Mesothelioma - What is Mesothelioma Cancer?
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare cancer that is thought to come from the inhalation of asbestos fibers as well as exposure to asbestos. People that have work concerning plentiful amounts of asbestos are in danger of contracting mesothelioma. Studies have reasonably shown that the vast majority of those that have mesothelioma had exposure to asbestos at some point in the past whether it was work-related or otherwise.
Mesothelioma is also a relatively rare form of cancer with only about 4000 cases each year. The three major varieties of mesothelioma all match up to the area of the mesothelium that is affected. They are known as Pericardial, Peritoneal and Pleural Mesothelioma.
The cancer is named after the mesothelium, which is a protective membrane that covers various cavities. Peritoneal, Pleural and Peritoneal mesothelioma are all named after the particular cavities that this cancer affects. The symptoms for each are different.
These symptoms generally show up much later on in the future after exposure to asbestos. Weight loss, abdominal pain as well as abdominal lumps are all symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural Mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath, cough (dry), lumps in the chest region, chest pain, painful breathing and coughing. Pericardial Mesothelioma symptoms are chest pains, fever, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, murmurs, Orthopnea. It should be noted that smokers that have been exposed to asbestos have a higher than normal chance of contracting pleural mesothelioma.
In rare cases, if the cancer is caught exceedingly early, the cancer may be sent into remission. Otherwise, mesothelioma patients experience abysmal survival rates. Those suffering from advanced stages of mesothelioma usually have a year or so to live.
Those fortunate enough to uncover the cancer in its early stages can expect to live for up to 5 years. There is still research being done in the field, albeit not a whole lot. The well-known specialist, Dr.David Sugarbaker and other notable doctors elsewhere represent the few doctors that are making inroads into unraveling the mysteries of this cancer. The main areas of research tend to target pleural mesothelioma and new, aggressive techniques have been found to lengthen live expectancy by years. While a cure has still not been found for any type of cancer much less mesothelioma, there is constant research being done in the area.
