Mesothelioma Causes
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that grows from the thin tissue layer that covers many internal organs (called mesothelium).The lining of the lungs and chest wall is the most commonly affected. The lining of the abdomen and rarely the sac surrounding the heart or the sac surrounding the testis can be affected. Mesothelioma signs and symptoms may include shortness of breath due to pulmonary liquid, swollen abdomen, chest wall pain, cough, feeling tired and weight loss. Usually Mesothelioma symptoms occur slowly.
Over 80% of cases of mesothelioma are caused by asbestos exposure. The higher the exposure the higher the risk. As of 2013, around 125 million individuals around the world were exposed to asbestos a workplace. In individuals who mine asbestos, manufacture asbestos products, work with asbestos products, live with asbestos employees, or work in asbestos-containing structures, high disease rates happen. Exposure to asbestos and cancer onset are usually separated by approximately 40 years. Washing someone's clothes who worked with asbestos also raises the possibility of Mesothelioma. Other risk factors include genetics and simian virus 40 infection. The diagnosis of Mesothelioma can be suspected depending on the results of the chest X-ray and CT scan. Mesothelioma is then confirmed by testing the fluid produced by the cancer or by a tissue biopsy.
Prevention focuses on decreasing asbestos exposure. Often, Mesothelioma treatment involves surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. A method known as pleurodesis may be used to stop more fluid from building up around the lungs by using substances such as talc to scar together the pleura. Chemotherapy often involves cisplatin and pemetrexed medications.
Over 80% of cases of mesothelioma are caused by asbestos exposure. The higher the exposure the higher the risk. As of 2013, around 125 million individuals around the world were exposed to asbestos a workplace. In individuals who mine asbestos, manufacture asbestos products, work with asbestos products, live with asbestos employees, or work in asbestos-containing structures, high disease rates happen. Exposure to asbestos and cancer onset are usually separated by approximately 40 years. Washing someone's clothes who worked with asbestos also raises the possibility of Mesothelioma. Other risk factors include genetics and simian virus 40 infection. The diagnosis of Mesothelioma can be suspected depending on the results of the chest X-ray and CT scan. Mesothelioma is then confirmed by testing the fluid produced by the cancer or by a tissue biopsy.
