asbestos. This cancer is not often pursued by physicians as a cause of these symptoms, unless all other possible diseases have been ruled out.
The types of workers who are most prone to asbestos exposure are shipbuilders, drywall removers, construction workers, firemen, mechanics and demolition workers. They are the most prone to developing Mesothelioma as a result.
Those who are close to the victims of this disease may tragically be at a high risk for developing the disease as well, because asbestos fibers cling to skin, hair, clothing and shoes. The fibers are light, and easily become airborne and eventually can be inhaled by those who are in close proximity to the victims of the disease.
It can be treated so that patients can suffer less, but there is no known cure for Mesothelioma. Support services are usually put into place to help them cope, but the diagnosis of Mesothelioma is a virtual death sentence. Victims of the disease usually lose their lives within one to one and one half years of diagnosis. Keeping patients as comfortable possible and helping them to manage their pain and respiratory problems is the primary therapy.
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Source/Author Info:
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Wes Calinetter is the owner and operator of Ohio Mesothelioma which is a premium resource for Mesothelioma information. For more details please visit http://www.ohiomesothelioma.com |
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