Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the covering of a patient’s organs known as the mesothelium. This disease is receiving increased attention as of late due to the nature of how patients develop the disease. By learning the signs, symptoms, and risk factors for the disease, patients can take steps to prevent an early death due to this type of cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Depending on where the cancer is growing and what body systems are affected, symptoms can range from barely noticeable to severely painful breathing and coughing. Cancer that is developing in the lungs can cause crowding in the chest cavity and pressure on the lungs. This can cause coughing episodes that are dry and painful. In addition, painful breathing can also contribute to fatigue, which can become quite debilitating.
When mesothelioma develops in the pericardial cavity, which is the cavity that houses the heart, chest pain may be present. Because of the close proximity of the heart to the lungs, crowding of both the lung and heart cavities can result in painful breathing, chest pain, and noticeable lumps and bumps on the chest. Many patients claim that the pain can be confused with chest pain from a heart attack, and often this is what brings them in for a check up with the doctor.
The peritoneal lining is the covering of the abdominal cavity and can be a frequent site for mesothelioma carcinoma. When the cancer develops on this body cavity lining, patients frequently develop disrupted bowel habits. Episodes of diarrhea or constipation can occur and there are oftentimes complaints of swelling in the abdomen and bloating.
Cancers that metastasize or spread to other areas of the body can cause multiple symptoms affecting a number of organs. It’s at this point that the severity of the patient’s cancer is at its highest and patients are given a lower chance of survival. Treatment must be started at the earliest stages of detection in order to improve the chances of survival and remission of this disease.
Risk Factors for Mesothelioma
Many refinery, mill, and other workers who frequently work with a fiber called asbestos will develop this form of carcinoma after a long period of exposure. What is puzzling is that not everyone who has a history of working with asbestos will develop this disease. Some theories suggest that mesothelioma may have other causes which could be genetically related. Because of this genetic factor, relatives of patients that have or have had this disease may also be at risk for developing it.
Preventing Asbestos Exposure
Since more research is available on the dangers of asbestos, several building material manufacturers and mills have reduced the exposure levels to asbestos for their employees. It is still possible to encounter asbestos outside of the workplace. Homes that have been built many years ago may still have materials that contain asbestos fibers. If a home improvement project is in your future, consider calling the Environmental Protection Agency for a list of contractors that can safely remove asbestos from your home. Never try to remove it on your own as you may be increasing your risk of exposure to the fibers that become airborne.
Mesothelioma can be a devastating diagnosis for patients. Reducing risk factors for exposure and knowing the signs and symptoms of the disease can improve positive outcomes. If you have any questions concerning this type of cancer or risk factors for disease, consult your physician for more information.
Source:
Bing Health.com, "Mesothelioma," (Accessed November 24, 2010)
Join the Conversation