A rare form of cancer, mesothelioma, is becoming more and more common today. It affects the cells in the protective lining that covers the major body organs such as the lungs, heart, and stomach. The primary cause of this is exposure to asbestos, and signs of this disease may take as long as 30 to 40 years to show up. That is why it is important to ask: What is mesothelioma?
This disease can start to develop as soon as inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers occurs. Those fibers attach and stay on the linings of major organs. As time goes on, those fibers cause inflammation of the lining and tumors can develop. But those tumors provide no symptoms until they are very advanced, which leaves patients with limited treatment options and poor prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos or worked with it in the past may be in danger of already having this disease, even if they have no symptoms. The symptoms that do occur are so close to symptoms of over conditions, it is difficult to diagnose. In addition to that, there are many instances when this form of cancer is overlooked completely.
The only way to find out if one has this disease is through regular checkups of asbestos exposure, especially since there are no early symptoms. The most common organ affected is the lungs, but the lining of the stomach and heart can also be affected. Symptoms can include swallowing difficulty, shortness of breath, palpitations, persistent coughs, weight loss, nausea, and fatigue.
Despite how common it is becoming, no cure is available at this time, although alternative therapies and experimental treatments are available. In most cases, a patient will undergo surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy to relieve their symptoms and improve the quality of life. There are times when those treatments can cause remission to prolong life.
Research is being done to try to find effective treatment, even for those with late stage cancer Age and overall health can play a factor in prognosis and any form of treatment. Anyone that has ever been exposed to asbestos needs to ask: What is mesothelioma?
This disease can start to develop as soon as inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers occurs. Those fibers attach and stay on the linings of major organs. As time goes on, those fibers cause inflammation of the lining and tumors can develop. But those tumors provide no symptoms until they are very advanced, which leaves patients with limited treatment options and poor prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos or worked with it in the past may be in danger of already having this disease, even if they have no symptoms. The symptoms that do occur are so close to symptoms of over conditions, it is difficult to diagnose. In addition to that, there are many instances when this form of cancer is overlooked completely.
The only way to find out if one has this disease is through regular checkups of asbestos exposure, especially since there are no early symptoms. The most common organ affected is the lungs, but the lining of the stomach and heart can also be affected. Symptoms can include swallowing difficulty, shortness of breath, palpitations, persistent coughs, weight loss, nausea, and fatigue.
Despite how common it is becoming, no cure is available at this time, although alternative therapies and experimental treatments are available. In most cases, a patient will undergo surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy to relieve their symptoms and improve the quality of life. There are times when those treatments can cause remission to prolong life.
Research is being done to try to find effective treatment, even for those with late stage cancer Age and overall health can play a factor in prognosis and any form of treatment. Anyone that has ever been exposed to asbestos needs to ask: What is mesothelioma?
About the Author:
if you think you have grounds for a mesothelioma claim then specialist asbestos solicitors EAD can help.
No comments:
Post a Comment