Mesothelioma is a type of cancer found in the mesothelium, a covering that protects most of the body's internal organs. The mesothelium has two layers: one acts as skin to a certain organ and the other is like a sac that surrounds it. Mesothelioma is a disease where malignant cells develop in the mesothelium.
Most cases begin in the pleura (lungs) and peritoneum (stomach and pelvic region). This cancer may also form in the pericardium (heart). Pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma are common forms of this rare cancer.
Risk Factors for Mesothelioma
A large number of people who have worked on jobs that exposed them to asbestos dust and fiber have developed mesothelioma. There is some evidence that even the family members or other individuals who lived with asbestos workers can be at risk to develop the diseases due to second-hand exposure to asbestos.
Workers can bring home the asbestos dust/fiber on their hair and clothes. About 2,000 new cases are diagnosed in the US every year. In the past 20 years, the incidence rates have increased. The disease occurs more often in men than in women; but may appear in both men and women at any age.
Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural mineral composed of durable and fire-resistant fibers used commercially in industries including: shipbuilding, textiles, insulation, heating and construction, roofing and flooring, automotive repair, and many more. Asbestos was used as ceiling tiles in old school buildings. Since the late 1800s, asbestos was mined continuously and widely used on Navy ships. It was only in 1970s that the government started regulating use of asbestos.
Mesothelioma Symptoms and Options for Treatment
Symptoms may occur as much as 30 to 50 years after the extensive exposure to asbestos occurred. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms resemble those of other diseases. Symptoms include chest pain, weight loss, shortness of breath, fever and swelling in the face or neck. Patient history is critical in the diagnosis and medical tests such as CT scan, x-ray, MRI and biopsy may be used to assist in the diagnosis.
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are all options for treatment. There are no cures for mesothelioma at this time.
Most cases begin in the pleura (lungs) and peritoneum (stomach and pelvic region). This cancer may also form in the pericardium (heart). Pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma are common forms of this rare cancer.
Risk Factors for Mesothelioma
A large number of people who have worked on jobs that exposed them to asbestos dust and fiber have developed mesothelioma. There is some evidence that even the family members or other individuals who lived with asbestos workers can be at risk to develop the diseases due to second-hand exposure to asbestos.
Workers can bring home the asbestos dust/fiber on their hair and clothes. About 2,000 new cases are diagnosed in the US every year. In the past 20 years, the incidence rates have increased. The disease occurs more often in men than in women; but may appear in both men and women at any age.
Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural mineral composed of durable and fire-resistant fibers used commercially in industries including: shipbuilding, textiles, insulation, heating and construction, roofing and flooring, automotive repair, and many more. Asbestos was used as ceiling tiles in old school buildings. Since the late 1800s, asbestos was mined continuously and widely used on Navy ships. It was only in 1970s that the government started regulating use of asbestos.
Mesothelioma Symptoms and Options for Treatment
Symptoms may occur as much as 30 to 50 years after the extensive exposure to asbestos occurred. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms resemble those of other diseases. Symptoms include chest pain, weight loss, shortness of breath, fever and swelling in the face or neck. Patient history is critical in the diagnosis and medical tests such as CT scan, x-ray, MRI and biopsy may be used to assist in the diagnosis.
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are all options for treatment. There are no cures for mesothelioma at this time.
About the Author:
When you've been diagnosed with Mesothelioma and need more information, discover answers through the articles and videos on the New Jersey Mesothelioma Lawyer Blog.
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