The Three Faces of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that~s brought about by the exposure to asbestos. Although much of this material has been removed from public and private locations since this illness and its effects have come to light, there are still scenarios which pose the threat of asbestos exposure, and those who have been exposed in previous years are still at risk for developing the cancer that~s associated with exposure. In fact, it typically takes between 10 and 50 years to exhibit the symptoms of such a disease, which means that those who inhaled these fibers as far back as 1955 might just now be presenting the signs of Mesothelioma.

The three known types of Mesothelioma are pleural, peritoneal and pericardial. Each attacks a different part of the body, as the names imply. On a technical level, the cancer affects the mesothelium, the sac that lines and protects vital organs, such as the lungs and the heart. Mesothelioma results in the cells within the lining of the mesothelium becoming cancerous.

The most common form of the illness is Pleural Mesothelioma, which targets the lung cavity, and the protective lining of the lungs. Fluids build up between the lung lining and the chest cavity in this type of Mesothelioma. The patient develops pleural effusion as a result. The symptoms of plural effusion are: shortness of breath, a difficulty in breathing, a persistant cough that frequently involves a bloody discharge, great difficulty in swallowing, high fever and ultimately weight loss.

A rarer form of the disease is Peritoneal Mesothelioma. It affects the stomach and abdominal region. This cancer can spread quickly to other parts of the body, even though it may only first be present in the abdomen. Tumors form in this form of the cancer, which press against the wall of the abdomen and the pressure of these tumors causes abdominal pain and swelling. Loss of appetite, nausea, chest pains, bowel obstructions, and difficulty in breathing are the indirect results .

The rarest of all types of Mesothilioma is Pericardial Mesothelioma. This version of the disease targets the heart and the surrounding cavity.Once again, tumors form, causing similar symptoms as Peritoneal Mesothelioma, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, palpitations and persistent coughing.

Because it exhibits many symptoms that other diseases exhibit, Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. Both heart disease and pneumonia cause shortness of breath; heart disease causes chest pain, etc. So Mesothelioma will not be assumed as a cause of these symptoms if the patient is not aware of any prior exposure to asbestos. This cancer is not often pursued by physicians as a cause of these symptoms, unless all other possible diseases have been ruled out.

Those who are most prone to asbestos exposure ~ and, ultimately, most prone to developing Mesothelioma ~ include shipbuilders, drywall removers, construction workers, firemen, mechanics and demolition workers. In addition, those who are close to them, such as family, friends and neighbors are at high risk for developing the disease, as well. This is due to the fact that asbestos fibers can cling to skin, hair, clothing and shoes, becoming airborne and eventually inhaled by those who are in close proximity to them.

It can be treated so that patients can suffer less, but there is no known cure for Mesothelioma. Support services are usually put into place to help them cope, but the diagnosis of Mesothelioma is a virtual death sentence. Victims of the disease usually lose their lives within one to one and one half years of diagnosis. Keeping patients as comfortable possible and helping them to manage their pain and respiratory problems is the primary therapy.