Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that usually involves the lining of the lungs and abdominal cavity. It’s been linked to exposure to asbestos, which was used as insulation and in many types of products, such as pipes and concrete. If not detected in its early stages, mesothelioma can cause death.
The first symptom of mesothelioma is a lump on the chest, usually felt while lying down. Usually, a doctor will detect the lump through a mammogram or x-ray, as well as through a biopsy. If the lump is diagnosed with mesothelioma, the doctor will perform surgery to remove it.
There are a few different areas of the body that can be affected by mesothelioma. Most commonly, a person will develop symptoms when exposed to asbestos in the abdominal cavity. Because this type of cancer is closely associated with asbestos exposure, the lungs and mesothelioma, the lining that protects the organs in the abdomen, are often affected. Lung cancer is the most common type of mesothelioma, although it can also affect other parts of the body.
Mesothelioma can occur anywhere in the abdominal cavity. As a result, there are several common areas that are commonly affected. These include the chest, the abdomen, the lungs, the lower back, and the pelvis. Although most cases of mesothelioma involve the abdominal area, any area of the body that has contact with the lungs or mesothelium is at risk for developing mesothelioma.
The most common of all mesothelioma symptoms is pleural mesothelioma. When pleura tissue is exposed to asbestos, it can become cancerous. This is more common in those who have a family history of mesothelioma.
If you suspect that you have this form of cancer, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss any possible surgical intervention. In many cases, doctors will operate to remove the entire lung tissue and many of the surrounding areas in order to remove the cancerous cells. There are also other options that can be used to remove the mesothelioma, but some patients prefer the operation and the results.
No one knows the person’s risk for developing mesothelioma, but there are factors that can be considered in the treatment decision. For example, smoking, a long history of asbestos exposure, and obesity may increase a person’s risk. Since the number of cases of mesothelioma is increasing, more people are at risk.
Although patients who have had a previous diagnosis of mesothelioma are statistically less likely to develop the condition, if they have not been exposed to asbestos and do not smoke, then the chances are good that they can develop mesothelioma. While there is no cure for mesothelioma, if it is caught in its earliest stages, it can be treated with surgery and radiation therapy. In the event that surgery is not successful, patients can undergo chemotherapy to help reduce the risk of developing mesothelioma.
