What is Mesothelioma? A mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. It commonly develops in the lining of the chest and abdomen. Mesothelioma is nearly always caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos, which is a cancer-causing fibrous mineral that was commonly used in building construction. Asbestos is used in the construction of buildings and homes, as well as in the production of some types of insulation.
Risk Factors
The risk of developing mesothelioma is affected by many different things and varies from person to person. Many patients with this cancer have no known risk factors. Some risk factors may include aging, radiation, family history, smoking, or asbestos exposure.
Asbestos
Asbestos is the common factor that causes mesothelioma cancer. Most of the patients having this cancer show one common factor i.e., Asbestos. Asbestos is called the “silent killer” because it is not detectable by the victims and the symptoms generally do not appear until the victim has reached a late stage. Asbestos exposure can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. The intensity of mesothelioma cancer depends upon:
- The amount of asbestos you were exposed to
- The type (or types) of asbestos you were exposed to
- The length of time you were exposed to asbestos
Radiation
Radiation exposure can cause cancer. If you are exposed to exposure for a longer time you will definitely be at risk of developing mesothelioma cancer. People do some jobs where there is the use of chemicals and radioactive elements in common. If you do not take safety precautions then your body can be exposed to those harmful radiations and hence develop different diseases and cancers.
Genetic Change
Studies have found that exposure to certain radiation causes genetic change. It is known as a gene mutation or simply mutation. Although very little data is present regarding the genetic change due to radiations.
Symptoms
There are varying symptoms of mesothelioma. Some are common and maybe not linked to this cancer. Chest pain is considered to be the most quickly noticeable symptom. Chest pain isn’t always a symptom of cancer. But if it happens with other symptoms, like coughing and lumps under the skin, it could be a sign of mesothelioma cancer.
Treatment is available for mesothelioma, and your doctor will work with you to come up with a plan for your specific situation.
Symptoms of mesothelioma cancer include:
- Chest pain
- Painful coughing
- Unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on your chest
- Unexplained weight loss
Treatment Options
When a patient finds out they have mesothelioma, they may be told that chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may be the best way to go. Both of these treatments work to kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA. Chemotherapy does this by finding and destroying rapidly-dividing cells, which are generally cancer cells. The damage that chemotherapy can do to healthy cells, however, is why it is often used with radiation therapy, which is focused on killing individual cancer cells.
Each type of treatment has its own benefits and drawbacks. It is up to you and your healthcare provider to decide the best option to treat your condition.
Mesothelioma Support Groups
Support groups have become more popular and helpful. These support groups provide suffering patients with information that is very legit and helpful. Facebook, Reddit, linked in and many other websites that are community-based are some support sites. Different groups have been created by people to just connect people suffering from the same disease or disorder.
Conclusions
Mesothelioma is a disease that needs to be diagnosed quickly, in order to prevent further damage. It is therefore important to be aware of the disease symptoms. Once you notice the symptoms seek medical help immediately and get proper treatment immediately.
Prevention is possible if you avoid going to places that are more asbestos and harmful radiation-exposed. Stop working near or in industries that use asbestos and radioactive elements. Get used to recognizing asbestos so whenever you come near to it you get alerted.
Read more about mesothelioma cancer and follow preventions tips. Get help from support groups on Facebook, Reddit, Linked In, and other social and community sites.
Talk to your doctor before taking any treatment or medications mentioned online. These bits of advice might be true and helpful but a medical professional can help you better.