Mesothalmia results in mesothelioma cancer, a disease that is a result of exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. If asbestos fibers are breathed in, they travel to the ends of the small air passages and cause lung cancer and various asbestos related diseases. There are no known cures for mesothelioma. There are treatment options that you can avail of to fight against this asbestos related disease. You can opt for surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and clinical trials. Surgery is a common treatment for malignant mesothelioma. Part of the lining of the chest may be removed, as also a lung. In therapy radiation, the doctor may drain the fluid out of the body. Chemotherapy is another option. Most people with malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos like miners, shipyard workers and construction fields.Causes of Mesothelioma
Asbestos is the most common cause of mesothalmia that results in mesothelioma. Asbestos is made up of tiny fibers – it is used in construction, ship-building and household appliances – also in insulation materials and building materials including asbestos cement. When asbestos is disturbed, it releases small fibers that can be breathed into the lungs. This causes the body’s defence system to break down and leads to inflammation in the lung tissue. Asbestos fibers can also be swallowed and can stick in the digestive system. Over years, it can develop into mesothelioma cancer. People most likely to be exposed to asbestos include plumbers, electricians, ship builders, demolition workers and those who live near asbestos factories.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Around 15% of Mesothelioma cases are found in the early stages before the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. There is a 5 year survival rate and a 50% chance if it has not spread to the lymph nodes during surgery. Early cases are found as a result of tests done for other medical conditions. There are usually no symptoms until it has spread too far to be cured, but sometimes symptoms do occur and should be treated. Some of the symptoms are a lingering cough, chest pain or hoarseness, unexplained fever, shortness of breath, numbness of a limb, bone pain or jaundice.
