What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
In short form, Mesothelioma is cancer on the protective membrane that lines the majority of the body’s internal organs. The cells infected with Mesothelioma are able to invade and infect nearby tissues. If left untreated, a person(s) with this cancer usually dies within four months to a year. The main cause of Mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos (a group of minerals with microscopic fibers) which are used in the construction, automotive, and other manufacturing industries. When asbestos are swallowed or inhaled, serious health issues may occur. There are some cases in which people who work with asbestos bring this mineral home on their clothing. This puts the person’s family at risk of consuming the asbestos and potentially contracting Mesothelioma.
Pleural Mesothelioma is found in the tissue surrounding the lungs. Nearly two-thirds of Mesothelioma patients develop this form of the cancer. It can cause death by pneumonia or respiratory failure. Painful coughing, pain in the chest beneath the ribcage, lumps under the skin on the chest, shortness of breath, and shortness of breath are all possible symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma. While these signs do not only point towards Mesothelioma, it is still best to consult a doctor.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is found in the abdomen tissues rather than in the lungs. Although this form of the cancer is less common than Pleural Mesothelioma, it is possible for the cancer to spread from the lungs to the abdomen or vice versa. Abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, lumps found in the abdomen, or unexplained weight loss are all potential signs of Peritoneal Mesothelioma. Although these are not strictly symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma, talk to a doctor should these issues appear.
While Mesothelioma is not curable, treatment for patients suffering from this cancer are available. Surgeons may be able to remove the cancer if it is caught early on; even then there is a chance that the cancer is not completely removed. If caught in a later stage, then surgery can only be used to decrease fluid buildup in the lungs, remove the affected lung and surrounding tissue, or remove as much of the cancer as possible. Another option to fight Mesothelioma is chemotherapy. In chemotherapy, chemicals are used to try and kill cancerous cells. It can be used along with surgery to either make the operation easier (prior to surgery) or to reduce the chance of the cancer returning (after surgery). Radiation therapy may also be used to help reduce the symptoms of Mesothelioma or to keep the cancer from spreading to surgical incisions. No alternative medicine treatments have been helpful in either destroying the cancer or stopping its growth.
