Below, you’ll find must-know information about mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that manifests itself in the mesothelium, the lining that protects the exterior of some organs in the body.
Asbestos exposure is often the cause of it. This form of cancer is progressive and must be treated early. Although there is no cure for it, it is possible to live with the condition with the right management and treatments.
Certain occupations are at high risk for mesothelioma. Examples of these occupations are auto mechanics, shipyard workers, power plant workers, construction workers, industrial workers, boiler workers, and boiler workers; to mention a few.
Higher rates of mesothelioma are experienced by veterans as a result of the widespread use of asbestos by the United States military. Those who served in the Navy are also vulnerable since asbestos was used as a fire-proofing material on ships and in shipyards.
Asbestos is now banned for home construction. However, homes built before 1990 made use of this dangerous material for fireproofing.
People exposed to asbestos are not the only ones at risk. Second-hand exposure can also increase the chances of developing mesothelioma.
Since asbestos particles travel on clothing and skin, people working in asbestos-laden industries come home with some tiny bits of the deadly mineral.
There are two types of mesothelioma and these are pleural and peritoneal. The former develops in the lining of the lung and the latter develops in the lining of the stomach.
Each type of mesothelioma has its own set of symptoms as discussed below.
8. Breathlessness
Breathlessness, also known as dyspnoea, is manifested by shortness of breath. This is the mesothelioma symptom that presents itself the most frequently. In most cases, the cause of this is pleural effusion. This is when fluid builds up in the pleural cavity.
The fluid buildup puts a lot of pressure on the lung, resulting in breathlessness.
7. Chest Pain
Chest pain is a symptom of pleural mesothelioma. It is caused by tumors that are growing and pushing against sensory nerves or vital organs.
As the condition worsens, fluid starts to build up in the chest area, as well as in the abdominal cavities. This causes pain when you breathe, cough, and eat.
6. Extreme Fatigue
Another symptom of pleural mesothelioma is extreme fatigue. This is brought about by the growing tumors that are using up so much energy and protein. The body runs out of resources to use as fuel for energy, leaving it feeling extremely tired.
In addition to this, cancer cells can cause changes in the body’s hormone levels. They emit toxins that interfere with the function of healthy cells.
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