Mesothelioma is a type of cancer which occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers most of the organs. This layer of tissue is known as mesothelium. It is quite a lethal type of cancer and one which is very aggressive. For most cases of mesothelioma, a cure is often not possible. One of the common types of mesothelioma is called pleural mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is when the tissue surrounding the lungs is affected. The other forms of mesothelioma are rarer in which the tissue in the abdomen, surrounding the heart and surrounding the testicles is affected.
Symptoms
Depending upon which tissue the cancer affects, signs and symptoms of mesothelioma vary.
In Pleural mesothelioma (tissue surrounding the lungs gets affected) the symptoms are as follows:
- Painful coughing
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
- Lumps of tissue under the skin
In Peritoneal mesothelioma (tissue in the abdomen gets affected) the signs are as follows:
- Abdominal swelling
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea
In Pericardial mesothelioma (tissue surrounding the heart gets affected) the signs are chest pain and difficulty breathing.
In case of tissue surrounding the testicles getting affected, the signs are swelling in the testicle.
Causes
The main cause for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Inhaled asbestos fibers cause inflammation and scarring and damage the DNA. The different types of mesothelioma occur depending on where the inhaled asbestos fibers settle. Fibers settling in the lining of the stomach result in peritoneal mesothelioma and fibers settling in the tissue surrounding the lungs cause pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma occurs after decades of asbestos exposure.
Treatment
Treatment for mesothelioma depends upon the general health and also upon the stage and location of the cancer. It is an aggressive disease and a cure is often not possible for most people. The treatments used for most cancers are used for mesothelioma too which include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy.
An early diagnosis of mesothelioma usually increases a person’s access to all treatment options and a longer life span.
Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.
Sources-
- https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/causes/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mesothelioma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375028
- https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesothelioma#Causes
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