Why And How Malignant Mesothelioma Occur
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that is comparatively rare, affects the mesothelium, the lining that protects the cavities heart, lungs, abdomen etc. Mesothelioma is often confused with lung cancer, but the former affects the lining of the lung and the latter, the lung itself. Mesothelioma patients are predominantly those who breathed in asbestos particles for prolonged periods.
Basically there are three types of malignant mesothelioma. The most common one which affects the pleura, or the outer covering of lings and internal chest wall is known as the pleural mesothelioma. The types of mesothelioma which affects the protective lining of the abdominal cavity and heart are called peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma respectively. Though the cancer is certainly fatal, the death rates vary. The pericardial mesothelioma is known to be the most perilous one.
When asbestos particles are inhaled for a long duration of time, they accumulate in the mesothelium resulting in the malfunctioning of its cells. It is only after several decades that the infection assumes alarming proportions. This is the reason why many of the newly diagnosed mesothelioma patients are those who got exposed to asbestos in the 1940s to 1970s.
Pleural effusion is the main initial symptom of the disease. This is the condition in which the patient experiences shortness of breath due to excessive build up of fluid in the cavities. Incessant dry cough along with shortness of breath is a certain symptom of malignant mesothelioma attack. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue, pain around chest, night sweats, swelling of the abdomen, weight loss etc. In the case of malignant mesothelioma, doctors sometimes misdiagnose the type of cancer resulting in incorrect treatment.
Individualized treatment is essential for mesothelioma. Here the doctors have to consider the type and stage of cancer along with the overall health of the victim. Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are the most common treatment used as in other cancers. Risks are involved in this approach due to the fact that most of the patients would be at the last stage of malignant mesothelioma at the time of diagnosis. If the doctors find the disease incurable, palliative treatment is given to the patient. Still, since research works are going on regarding promising modern techniques of treatment, there is hope.
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Heidi Wingrain
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