Symptoms and Treatment of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that involves the damage of the mesothelial cells lining the lungs and chest. These cells are similar to the human cells found in our body, but they are more resistant to damage and cannot be damaged by external agents. The disease has been characterized as the second most lethal form of cancer among men, which is responsible for around 5000 deaths each year.
Most of the time, mesothelioma is associated with lung cancer. Although, this disease can also affect people who have undergone surgery for any other reason. In fact, this disease often occurs when individuals experience prolonged exposure to asbestos. As a result, it is vital that you discuss your case with your medical professional before undergoing any procedure that involves radiation treatment.
Mesothelioma is basically caused by exposure to radioactive material which may happen when an individual’s body comes into contact with such material. It is vital that your medical professional identifies the presence of mesothelioma early. However, if the symptoms present do not indicate mesothelioma, then your physician will most likely recommend additional tests. Depending on the extent of your condition, these tests may include laboratory tests, CT scans, and X-rays, all of which are necessary to get to the bottom of the condition.
It is important to remember that mesothelioma is a relatively new form of cancer that has not been diagnosed for a long time. While no one has ever died from this disease, it is very common for individuals with a family history of the disease to develop the illness in their lifetime. So, if you think you may have the condition, your best bet is to go for a checkup with your medical professional as soon as possible.
Mesothelioma occurs in individuals who are exposed to the substance known as asbestos. Asbestos is a type of mineral that was widely used to make various products and even construction materials. Nowadays, however, as many as eight million people are currently living with the effects of asbestos, and unfortunately, they are experiencing serious health problems related to the disease.
Asbestos has been extensively used since the 19th century and was popularly used in construction materials such as roofing shingles, insulation materials, flooring shingles, and many other products. Unfortunately, over time, workers with a history of developing mesothelioma are becoming susceptible to the disease. As a result, the first signs and symptoms related to the disease are seen in the late 40s or early 50s.
Asbestos exposure is considered to be the main risk factor for mesothelioma, as it increases the risk of developing the disease by a large margin. Of course, asbestos exposure is not a specific factor when it comes to developing lung cancer, but it certainly does increase the risk of contracting lung cancer. It is also essential to note that the condition can also occur in men who have a history of smoking. As such, smoking also presents a potential risk for men as well.
As of now, the possibility of developing mesothelioma has not been confirmed, but the fact that this cancer is a common occurrence, it is vital that you remain aware of your condition. In order to do this, you should consult your doctor so he can conduct a comprehensive evaluation and determine whether or not you have mesothelioma. In most cases, this disease is fatal, and although it does not kill right away, it does often take several years before the condition is diagnosed. Therefore, while you should ensure that you have regular screenings, you should also take steps to reduce your exposure to the asbestos.
