Mesothelioma Definition

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer found in the Mesothelium, a blanket that protects most of the internal organs of the body. The Mesothelium has two layers: one serves as a skin on a specific organ and the other is like a sack that surrounds it. These layers produce lubrication, so that organs can easily slide against each other. Example: the heart beats, while the lungs expand and shrink. Mesothelium is called “pericardium” in reporting on the heart, “breast” when around the lungs and”Peritoneum”, if along the various organs in the abdomen.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a malignant disease, share trading in the Mesothelium cells abnormal and uncontrolled. In most cases begin in the pleura and peritoneum. Pleural and peritoneal Mesothelioma are common forms of this rare cancer. Although still considered uncommon, the disease is often individuals who are exposed to asbestos at work. At least 70Up to 80 percent of cases caused by asbestos. However, some cases have no known causes.

The commercial use of asbestos began in the late 1800s and increased during the Second World War. Millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. People, the asbestos mines and mills, factories that manufacture asbestos products worked, and the heating and construction industries have higher risk to develop cancer. Families who are living with asbestos workers are also at risk.

CommonSymptoms of the disease, which usually count between 30 and 50 years after exposure to asbestos: shortness of breath, chest pain, weight loss, abdominal pain, swelling of the abdomen, intestinal obstruction, abnormal bleeding, anemia, fever, difficulty swallowing, pain and swelling of the face and neck.

The diagnosis can be difficult because most of the symptoms resemble other conditions. Medical tests such as X-ray, CT, MRI and biopsy are performed for the patient so that the disease canconfirmed. After diagnosis, the doctor will then determine how far the cancer has spread. Unfortunately, the disease is not curable. Various treatment options are available: chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.