mesothelioma sv40
Many people have never heard of mesothelioma cancer, because it is rare. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 2,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year. Compare that to 213,380 cases of lung cancer the Institute expects to be diagnosed in 2007.
Mesothelioma cancer begins in tissue, called the mesothelieum, which surrounds the lungs, stomach, heart and other organs. The mesothelieum protects these organs with two levels of tissues and a fluid that allows organs to move. Can be found around any of these organs, but is found most commonly in the chest and abdomen.
Contact with asbestos is the major risk factor. Asbestos can be found in insulation in many buildings. Asbestos can also be found on pavements, ceilings, dust and rocks.
Most of the use of asbestos in building products was discontinued after 1989. But the cancer can not be diagnosed until 20 to 50 years after exposure, since it takes much time to develop.
That is why most cases occur in people in their 50s and more. According to the American Cancer Society, three-quarters of those diagnosed are over 65 years.
Other factors that have joined to this are:
* Radiation. A material called thorium dioxide was used in the X-rays are found to cause cancer. But this stuff has been used for many years.
* Snuff. Smoking is not directly associated with smoking smoking and cancer, but increases the risk of asbestos lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
* Virus SV40. This virus was found in the polio vaccines in the 50's and mid 60. Since symptoms not develop for 20 to 50 years, it may be some time before we know whether this virus is a risk factor.
Symptoms vary from person to person depending on where the affected tissue. General symptoms include:
* Shortness of breath
* Chest pain
* Abdominal pain
* Abdominal bloating
* Fever
Anemia
The treatments vary according to the patient. Many patients undergo surgery to remove tissue and tissue affected. In severe cases, the tissue surrounding the breast, a lung or part of the membrane can be removed.
Doctors may recommend that some patients receiving radiation therapy in high-energy rays to shrink tumors and kill the affected cells.
Another common treatment chemotherapy may be recommended, but not been successful in treating patients with mesothelioma. According to the American Cancer Society, anti-angiogenesis drugs killing these cells, halting its blood supply are being considered.
The prognosis for patients is grim because the disease is often advanced at diagnosis. According to the American Cancer Society, the survival rate after five years is about 10 percent. Most patients survive only a year after diagnosis. New treatments and clinical trials are conducted to improve the survival rate of patients with cancer mesothelioma.
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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Mesothelioma Cancer and Asbestos
