Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is an extremely rare form of cancer that affects up to 3000 people each year. This disease affects the thin layer of cells that surround the lungs, heart, or abdominal cavity. Experts divide mesothelioma cancer into three different types (pleural, peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma). Studies have shown that the main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Over 80 percent of the individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma have worked with products containing asbestos.

Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Cancer

Asbestos has been used in many industries due to its unique properties. This mineral is resistant to heat, fire and chemicals. Although the risks involved in working with asbestos have been observed, this mineral is still used in many countries around the world. Electricians, factory workers, construction workers, custodians, and auto mechanics present an increased risk of developing asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

This material was used in a large number of products such as brake linings, cement, roofing materials, adhesives, plastics, clay, and fertilizers. The list also includes baby powder, cosmetics, hair dryers, kitchen appliances, and cigarette filters. The family and friends of those who work with asbestos products are often diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer. Research has shown that asbestos fibers are brought home on the clothes, hair and skin of workers. When a person is indirectly exposed to asbestos, second hand asbestos exposure occurs.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Individuals affected by this aggresive disease show the first signs of cancer 20 to 40 years after asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma can appear in either men or women at any age. Pleural mesothelioma accounts for up to 80 percent of all mesothelioma cases. This form of cancer affects the membrane that covers the lungs, causing severe chest pain, persistent cough, shortness of breath, weight loss, accumulation of fluid between the lungs and chest cavity, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and fever.

Peritoneal mesothelioma cancer attacks the lining that surrounds the abdomen. When asbestos fibers are ingested, they enter the peritoneal layers and cause inflammation. The main symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain or swelling, nausea, anemia, night sweats, excessive coughing, and dysphagia.

Pericardial mesothelioma accounts for one to six percent of all mesothelioma cases. Less than 150 individuals are diagnosed with this rare disease each year. Pericardial mesothelioma cancer develops in the pericardium, a thin membrane that lines the heart. Patients diagnosed with this form of cancer experience chest pain, fatigue, murmurs, arrhythmia, heart palpitations, and accumulation of fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion).

Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to those triggered by other illnesses such as hernia, asthma, and bronchitis. For this reason the tumor is detected in advanced stages. Chemotherapy, surgery and radiation are the main treatment options for mesothelioma patients. Individuals who suffer from this rare disease have a short life expectancy of four to 18 months after diagnosis.