Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Although asbestos has been banned from the manufacturing and use of asbestos in most countries, it is still found in the manufacture of several products such as roofing shingles and pipes. The mesothelioma cancer arises because of prolonged exposure to asbestos.
As this cancer progresses, the symptoms usually occur at an early stage and they become more advanced. Most people with mesothelioma will not be aware of the cancer and therefore they are never diagnosed. Mesothelioma symptoms typically appear suddenly and cause severe pain and discomfort. The most common symptom of mesothelioma is the formation of pleural effusions or fluid inside the chest.
Other symptoms can include abdominal pain, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, pain or pressure in the abdomen and an inability to move the arms and legs. Diagnosis can be done through imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans and MRI scans. A biopsy may also be done to check for other forms of cancer.
You can find many treatment options for mesothelioma. These treatments range from conventional to alternative. You may be able to control the cancer through conventional treatments such as chemotherapy. However, sometimes the therapy needs to be adjusted when it becomes less effective.
Some people choose to find alternative treatments to help treat their cancer. These alternative treatments can be herbal supplements, massage therapy, acupuncture, or hypnosis. Alternative treatments may require you to stop using the drug medication that you are currently taking. For people who do not have access to these alternatives, surgery may be necessary to remove mesothelioma.
Some people with mesothelioma have to avoid physical activities and sports. This is especially true if the patient has not yet received treatment and the risk of asbestos exposure is high.
The more serious form of mesothelioma case requires a lifetime of treatment. Surgery and chemotherapy are used to treat mesothelioma. Another option is radiation therapy, which attacks cancer cells while sparing normal tissue. Mesothelioma victims often need multiple treatments to have a good prognosis.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer but there is no known cure. The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is better when the cancer is detected early. It is important to seek treatment as soon as you are diagnosed with mesothelioma because there is no guarantee that you will be cured even if the cancer is caught in time.
