An Overview Of Asbestos Cancer Mesothelioma

By Joe Harrell

Asbestos cancer mesothelioma is caused by over-exposure to asbestos. Once considered as a miracle material, it was popular due to its characteristics like light weight, resistance to heat etc. It is a naturally occurring product, which was widely used in various commercial and consumer products. Producing construction materials like cement, insulation and roofing shingles to consumer and industrial applications such as automobile brake pads, hair dryers and pipe insulation make use of asbestos on a large scale.

Most of the victims have contracted the disease while working in companies where asbestos is used as a raw material. There they breathe asbestos particles unknowingly, though the exposure can take place at houses too. It is really surprising to know that in some mesothelioma cases, the victims have been working with asbestos for less than two months. Normally, many years would have elapsed when the detection takes place making the treatment procedure an uphill task.

Asbestos cancer mesothelioma has major symptoms like shortness of breath caused by expanding pleural effusion and persistent dry cough. Other symptoms include night sweats, fatigue without reason, fever, pain under the rib cage, swelling or lumps in the abdomen, weight loss etc. These symptoms can be common for all three types of mesothelioma - peritoneal, pleural and pericardial - confusing the doctors in proper diagnosis.

Each victim has an individualized treatment plan after considering the type and stage of the cancer along with the patient's general health. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are the popular traditional treatments, though the doctors may also use a combination of these. Researchers are in the process of inventing new treatment options which are highly effective. The past few years have seen great advances in tackling mesothelioma including exact staging, improvements in surgical methods, post-operative care, radiotherapy and chemotherapy techniques etc.

There are many websites providing adequate information to the victims of asbestos cancer mesothelioma and their relatives. Information regarding treatment options, coping up techniques etc is revealed in these popular websites. Also, referrals to other people suffering from the cancer and support groups are provided. Thus, the victims and their near and dear ones are better prepared to deal with the malicious disease. - 30286

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