Just what is mesothelioma? Well, if you have worked around asbestos, this is definitely a question you should be asking.
Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium - the protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs.
The cancer cells causes thickening of the membranes that protects the organs - hence impairing the functions of the organs.
The heart, abdominal area and lungs are the of the most common areas affected by this cancer. There have also been reported cases of testicular mesothelioma - but this is extremely rare.
What Is Mesothelioma - Symptoms.
People who have this cancer have reported:
Abdominal pain
Back pain
Change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
Coughing up blood
Difficulty breathing
Fever
Fluid buildup between the chest wall and lungs
Hoarseness
Lumps under the skin
Night sweating
And more
What Is Mesothelioma - High Risk Groups
In the vast majority of the cases, this rare form of cancer affects people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace. Asbestos miners, construction workers, industrial workers, World War II and Vietnam war navy veterans and shipyard workers are some of the high risk groups for mesothelioma.
Those who live with people in these high groups are also at risk. It is advisable therefore that people who work around asbestos change their clothes and have a shower prior to going to their homes.
What Is Mesothelioma - Treatment
Here is a rule of thumb, if you have worked around asbestos, make sure you have your physician check you out for mesothelioma.
As mentioned before, mesothelioma symptoms can take many many years to surface. Therefore, early detection is the key to surviving this disease.
If you find out that you have the disease, surgery, radiation and chemo are the standard treatment options.
There are lots more about this disease to discuss.
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