Mesothelioma Cancer, Pleural and Peritoneal Symptoms, Asbestos Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer in which malignant cancer cells develop in your mesothelium. Mesothelium are protective membrane sacs covering your body’s internal organs.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma type cancer is historical inhalation of asbestos particles. And worth noting is mesothelioma symptoms may not present for many years after exposure.
In the past, asbestos was limitlessly used in:
Tiny asbestos particles float through the air, particularly when manufacturing asbestos involved products.
The highest incidences of mesothelioma originates in the pleura, followed by peritoneum membranes.
The pleura is the mesothelium membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of your chest cavity. And it is the inception location for around 75% of asbestos caused cancer. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are:
- dry cough
- chest pain
- painful coughing
- chest skin lumps
- shortness of breath
- under the rib cage pain
- unexplained weight loss
- painful breathing ~ pleurisy
The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. Peritoneal mesothelioma, a less common asbestos risk cancer, is noticed with symptoms of:
- fever
- anemia
- abdominal pain
- stomach swelling
- bowel obstruction
- abdomen tissue lumps
- unexplained weight loss
- abnormal blood clotting
- bowel habit changes ~ diarrhea or constipation
If your cancer spreads you may experience additional symptoms, such as:
Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to other conditions, so you’ll need a competent diagnosis prior to treatment.
Mesothelioma cancer diagnosis may involve a combination of:
- lung function tests
- CT/ CAT) scan or MRI
- history of asbestos exposure
- x-rays of the chest/abdomen
A biopsy is usually performed to confirm your diagnosis of mesothelioma via:
- fine needle aspiration
- thoracoscopy/thoracotomy ~ chest viewing, check
- peritoneoscopy/laparotomy ~ abdomen viewing, check
Treatment of mesothelioma depends on:
- cancer location
- stage of your disease
- your age & general health
Standard treatment options consist of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
To relieve symptoms and control pain, your treatment may encompass chest or abdominal fluid draining. Chest fluid removal is called thoracentesis and the abdomen is paracentesis.
Alternative treatments that may help with your breathlessness include:
- acupuncture
- oxygen mask
- fan in your face
- relaxation exercises
- breathing technique therapy
Mesothelioma death is usually related to complications, like:
- stroke
- lung failure
- heart problems
Reducing your exposure to asbestos is a key factor in reducing your risk for mesothelioma type cancer. Some types of jobs that may expose you to asbestos are:
- mining
- factory work
- railroad work
- ship building
- auto mechanics
- construction work
- insulation manufacturers
Follow all safety precautions, especially in these workplaces. Protective gear is required for a reason.
In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of:
- lung cancer
- other cancers ~ larynx and kidney
- asbestosis ~ noncancerous chronic lung disease
Older homes and buildings may contain asbestos, and in some cases it may be more dangerous to remove it than it is to leave it alone.
The air that you breath may significantly affect your health, even 50 years on down your road. Chose wisely as to where you spend your air time, for asbestos continues to be floating about.
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