Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Finding the Truth Behind Mesothelioma

Everything is mesothelioma? Well, if you worked in the asbestos, it is really a question for you.

Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium - the protective lining that covers most of the internal organs of the body.

Cancer cells produce a thickening of the membranes that protect the organs - and thus affect the functions of organs.

The heart, lungs and abdomen are the areas most affected by this type of cancer. Have also been reported cases of mesothelioma of the testes - but this is extremely rare.

What is Mesothelioma - Symptoms.

People with this cancer have been reported:

Abdominal pain

Backache

Change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)

Coughing up blood

Breathlessness

Fever

The accumulation of fluid between the chest wall and lungs

Hoarseness

Bumps under the skin

Night sweats

And more

What is Mesothelioma - High Risk Groups

In most 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 veterans of the Vietnam War and the shipyard workers of the Navy are among the groups at high risk for mesothelioma.

Those who live with people in these groups are also at high risk. It is therefore recommended that people who work around to change clothes of asbestos and a shower before going home.

What is mesothelioma - Treatment

One rule of thumb, if you worked in the asbestos, make sure your doctor will check for mesothelioma.

As mentioned above, symptoms of mesothelioma can take many years to surface. Therefore, early detection is the key to surviving this disease.

If you discover that you have the disease, surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are standard treatment options.

There is much here to discuss.