what causes mesothelioma
Monday, October 5th, 2009
There are cases of mesothelioma, no known exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is not lung cancer. Smoking does not cause it. It is a cancer of the cells mesothelial.
Mesothelioma Causes the only known, established cause of mesothelioma is asbestos. Asbestos fibers are breathed in, travel through the lung and lodge in the pleura, the thin, saran wrap-type membrane that lines enclosing the lung. The pleura, produces a lubricating fluid that facilitates the ability of the lungs to move inside the chest during breathing. The process of irritation from the infiltration of the asbestos fibers creates changes in the cells, which causes mesothelioma. This is known as pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common, which is a cancer of the membrane that encloses the lining of the abdomen.
Symptoms of mesothelioma A person with chest pain experiences mesothelioma usually caused by a buildup of fluid in the pleural space called effusion and shortness of breath. Since many doctors have no experience in the area of asbestos-related diseases, these symptoms are often believed, first Instead, to be attributable to other medical problems. A biopsy of tissue or pleural fluid may reveal the cancer of mesothelial cells and a proper diagnosis by therefore can be established. A history of occupational exposure person will be taken. Since there is no "safe" level of asbestos exposure, albeit brief, low-level exposures may be enough to cause mesothelioma.
Occurrence of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer and its incidence is increasing day day. There are currently no known cure for mesothelioma. As the disease progresses, the cancerous cells harden the pleura and spread. As time passes, breathing, sleeping and eating become increasingly difficult and ultimately becomes increasingly difficult for the victim to participate in normal activities and enjoy life.
Mesothelioma Treatments A number of treatments have been established to help contain the spread of the disease and reduce the pain associated with it. Chemotherapy, radiation and radical surgery to remove the lung and pleura are among the options being explored by the treating physician.
Prevention is better than cure Mesothelioma is a preventable disease. Many of the companies who manufacture and profit from the sale of products containing asbestos are aware of the dangers of asbestos. Alternative fibers are available that could be used instead of asbestos. However, asbestos is cheap and available, and is a good filler and binder.
To summarize the varied and nonspecific symptoms associated with Mesothelioma, can delay detection and diagnosis of cancer has a long latency period, which means it could be thirty years or more before the person realizes that even have contracted cancer. The onset of symptoms may take up to fifty years or more in some cases, but once symptoms have manifested life expectancy of the person can be as short as several months. Hence, if you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. Make sure your surgeon is aware of any previous exposure to asbestos, and occupational risk factors.
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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Mesothelioma Cancer
What Causes Mesothelioma? – SimmonsCooper’s MesoVideoLibrary