Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that mainly affects the pleura, which is the membrane that protects the internal organs and the abdominal cavity. When the body’s normal mechanisms are disrupted, mesothelioma can develop. There are many causes of mesothelioma and the most common one is asbestos fibers, hydrocarbons, and radioactive materials.
Mesothelioma is not fatal but if not treated properly can lead to serious complications. Some of the major mesothelioma causes are exposure to asbestos in the workplace or personal use of asbestos products such as clothing, bedding, clothing etc. If asbestos exposure has occurred for a long time and its effects are still visible or present in the body, it might be a strong case of mesothelioma.
The second type of mesothelioma is a malignant mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is a relatively new form of cancer that has a very high mortality rate. It was first diagnosed during the Second World War when a large number of troops were being given heavy doses of radiation. Malignant mesothelioma can also be caused by radiotherapy, chemotherapy, radon gas and asbestos. The exact cause of this form of cancer is still unknown, but scientists have found that there are several potential risk factors associated with it.
If the person has been exposed to asbestos or has other forms of asbestos related exposure, they are more likely to suffer from other ailments like infections, increased risk of having a stroke, heart attack, lung cancer, and possibly a prolonged life span. Even though it is not deadly, the symptoms of malignant mesothelioma will be the same and some of the treatments available for the other types of cancer can be applied.
Bacterial or benign mesotheliomais another type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. When asbestos is inhaled, it can cause mesothelioma even though the asbestos fibers are too small to see. There are some specific symptoms of mesothelioma that can be associated with this disease. The most common symptoms include: weight loss, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
Exposure to asbestos is also very common in other degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Also, mesothelioma can affect pregnant women and children who play in asbestos-containing areas. A doctor is able to diagnose this form of cancer with a test called a computed tomography (CT) scan and a biopsy of the affected tissue. However, even if the doctors are able to find the tumors, they are not always able to remove them because of the risks associated with removing the internal organs.
Treatment for these diseases can be done through radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, or combinations of these therapies. The treatments are mainly for the removal of the tumors and slowing down the progress of the disease.
In addition to these treatments, the patient is also given medication that helps to slow down the progress of the disease and the spread of the tumors. The medications usually include beta interferon, or more commonly known as a form of anti-viral drug, and/or radiation therapy. Since the cure rate for this type of cancer is low, the condition can be fatal if not properly treated.
