Symptoms of Mesothelioma Explained
What is mesothelioma, and what are the symptoms of mesothelioma? These are questions that many people have about this disease. If you don't understand the effects of mesothelioma, you should take some time to learn them. This article will help you understand this horrible cancer.
source: Imaging Technology News
If you have a mesothelioma diagnosis, it's understandable that you would be keen on getting the most information about your disease. That may be enough for some people, but many others want to know about mesothelioma effects. Maybe you're trying to determine how much mesothelioma affects your life, what happens to your body after you've died, or whether you'll need ongoing treatment. We want to help you learn more by providing an educational mesothelioma guide we hope is both helpful and inspiring.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is cancer that affects the mesothelium, the membrane covering most of your body's internal organs. Mesothelium normally insulates and protects these organs from damage caused by chemicals, heat, and radiation.
The two mesothelium layers interact to lubricate, nourish, and protect the organs. The inner layer is called the parietal layer, while the outer layer is called the visceral layer. Mesothelioma can develop in either of these two layers, with different cell types causing cancer in each. When your organs' membranes are damaged, asbestos fibers can enter your body.
There are four main types of Mesothelioma: Pleural Mesothelioma (the most common type), peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial Mesothelioma, and Testicular Mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, diagnosed in about 7 out of 10 patients, develops in the lungs and chest wall. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdominal cavity and gastrointestinal tract and accounts for about 20 percent of all cases. Pericardial Mesothelioma and Testicular Mesothelioma are rare and affect only about 100 people worldwide.
Risk Factors:
Mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure. Not everyone exposed to asbestos will develop mesothelioma; however, your risk increases if you have been exposed. The following are some of the common factors that may increase your risk of developing mesothelioma:
Asbestos exposure:
Approximately 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma cases are caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a mineral that was used in construction materials and insulation. It has not been banned in the U.S., though its use is more restricted today than it once was.
Family history:
A small number of people who develop this cancer do not have a history of asbestos exposure; they may have inherited an abnormal gene from one parent or both parents.
Radiation exposure:
People who have had radiation treatments are at an increased risk for developing mesothelioma because radiation can affect the genes that control cell growth and division.
Smoking:
Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma among people exposed to asbestos at work. But it does seem to increase the risk of lung cancer in people exposed to asbestos on the job and who smoke cigarettes.
Exposure to military service:
People who have served in the military are at a higher risk of asbestos exposure. Veterans make up about 30% of all cases of Mesothelioma in the United States.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma:
Mesothelioma is incurable cancer that occurs after repeated exposure to asbestos. It can take up to 40 years for mesothelioma to develop after the initial exposure.
Common symptoms of mesothelioma:
Mesothelioma occurs in the lining around the lungs, and symptoms include:
-a persistent cough
-chest pain
-shortness of breath and wheezing
-anemia
-weight loss and loss of appetite
-blood in mucus
-changes in bowel habits and swelling of the abdomen
Not all are symptoms of mesothelioma:
Not all of these symptoms are unique to mesothelioma; they can also be signs of other conditions. However, if you get several of these symptoms, you should see your doctor and ensure it's not mesothelioma. Like many cancers, mesothelioma has no specific symptoms.
Other symptoms of mesothelioma:
Mesothelioma symptoms also include coughs, fatigue, lumps of tissue under your skin on your chest (but these are not generally visible), anemia (a shortage of red blood cells), fever, weight loss, and night sweats.
Conclusion:
Cancer is a fairly common disorder, and we all know that it can be deadly. It should be no surprise then to learn that the disease may cause people harm in different ways. You must be aware of the symptoms of mesothelioma so you can avoid them or at least treat them in time if you notice they're present.
Also, read Mesothelioma Symptoms and Signs to get more information about this disease.