Mesothelioma: A Brief Look at the Asbestos Cancer

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Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer found in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the membrane that protects and covers most of the internal organs. The cancer affects either layer of of the two layers that make up the mesothelium. The first mesothelium layer surrounds the organ while the other creates a sac around it. It is because of its lubricating fluid that the organs are able to glide adjacent other structures. It is mainly developed by those who have been exposed to asbestos particles for a period of time.

Asbestos is the leading cause of this cancer and is therefore a risk to work around. This type of cancer has also been reported on individuals who have no asbestos exposure but the occurrence is rare.

Asbestos has been widely used in industrial products like cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products and textiles. Those working with products that contain asbestos are at risk of mesothelioma as well as lung cancer and other cancers such as those of the kidney and larynx. The heavier the exposure to asbestos and longer the time of exposure, the higher the risk of asbestos related diseases. However, even those exposed to the chemical for a short period of time may also develop asbestos related diseases. Most of the family members living with asbestos workers are also at a high risk of developing mesothelioma and other related diseases.

Asbestos takes a long time before it can be discovered to have caused any damage. Mesothelioma may not appear until 30-50 years after exposure. Symptoms include shortness of breath due to the accumulation of fluid in the pleura and a main indication of pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include weight loss, abdominal pain, blood clotting, anemia, fever and swelling to build up of fluid in the abdomen. In instances where the mesothelioma spreads beyond this cavity to other parts of the body swelling of the neck and face and trouble swallowing are symptoms as well.

Diagnosis is difficult because the symptoms of this cancer are similar to those of other conditions. A review of a patient's medical history is the first step into finding any exposure to asbestos particles. X-rays of the chest or abdomen are done and MRI may be used as well. The doctor carries out a biopsy to test for mesothelioma. If the patient is diagnosed with this type of cancer, a doctor must carry out tests to see if it has spread.

Treatments of mesothelioma include surgery in which the doctor removes the part of the chest or abdomen. Radiotherapy is where high energy rays are used to kill the cancerous growths and shrink the tumors. Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to kill the cancerous cells in the body. Fluid buildup causes a lot of pain and discomfort and a doctor may relieve this pain using a needle or a tube to drain the fluid from the chest. To avoid further fluid buildup medication is prescribed.

Mesothelioma is a disease that is difficult to control but various institutes are working hard to ensure that that a new treatment is found. New treatments are still at clinical trial.

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