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A Cancer Called Mesothelioma
by Shemileti Tadoroki
http://www.factmesothelioma.com
Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer that is caused by
inhaling the microscopic fibers of asbestos. Before the
1960s it was a common practice to use asbestos as insulation
in many houses. It is known to be a good flame retardant,
which explains why it was preferred as insulation. However,
since then it has been discovered that the microscopic
fibers of asbestos can cause mesothelioma. The rise in the
instance of this disease is proof of that.
Mesothelioma has got its name because this cancer affects
the linings in the body known as the mesothelium. Although
these linings are found in the nose, the inside of the
lungs, and in the abdomen, yet it is the lungs that are most
affected by mesothelioma. This is because the tiny asbestos
fibers that are inhaled through the nose come to rest in the
lungs. Mesothelioma is hard to understand because it takes a
long time to manifest itself. And then it is often too late
to treat.
Mesothelioma is a silent intruder. The fibers are so small
that they keep lying in the mesothelium for decades before
showing up as any symptoms of infection. The most difficult
part is that even when the symptoms appear, they look very
similar to the symptoms of other diseases and are hard to
distinguish. For instance, the cancer first appears in the
right lung and shows signs akin to viral pneumonia. The
initial symptoms of mesothelioma are shortness of breath and
chest pain, accompanied by persistent coughing. Even fluid
builds up in the lungs.
A chest X-Ray can show the fluid build up, but it requires
other tests to determine that you just do not have
pneumonia. Abdominal mesothelioma is characterized by bowel
trouble, pain, and swelling. The feet may swell as well, and
weight loss or anemia may occur as a result of vomiting.
Mesothelioma can spread to other parts of the body just like
any other cancer. It spreads pain wherever it goes. If you
have been exposed to asbestos at any point in life, you must
consult your doctor as soon as you notice persistent
symptoms that are similar to those of mesothelioma. There
are very few cancer specialists who treat mesothelioma.
Nevertheless, they are competent enough to treat the disease
and you have a fair chance of beating the disease.
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