Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that are related to the lungs, and because it is in this area, it can be very difficult to diagnose, unless it is found in the chest. It is also a lung cancer that is hereditary and has many genetic predispositions.
Even though the disease is inherited, it can also be caused by certain exposures to asbestos. The carcinogens contained in asbestos fibers are capable of penetrating into the lungs and cause malignant mesothelioma. This is why the early detection of the disease is so important.
Asbestos mesothelioma causes people to develop mesothelioma when the asbestos is inhaled, and it spreads through the lymphatic system. Some of the other common causes of this cancer include ionizing radiation, chemicals, cigarette smoke, and long-term exposure to vacuum cleaners and an industrial solvent. There is currently no cure for mesothelioma, but doctors and researchers are doing everything they can to find new ways to stop the growth of the cancerous tumors and to slow the progression of the disease. To do this, they are performing a variety of tests and using several different methods to identify the specific cancerous cells and then identify the types of cells that are affected.
In order to determine the mesothelioma causes, doctors use several diagnostic techniques, including X-rays, CAT scans, CT scans, MRI scans, and MRIs. The tests that are performed for mesothelioma include blood tests, urine tests, a bone scan, and pleura fluid samples.
The mesothelioma causes that are most frequently seen are malignant pleural mesothelioma. This form of cancer is fairly common, occurring in up to two percent of all mesothelioma cases. Another common cause of mesothelioma is mesothelioma in the pleura, a thin membrane that covers the chest. This condition also occurs when mesothelial cells become immune to chemotherapy.
People who have had the diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma often suffer from the symptoms for about five years before their tumors begin to enlarge and develop into malignant mesothelioma. A treatment regimen may be necessary after the cancerous tumors begin to develop. One of the main mesothelioma causes is asbestos exposure.
The other mesothelioma causes include high exposure to toxins, such as benzene, lead, and lindane. If you think that you have the symptoms of mesothelioma, do not delay in seeking medical attention.
Understanding the mesothelioma causes can help the doctor to diagnose the disease and possibly devise a treatment plan that will make it easier for the patient to survive. Although a patient can seek alternative therapies, it is always best to choose a course of therapy that is proven to be effective.