Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of lung cancer that results from inhaling asbestos dust into your lungs. Asbestos is mineral with remarkable heat-resistant qualities that occurs naturally in the environment.

Mesothelioma ia a terminal disease and unfortunately there is no known cure. However, there are treatments available that con substantially improve a patients' symptoms and increase life expectancy.

The most common type of mesothelioma is the pleural mesothelioma. The pleura is a thin membrane found between the lungs and the chest cavity. It provides a lubricated surface so that the lungs do not chafe against the chest walls. Thus, a pleural mesothelioma is often referred to as a "lung" cancer.

Another form of mesothelioma is the peritoneal mesothelioma. The peritoneum is the membrane that encloses the organs of the abdomen. While peritoneal mesotheliomas are less common than pleural mesotheliomas, they tend to be more invasive, and may thus result in a shorter life expectancy for the patient. Mesotheliomas have also been found in the stomach and other abdominal organs.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Plueral Mesothelioma (linning of the chest cavity):

• Cough

• Difficulty sleeping

• Fever

• Pain at the side of the chest or the lower back

• Pleural effusions (fluid in the chest cavity)

• Progressive loss of appetite and weight loss

• Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing

• Tireness

• Trouble swallowing

Peritoneal Mesothelioma (lining of the abdominal cavity):

• Abdominal pain and swelling

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Weight loss

• Bowell obstruction

• Blood clotting abnormalities

• Anemia

• Fever

A common question posed by persons afflicted with mesothelioma is, "Why did this disease develop in me?" The answer is nearly always the same-exposure to asbestos. When diagnosed in the United States, its onset is typically linked to a history of exposure to asbestos fiber. Asbestos is a mineral that was used for decades as a thermal insulation material. It has been widely known since the 1920's that asbestos is a carcinogen, which means that it causes cancer in humans. However, asbestos was used as an insulator until the mid-1970's, and is still present in massive quantities in many buildings today. Unfortunately, in many cases very little exposure is required to set this cancer in motion.