Sunday 13 March 2011

Know the Facts About Mesothelioma

Thousands of new cases of mesothelioma are reported each year, yet many people do not understand the disease or its symptoms. The following paragraphs will discuss the facts about mesothelioma, its symptoms, and its treatments.
What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a rare type of lung cancer that is usually caused by asbestos exposure. More common among men, this cancer usually just affects the lining of the lungs but can at times also affect the abdominal region. There are various types of mesothelioma, some of which are benign. It is important that any suspected cases be reported to a physician promptly. Symptoms of Mesothelioma Lung symptoms are usually the first to catch the attention of a patient.
Possible lung symptoms with mesothelioma include chest pain, shortness of breath, chronic cough, and at times even visible tumors under the skin around the chest area. Other common symptoms include weight loss, swelling of the abdomen, nausea, erratic heartbeat, and more. If any of these symptoms occur in a person who knows or suspects that they have been exposed to asbestos, they should be evaluated immediately. Treatment Options Unfortunately, all malignant types of mesothelioma are not curable at this time.
Life expectancy varies greatly based on many factors, including how aggressively the cancer is treated. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these. Doctors will usually treat the disease via several modes to extend the life expectancy of the patient as much as possible. Mesothelioma is not a common cancer but it does affect thousands of individuals annually.
Prevention is the most effective way of avoiding the suffering caused by mesothelioma, as the cause is usually from asbestos exposure. For individual's already suffering from the disease, education can be the key to getting as much enjoyment out of life as possible.

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