Mesothelioma: The Latest Daunting Cancer

Mesothelioma is a unique and self-asserting form of cancer. It develops itself in thin layers of cells lining the body's organs, particularly lungs, abdomen, and heart. Even though most forms of cancer are now treatable, the treatment of Mesothelioma remains a study which has not yet been successful. The only cause of Mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, which is one of the six silicate minerals found in the Earth. Asbestos mining was greatly enhanced in the 19th century when builders realized its rare and exceptional qualities. The danger of Mesothelioma inhalation was realized too late when cases of this cancer started pouring down from all over the world.

This cancer has three types, the most common being Pleural Mesothelioma, which develops in lungs, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, which develops in the abdomen, Pericardial Mesothelioma, which develops in heart, and Testicular Mesothelioma being the least common with only about 100 cases.

This cancer has four stages; in the first stage, Mesothelioma is in one organ, in stage two, it has spread to other organs around it, in the third stage, it has spread to a region such as a chest wall, esophagus, or lymph nodes. In the last stage, cancer has spread to other organs too. Surgery at stage four is not an option and most treatments focus on reducing pain and discomfort.

Mesothelioma

Symptoms of Mesothelioma differ in all types. All types of Mesothelioma, however, include chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, fatigue, and nausea. Navy veterans, construction workers, industrial workers, and firefighters have the highest risk of developing Mesothelioma, after Asbestos miners. Mesothelioma is detected by chest X-rays, blood tests, and biopsies.

A Complete treatment of Mesothelioma has not yet been achieved. Doctors worldwide have, however, found ways to slow this disease down enough to guarantee at least 10 more years of life. For those with stage four Mesothelioma, doctors have found ways to relieve patients from painful days. But hospitals have started surgery, chemotherapy, and radiations. People who develop Mesothelioma on their jobs are given money by the companies who hire them which cover complete treatment and families of the affected are given compensation money by trust companies according to the nature of the disease and the age of the patient.

All in all, Mesothelioma is an extremely rare and hazardous form of cancers and people exposed to Asbestos should go to doctors for regular checkups.

Mesothelioma