Understanding Mesothelioma Cancer:Causes and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium which is the lining or the membrane that covers and protects most internal organs in the abdominal cavity. The first layer surrounds the body and form a second layer of protective bag. There is a lubricating fluid contained between the layers to facilitate movement. The mesothelium is called the pericardium,which is subject to heart when covering the lung pleura and peritoneum covering the abdominal organs.
In mesothelioma dividing cells,leading to uncontrolled masses of other cells invade the surrounding tissue and organs and cause damage. Especially It should be noted that mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum. Metastasis of cancer,then to other body parts.
Mesothelioma occurs mainly as a result of exposure to asbestos. It is considered a major risk factor. 70% to 80% of people with a history of exposure to asbestos. There are exceptions,and cases were reported in which asbestos was found not to exist. Disorder is more common in men than in women. It was also found that the risk rises with age.
Mesothelioma is a rare disease. Usually say that associated with exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Asbestos is a collection of minerals,which may be made to exist as a solid mass or leaf spring fibers. It is widely used in industrial products like cement,steel roof products,textiles,brakes and insulation. Small particles floating asbestos in the air and be inhaled or swallowed,people exposed to it,how workers in manufacturing plants,etc.
Continuous exposure period can lead to asbestosis. Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of mesothelioma and other cancers,such as kidney and larynx. There are acceptable levels of asbestos exposure that have been made in the workplace using minerals. Another very interesting aspect of mesothelioma is that family members of people exposed to asbestos in their work to show an increased incidence of cancer compared with others. This was attributed to the fact that remnants of asbestos particles that are governed by the hair,clothes,etc.,when brought from home can expose family members to do.
Cancer takes about thirty to forty years to finish. Initial Symptoms include shortness of breath,chest pain,if the pleura is affected. If the cancer is in the peritoneum,then the weight loss,abdominal swelling and pain build up,fluid in the abdomen,intestinal obstruction. Fever,anemia,and discrepancies of blood clotting were also seen. In heavy cases,swelling of the neck and face,difficulty swallowing and pain.
Diagnosis of mesothelioma is very difficult because There are no specific symptoms. Review of medical history would be very useful,because exposure to asbestos be determined. X-ray of the chest,stomach,lung function tests,examinations and MRI are the usual tools to help confirm the diagnosis. Biopsy is performed for final confirmation and treatment includes chemotherapy and radiation.
To your health!