Mesolthelioma Information You Won\'t Find Elsewhere

The internal organs of human body are encased in a protective bag called mesothelium. Examples mesothelilial membranes are the peritoneum (abdominal organs), pleura (lungs), and pericardium (heart).

Under specific conditions, the protective membrane cells divide uncontrollably and become cancerous. This disease is known as mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos dust.

The disease is found to occur among those working in shipyards, asbestos mines and factories, industries that produce asbestos-based products, and heating and construction companies. Approximately 3,000 cases occur each year in the U.S., and most patients are between 50-70 years old. Statistics show that men are typically affected and among whites than blacks.

He studied for the first time in late 1700 in-depth studies performed only in the 1960s. Mesothelioma tumors can be benign or malignant. Malignant mesothelioma are divided into three types:

• epithelioid, representing 50-70% of mesotheliomas.

• sarcomatoid, representing 7.20%.

• Mixed or bi-phasic, representing 20-35%.

When asbestos fibers are breathed in traveling to the lungs through the large air ducts to reach the smaller passages and from them the pleura. In the pleura that the damage: the mesothelial cells that leads to cancer, the lung tissue causing lung cancer, and development of scar tissue in the lungs known as asbestosis. When asbestos fibers are swallowed to reach the abdominal cavity and cause peritoneal mesothelioma.

Research shows that the disease only manifests 20-50 years after have been exposed to asbestos dust. The symptoms are not specific disease but a patient may develop:

• Difficulty breathing.

• Chest pain accompanied by stiffness thought to be caused by the accumulation of fluid in the pleura.

• Low back pain.

• Swelling of the face and arms.

• Loss of sensation.

• Muscle weakness.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Weight loss that is unexplained.

• persistent dry cough.

• Sore throat.

• Anemia.

• Fever.

• Constipation.

• Problems with blood clotting.

From that the above are common minor ailments, patients often ignore symptoms. It is advisable to consult a doctor if any of the above symptoms persist or if you feel you have been knowingly or unknowingly exposed to asbestos.

The doctor:

• Take a careful history and attempt to determine the symptoms and risk factors.

• Make a complete physical examination for signs of:

pleural effusion, or fluid in the cavity cage.

or fluid in the abdominal cavity.

or pericardial effusion, fluid in the lining of the heart.

• Take a chest radiograph and check for cracks lung pleural thickening, calcifications, and went downstairs.

• Get a CT scan to clearly identify the location, size and scope of the problem if any suspicion.

• Recommend testing samples of pleural tissues and fluids.

Other risk factors include cigarette or cigar smoking, exposure to radiation, exposure to a compound of zeolite which is similar to asbestos, or exposure to infections caused by SV40, a monkey virus.

Those who work in an environment of risk should wear protective clothing, have analyzed the environment regularly to asbestos particles in suspension, and ensure they have medical tests and report any medical condition to persist.

Being aware of the disease and their problems helps.

About the Author:

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for
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