Mesothelioma Cancer
Many of the cancers that are out there occur for no definitive reason. So, there really is nothing or no one to blame when trying to figure out what caused the condition. However, this is not the case with Mesothelioma cancer. Why? It’s because Mesothelioma cancer does have a well-known cause: overexposure to asbestos. If a person works in an industry where there is a lot of asbestos and/or if an individuals lives in a home containing asbestos-based insulation, this could result in the overexposure that results in Mesothelioma cancer.
So what does it mean to have Mesothelioma cancer? Basically, what happens is the mesothelium, (a membrane that protects the outer layers of the body’s organs), becomes inflicted with harmful cells. These cells attack the body, causing the same types of problems associated with ‘traditional’ cancer. The common organs that become affected by Mesothelioma cancer include: the lungs, the abdomen and the heart.
Mesothelioma cancer that affects the lungs, (which is called pleural mesothelioma), tends to be the most common among Mesothelioma cancer sufferers. In fact, of the Mesothelioma cancer cases out there, 75% will be pleural. This is because the lungs are usually the first organ to be harmed by asbestos, since the substance can be easily inhaled. Symptoms of pleural Mesothelioma cancer include: dyspnea, (also known as shortness of breath), pain in the chest, shoulder or abdomen and anorexia. Life expectancy for pleural Mesothelioma cancer sufferers is only 262 days.
Next, there is Mesothelioma cancer that affects that stomach, (which is known as peritoneal mesothelioma). It is not as common as pleural mesothelioma cancer, but it is still very serious. Around 10 to 20 percent of Mesothelioma cancer sufferers will have this form of cancer. Symptoms include: fluid build-up in the abdomen area, abdominal pain, increased stomach size, loss of weight and fever.
The least common Mesothelioma cancer is the type that affects the heart, (which is known as pericardial mesothelioma). Pericardial Mesothelioma cancer makes up less than 10 percent of all Mesothelioma cancer cases. However, this does not mean that this form of cancer is any less problematic or even deadly. Basically, the cancer causes fluid to build up around the heart. This fluid disrupts the heart’s functioning. The results include irregular heart beat and chest pain.
Is there any hope if a person is diagnosed with any form of Mesothelioma cancer? Well, things are grim, but that doesn’t mean miracles can’t happen. There have been success stories from people who been cured from chemotherapy. This is basically when a person is given a series of chemicals that attack the Mesothelioma cancer cells. Unfortunately, the chemicals are so strong that they can cause someone to feel sick. Fatigue, vomiting and hair loss are common side effects to chemotherapy. However, if the treatment can save one’s life, undergoing these things is a minor sacrifice.
In conclusion, in the world of Mesothelioma cancer, most sufferers will have their lungs affected, though there are cases of stomach and heart Mesothelioma. Either way, all of these cancers are dangerous and life-threatening. However chemotherapy does offer a little bit of hope. This, in combination with a strong spiritual standing, can help ease the fear associated with getting such a severe illness.