Mesothelioma refers to cancer that affects the lining of internal organs, known as the mesothelium. It is a rare form of cancer and the membrane that is most commonly affected is the pleural membrane surrounding the lungs. It can, however, affect other membranes as well, such as the peritoneum surrounding the abdominal cavity, and the pericardium, which surrounds the heart.
Mesothelioma differs greatly from ordinary lung cancer, as it affects only the pleura and the inside of the actual lungs. This type of cancer is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. Often this can occur in work environments in which people are not aware of the dangers of the use of asbestos, and the fibres are then inhaled unknowingly.
The latency period refers to the time that elapses between exposure and the presentation of Mesothelioma symptoms. This disease often has a latency period of decades, usually between twenty years and fifty years. Pleural mesothelioma symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, a persistent dry cough, wheezing, hoarseness and fatigue.
Once this cancer has been diagnosed through the use of x-ray and other methods like CT scans, a treatment plan can be developed. Traditional treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination of these.
Surgery can usually only be performed if the disease is still in the early stages. Unfortunately, once the symptoms have appeared, the cancer is often already in the advanced stages, which limits the available treatment options. At this stage metastases can also occur, causing the cancer to spread to other areas. Sometimes the only option available is to provide palliative care to provide comfort and improve the quality of life, but this will not help the disease itself.
If you have been exposed to asbestos at any stage of your life through work or any other environments, it is important to consult a medical practitioner to check that there are no mesothelioma symptoms or other signs of asbestos related diseases. Early diagnosis is important for increasing life expectancy and to minimise the chances of developing severe illness.
Mesothelioma differs greatly from ordinary lung cancer, as it affects only the pleura and the inside of the actual lungs. This type of cancer is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. Often this can occur in work environments in which people are not aware of the dangers of the use of asbestos, and the fibres are then inhaled unknowingly.
The latency period refers to the time that elapses between exposure and the presentation of Mesothelioma symptoms. This disease often has a latency period of decades, usually between twenty years and fifty years. Pleural mesothelioma symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, a persistent dry cough, wheezing, hoarseness and fatigue.
Once this cancer has been diagnosed through the use of x-ray and other methods like CT scans, a treatment plan can be developed. Traditional treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination of these.
Surgery can usually only be performed if the disease is still in the early stages. Unfortunately, once the symptoms have appeared, the cancer is often already in the advanced stages, which limits the available treatment options. At this stage metastases can also occur, causing the cancer to spread to other areas. Sometimes the only option available is to provide palliative care to provide comfort and improve the quality of life, but this will not help the disease itself.
If you have been exposed to asbestos at any stage of your life through work or any other environments, it is important to consult a medical practitioner to check that there are no mesothelioma symptoms or other signs of asbestos related diseases. Early diagnosis is important for increasing life expectancy and to minimise the chances of developing severe illness.
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