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The Cancer Called Mesothelioma
by Shemileti Tadoroki
http://www.factmesothelioma.com
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is the result of
inhaling the microscopic fibers that make up the material
known as asbestos. Asbestos was used in many homes as
insulation prior to the 1960s because it was such a good
flame retardant. Many people are discovering that they now
have the cancer that results from asbestos, and that
accounts for the rise in the instance of this disease.
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.
Because the fibers are so small, they can lay in the
mesothelium for decades before causing any symptoms of
infection. And when they do, the mesothelioma has symptoms
that look much like other diseases. For instance, when the
cancer first appears in the lungs (and usually only the
right lung is affected initially), it looks a lot like
viral pneumonia. Shortness of breath and chest pain,
accompanied by persistent coughing, are symptoms. There is
even fluid build up in the lungs.
It is possible to detect the fluid build up in the lungs by
a chest X-Ray. However, more sophisticated tests are
required to eliminate the occurrence of pneumonia. Abdominal
mesothelioma causes bowel trouble, pain, and swelling. It
often causes vomiting and all the associated problems such
as swelling of feet, weight loss and anemia.
Mesothelioma, like any other cancer can spread to other
parts of the body, causing pain wherever it goes. It is
important to consult a doctor if you know that you have been
exposed to asbestos, you have persistent symptoms like
shortness of breath, chest pain and persistent coughing.
There are not many cancer specialists who treat mesothelioma
but, they do exist and can give you the best chance to fight
the disease.
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