Donnette

This asbestos related cancer really took its hold during and after WWII, as asbestos production and use greatly increased, therefore exposing millions of people to asbestos fibers and dust, hence mesothelioma cancer.

Mesothelioma cancer derives from the word mesothelium, which is a membrane that covers and protects most of our internal body organs. It is made up of two layers of cells, the first surrounding the organ, and the other layer forming a sac around the first layer and the organ. What occurs is a lubricating fluid or liquid is produced between the two layers. This allows for your moving organ (such as the heart which is constantly pumping), to glide easily against the adjacent structures. Isn't that a marvel?

When mesothelioma cancer develops, the cells of mesothelium become abnormal and divide without order. They end up invading and damage nearby tissues and organs. As in all cancers, in mesothelioma cancer these abnormal cells can spread to other organs of the body, making this mesothelioma cancer, a generalized cancer to different stages 1 to 4.

Mesothelioma cancer is still considered a rare cancer, even though some 2000 new cases are reported every year in the United States alone. More often than not, mesothelioma cancer cases are discovered in people who were exposed to asbestos dust some 30 to 50 years ago.

Symptoms of mesothelioma cancer vary from shortness of breath, chest pains, caused by the accumulation of fluids. You can also experience weightloss, abdominal pains due to swelling of the abdomen. As the mesothelioma cancer spreads, symptoms can include bowel obstruction, blood clotting, anemia, fever, trouble swallowing, and swelling of the neck and face.

Diagnosis of mesothelioma cancer is often difficult because of its similarities to other conditions. But as you've probably guessed, it will involve a close analysis of your work history to determine, if you had any exposure to asbestos dust in trades or buildings that made use of it. This is followed by the usual XRays, CAT scans, biopsy, and determining at what stage the cancer has progressed.

Treatment for mesothelioma cancer will most like involve surgery to remove part of the lining which is affected, and most likely chemotherapy.

j.g. michel is author and webmaster at http://www.cancer-help-treatment.com

To learn more about mesothelioma we suggest you visit this site. Can mesothelioma be cured by other means?