Mesothelioma Cancer
Topics: mesothelioma Cancer AsbestosMesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos; about 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. Mesothelioma cancer, affects the protective lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Most of the individuals that develop mesothelioma cancer have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibers. Not like lung cancer, smoking does not cause mesothelioma cancer; however smoking can greatly increase the risk of other asbestos-related cancer. Although asbestos can affect both men and women, men have been shown to be at a higher risk for developing mesothelioma cancer, and the risk increases with age.
Those at risk for developing mesothelioma cancer normally work with asbestos, a study has shown about 70 to 80 percent of all cases of mesothelioma cancer were exposed at work. Although many have been exposed at work, some have been exposed with out even knowing it. This is possible because asbestos is used in many household products, such as flooring products, and materials found throughout the home like, roof shingles, insulation, cement, and brake linings.
There are specific symptoms related to mesothelioma cancer such as shortness of breathe, chest pain, weight loss, and swelling of the chest, and fever. These symptoms will most likely not occur directly after exposure. They will normally appear about 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. If you believe you are or have experienced these symptoms an appointment to see your doctor should be scheduled to run tests, to determine if mesothelioma cancer is present.
Treatment of mesothelioma cancer is possible depending on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, as well as the age and health of the patient. The more common treatment methods of mesothelioma cancer consist of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, many times all three methods are used to fight the cancer.
