Mesothelioma IC
By definition, mesothelioma is a type of cancer or tumor that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen, and is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. Malignant cells form in the mesothelium, which is a sort of covering or lining that covers and protects the internal organs in the human body. Different areas may be affected of course, including the pleura, the peritoneum, or the pericardium. The pleura is the name associated with the outer lining of the lungs and the area around the chest cavity. The peritoneum is the name associated with the lining around the abdominal cavity, and the pericardium is the area that covers the heart. Mesothelioma is believed to be associated with asbestos, and inhalation of these particles can cause this rare disease to occur. Even though the majority of mesothelioma cases have been a result of the exposure to asbestos, there have been some rare cases in which the individual affected by the disease did not come into contact with asbestos, but another type of substance, usually fibrous silicates. Not only inhaling these particles will cause this cancer, however. What is very interesting about this disease, is that the symptoms do not occur immediately after the exposure. The symptoms may take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to begin appearing. Among the symptoms for pleural mesothelioma include: having short breath and being unable to breathe very easily, coughing excessively, and the occurrence of chest pains. The chest pains are usually a result of fluid accumulating in the pleural area. For peritoneal mesothelioma, weight loss may occur as well as swelling in the abdominal region. Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity may result in discomfort and ascites. Anemia and a high fever may also result, depending on the situation of the individual. Diagnosing a patient with mesothelioma is not a very easy task, because the symptoms aren't unique symptoms to mesothelioma; they are symptoms that can indicate a number of other diseases. Nevertheless, diagnosis of mesothelioma most likely will include an X-ray, and testing on the lungs to see whether they function properly. A CAT scan or an MRI might be required, and cytology can also be performed depending on whether the patient has excessive fluid in their system. Treating mesothelioma is a very difficult task, much like diagnosing it. One type of treatment, surgery, has proven to be very unsuccessful. Only 10% of mesothelioma patients have successfully underwent a surgical treatment; only 10% have survived surgery. Radiation may also be performed, either to alleviate symptoms, or to prevent further growth of the tumor. Other types of therapy include chemotherapy, immunotheraphy, and heated intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotheraphy. Mesothelioma is believed to be a very perilous disease. Most individuals who are diagnosed with this disease are given a maximum of 2 years to live before they are destroyed completely by the disease. In the United States alone, 3,000 individuals are affected by mesothelioma each year. The individuals who are affected by it are hard-working members of society, who work in factories, in mines, in auto shops, and even in the U.S. military.
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