Mesothelioma: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
September 8, 2009 by Nicky Joe Mentroe
Filed under Health & Fitness
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is often associated with high and prolonged exposure to asbestos. The disease is characterized by malignant cells that develop in the mesothelium (the protective membrane that surrounds most of the body’s internal organs).
The cancer is commonly found in the outer lining of the lungs (pleura), the inside lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and the sac that surrounds the heart (pericardium). The two most common types of mesothelioma are pleural and peritoneal.
The Risk Factors
A large number of people who have worked on jobs that exposed them to asbestos dust and fiber have developed mesothelioma. There is some evidence that even the family members or other individuals who lived with asbestos workers can be at risk to develop the diseases due to second-hand exposure to asbestos.
Workers can bring home the asbestos dust/fiber on their hair and clothes. About 2,000 new cases are diagnosed in the US every year. In the past 20 years, the incidence rates have increased. The disease occurs more often in men than in women; but may appear in both men and women at any age.
Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural mineral composed of durable and fire-resistant fibers used commercially in industries including: shipbuilding, textiles, insulation, heating and construction, roofing and flooring, automotive repair, and many more. Asbestos was used as ceiling tiles in old school buildings. Since the late 1800s, asbestos was mined continuously and widely used on Navy ships. It was only in 1970s that the government started regulating use of asbestos.
What are the Symptoms and Treatment Options?
Symptoms of mesothelioma typically appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos occurred. They often resemble signs of other ailments so mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose without knowing the history of patient and several medical tests (such as CT scan, x-ray, biopsy, MRI, and so on). Common symptoms may include: chest pain, weight loss, fever, shortness of breath, swelling, and pain.
There is no cure but treatment options are: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma and you want more information, discover answers through the articles and videos on the New Jersey Mesothelioma Lawyer Blog.
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