Understanding Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a disease which is generally caused due to frequent exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a material used in building construction, especially in cements, furnaces, brake ads and tiles. People who have the highest risk of contracting this deadly form of cancer are automobile mechanics, pipe fitters, construction workers and people employed in ship building.

The Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Frequent exposure to asbestos leads to . The symptoms generally arrive when a person has been working with asbestos until 20 to 50 years or more. Mesothelioma is commonly found in the Mesothelium covering the lungs and the internal chest wall. Mesothelium is a protective lining that covers almost all our internal organs. Some of the symptoms of this dreaded disease are:

* Shortness of breath
* Pain in the chest
* Frequent Cough
* Abdominal swelling
* Blood clotting abnormalities
* Swelling of the neck or the face
* Shortness of breath
* Blood while coughing
* Anemia
* Problems with bowel functions
* Low blood sugar level
* Jaundice

Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma cancer is a very stubborn and rapidly spreading form of cancer. It becomes even more dangerous due to the fact that its early detection is very hard. However, the advancements made in the medical field have brought many treatment options for the patients.

The treatment of Mesothelioma focuses on retaining the healthy cells and destroying the malignant cells. The patients are provided with three existing treatments, which are:

1. Surgery
2. Radiation
3. Chemotherapy

It is essential that Mesothelioma is diagnosed early as this significantly increases the chances of a longer life span of the patient. Chemotherapy is used for stage 1 or 2 patients and had a high successful rate in increasing the life span by more than 5 years.