Mesothelioma What To Know About It

Mesothelioma What To Know About It

*Causes Of Mesothelioma 

Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that affects the lining of the lungs but can also be formed in the abdomen, heart and testicle. It is usually caused by breathing in asbestos, a material often used in construction and factories because it can absorb high heat.

Although asbestos is banned in many places, people who encountered it years ago are at risk. Mesothelioma symptoms usually take 20-50 years to be seen, making it difficult for early detection. Pleural mesothelioma is the common type of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the lungs usually accompanied by symptoms like persistent coughing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss.

These symptoms develop gradually, making early diagnosis difficult. Treating mesothelioma is often more difficult since it is diagnosed at later stages. If you have been exposed to asbestos, getting checked early can be important, because finding the disease sooner may help with treatment. This article gives more information about mesothelioma.

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What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that begins in a thin layer of tissue called the mesothelium, which covers and protects many organs. Usually, it affects the lining of the lungs and chest but can also grow in the abdomen, heart, or testicles. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lungs. About 75% of cases start in the chest, while 10-20% begin in the abdomen. This tissue also produces fluid to help organs move smoothly.

Types Of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma can be cancerous or non-cancerous. It is also grouped by where it develops in the body:

• Pleural mesothelioma: Affects the lining of the lungs.
• Peritoneal mesothelioma: Grows in the lining of the abdomen (also called abdominal mesothelioma).
• Pericardial mesothelioma: Forms in the lining around the heart.
• Testicular mesothelioma: It affects the lining of the testicles.

Symptoms Of Mesothelioma

Usually, the symptoms of mesothelioma are based on where it starts. Symptoms often appear late making early section difficult.

Pleural mesothelioma symptoms may include:

• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Lupms under the skin on the chest
• Fever and sweating

Other types of mesothelioma symptoms:

• Weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain or swelling

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Causes Of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is caused by occupational exposure to asbestos, especially in industries like construction, shipbuilding, and mining, is a common cause. The cancer can take years to develop, with the average diagnosis occurring in people in their 70s.

Men are at a higher risk than women, and genetic factors can also play a role. Smoking does not contribute to mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the fundamental cause when fibres are inhaled. Even those who weren’t directly exposed but washed the clothing of someone who worked with asbestos are at risk.

Mesothelioma Treatment 

Doctors treat mesothelioma through different approaches like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, following the recent guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Treatment options may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Clinical Trials
• Immunotherapy
• Multimodal Therapy
• Palliative Care
• Radiation Therapy
• Surgery
• Tumor Treating Fields

For those with a history of asbestos exposure, awareness and early screening can be important since early detection can sometimes improve treatment options. Guess this article was helpful, share your thoughts and suggestions in the comment section below. Click here for more information.

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