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Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that forms on the mesothelium, a membrane that forms the lining of several body cavities. Often, mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is considered to be a rare form of cancer and around 2,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States yearly. Since exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, most people who develop the cancer have been exposed to asbestos dust.
There are two major forms of mesothelioma, which are pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs, and happens to consist of seventy to eighty percent of all cases. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdominal region and consists of ten to twenty percents of cases.
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Having an occupation which worked with asbestos risk factor for the cancer. A prolonged history of asbestos exposure is reported in around seventy to eighty percent of all cases. However, as with most cancers, this cancer has also been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.
The risk of developing the cancer increases with the amount of exposure an individual has had with asbestos. Some individuals have had heavy contact with asbestos, for a prolonged period, and not developed the cancer. While others individuals have developed mesothelioma with only brief, minimal contact, with asbestos.
Some research suggests that family members living with workers, who have contact to asbestos, have a slightly increased risk of developing mesothelioma.
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The most frequent symptoms for pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath and pain in the chest. Individuals with peritoneal mesothelioma often suffer from abdominal pain, swelling, and generally lose weight. Anemia, blood clotting abnormalities, and a fever also can accompany peritoneal mesothelioma.
It's important to see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms, since only a doctor can make a diagnosis.
At-a-glance chart of symptoms:
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms:
- Pain in the lower back or the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Trouble swallowing
- Sweating or fevers
- Hoarse/Husky voice
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms:
- Pain in your abdomen
- Poor appetite
- Diarrhea
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Constipation
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Treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. No different from most cancers, treatment for mesothelioma depends on a number of factors, such as stage of the cancer, the its location, and the patient's age and health.
Surgically removing part of the lining of the abdomen or chest and some of the surrounding tissue is a common treatment. A lung and part of the diaphragm may be removed in come cases of pleural mesothelioma.
Aside from surgery, chemotherapy may be used as a treatment option. Chemotherapy consists of using strong drugs, through an intravenous, to attempt to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
Radiation therapy may also be used as a treatment option.
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