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Mesothelioma: A cancer of three types
by Wes Calinetter
http://www.ohiomesothelioma.com

The form of cancer known as Mesothelioma is caused by
exposure to asbestos. Most asbestos has been removed from
public and private locations, because of the threat of
Mesothelioma,ever since we have known about the effects of
this illness.Far from all cases of this cancer are known,
since it takes between 10 and 50 years to exhibit the
symptoms of Mesothelioma and the threat of asbestos exposure
does still exist. Many people who have been exposed years
ago are still at risk for this cancer. People who may have
breathed particles of asbestos as far back as 1955 may
still develop Mesothelioma, and there may still be unknown
pockets of asbestos lurking about.

There are three known types of Mesothelioma ~ pleural,
peritoneal and pericardial, each attacking a different area
of the body. Technically speaking, Mesothelioma refers to
cancer of the mesothelium, which is a sac that lines and
protects vital organs, such as in the case of the lungs and
heart. When Mesothelioma is present, the cells within the
lining of mesothelium become cancerous.

The most common form of the illness ~ Pleural Mesothelioma
~ targets the lungs, their protective lining and cavity.
When fluid builds up between the lung lining and chest
cavity as a result of Mesothelioma, pleural effusion is the
result. In addition, other symptoms may make their
presence known, which may include shortness of breath,
difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, difficulty
swallowing, rasping, bloody discharge from coughing, fever
and weight loss.

A rarer form of the disease is Peritoneal Mesothelioma. It
affects the stomach and abdominal region. This cancer can
spread quickly to other parts of the body, even though it
may only first be present in the abdomen. Tumors form in
this form of the cancer, which press against the wall of
the abdomen and the pressure of these tumors causes
abdominal pain and swelling. Loss of appetite, nausea,
chest pains, bowel obstructions, and difficulty in
breathing are the indirect results .

Pericardial Mesothelioma is the rarest of all types of
Mesothilioma. This is the form of the disease that targets
the heart and the surrounding cavity. Tumors form in this
type as well, causing similar symptoms as Peritoneal
Mesothelioma, such as the shortness of breath, difficulty
breathing, chest pain, palpitations and persistent cough.

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because it exhibits
many symptoms that other diseases exhibit. Pneumonia and
heart disease both cause shortness of breath,heart disease
causes chest pain, etc. If the patient is not aware of any
prior exposure to asbestos,Mesothelioma will not be assumed
as a cause of these symptoms.That is the reason this cancer
is not often pursued by physicians as a cause of these
symptoms, unless all other possible diseases have been
ruled out.

The types of workers who are most prone to asbestos
exposure are shipbuilders, drywall removers, construction
workers, firemen, mechanics and demolition workers. They
are the most prone to developing Mesothelioma as a result.
Those who are close to the victims of this disease may
tragically be at a high risk for developing the disease as
well, because asbestos fibers cling to skin, hair, clothing
and shoes. The fibers are light, and easily become
airborne and eventually can be inhaled by those who are in
close proximity to the victims of the disease.

There is no known cure for Mesothelioma. It can be treated
so that patients can suffer less, and support services can
be put into place to help them cope, but the diagnosis of
Mesothelioma is a death sentence. Those who are diagnosed
with the disease usually lose their lives within one to one
and one half years of the diagnosis. The primary therapy
is to keep patients as comfortable as help them to manage
their pain and respiratory problems.

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