What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer of the mesothelium, a blanket, which protects most internal body organa.Mesothelium has two layers: one acting as the skin on the body, and the other is a bag that surrounds it. These layers produce lubrication, so that authorities can easily slide against each other. Example: The heart and the lungs expand and contract. The mesothelium is called the "pericardium" when covering the heart 'pleura' when around the lungs, and the "peritoneum" when the lining of various organs in the abdomen.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a malignant disease in which cells of the mesothelium to act abnormal and divide uncontrollably. Most cases begin in the pleura and peritoneum. Pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma are common forms of this rare cancer. Although it is still considered uncommon, the disease is often the case that individuals who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace. At least about 70 to 80 percent of cases are caused by exposure to asbestos. However, some cases have no known cause.

Commercial use of asbestos began in late 1800 and increased during the Second World War. Millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. People who worked in asbestos mines and mills and factories that manufacture asbestos products, and heating and construction industries have a higher risk of developing cancer. Families who lived with asbestos workers are also at risk.

Common symptoms of the disease, which usually appear 30-50 years after asbestos exposure, include: shortness of breath, chest pain, weight loss, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, bowel obstruction, abnormal blood clotting, anemia, fever , trouble swallowing, pain and swelling in the neck and face.

Diagnosis can be difficult, because most of the symptoms resemble other conditions. Medical tests such as x-rays, CT, MRI, and biopsy performed on the patient so that the disease can be confirmed. After diagnosis, your doctor will determine how far the cancer has spread. Unfortunately, the disease is not curable. Several treatment options are available: chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and

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