Understanding Mesothelioma

Understanding Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that forms in the membranes surrounding several organs. Generally found in the pleura (lungs), peritoneum (stomach), and heart. Mesothelioma is an aggressive type of cancer, however it is rarely found.

Asbestos dust exposure is often associated with this type of cancer. Asbestos can be in the form of a roofboard, minerals, fibers, and various processed asbestos can cause dust which can then be inhaled by humans with the air. This happens a lot in the industrial, construction and carpentry environment.
Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos or better known as asbestos. Asbestos fibers can enter the membrane covering the organs, causing inflammation, and eventually forming cancer.

Other risk factors are exposure to viruses (SV 40), radiation (thorium dioxide), and several types of chemicals (erionite, chemicals in paint, etc.).

Diagnosis of Mesothelioma

To determine the diagnosis of mesothelioma, the doctor will be conducted a series of medical interviews or history taking and physical examination. Possible further checks:

Imaging - such as X-rays, CT-Scan, MRI, PET Scan.
Blood tests to check mesothelin biomarkers.
Biopsy, which is a sample of tissue / body fluid to be examined under a microscope, to identify whether or not there are malignant cells.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Signs of mesothelioma depend on the location where the cancer appeared. Mesothelioma of the lungs will be recognized by symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, chronic coughing, fatigue, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing. Sufferers also often fever and sweating, especially at night. In addition, usually there will also be weight loss that can not be explained.

While the signs of mesothelioma in the stomach include nausea, abdominal pain and enlargement, anemia, hypoglycemia, fever, and diarrhea or constipation. In addition, as in patients with mesothelioma in the chest, sufferers will also lose their appetite and experience unexplained weight loss.

Meanwhile, the symptoms of mesothelioma of the heart are arrhythmias or palpitations. In addition, sufferers will also experience chest pain, coughing, difficulty breathing, and fever or sweating especially at night.
Mesothelioma Treatment

Treatment options depend on the location of mesothelioma, stage of cancer, and type of cancer cells. The choices that can be made are:

surgery
chemotherapy
radiation therapy
pleurodesis: ‘attach’ pulmonary / pleural membrane to prevent the formation of continuous fluid

Unfortunately mesothelioma has a poor prognosis. Half of sufferers can live at least a year after diagnosis. However, only 10% can live up to five years after being diagnosed.
Prevention of Mesothelioma

Precautions against mesothelioma that can be done is to avoid or reduce contact with asbestos or asbestos. Because, this is the main cause of mesothelioma.

However, if the risk of asbestos exposure is unavoidable or if you are a person who has a job at risk of asbestos exposure, obey the established safety rules. In addition, you should also know that safe handling of asbestos.