mesothelioma support

What Is Mesothelioma? By Steve Austin, Fri Dec 9th
Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in whichcells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide withoutcontrol or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues andorgans. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from theiroriginal site to other parts of the body. Most cases ofmesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous)tumor affecting the lining of the chest or abdomen. Exposure toasbestos particles in the air increases the risk of developingmalignant mesothelioma. The
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is a rare form ofcancer that involves the mesothelium, or cells that line anorgan, abdominal organs, usually the lungs, and heart. The mostcommon form of
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is pleural mesothelioma, where themalignant tumors form on the pleura, the sac that lines thechest cavity and protects the lungs. Other forms of mesotheliomaaffect the peritoneum (abdominal cavity lining) and thepericardium (which is lining around the heart).
Mesothelioma is usually caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestosmesothelioma is a fibrous mineral known to be carcinogenic.People who are exposed to asbestos fibers for just a shortperiod of time (few weeks) or even to a small amount may be atrisk.
In particular, people working with asbestos and theirfamily members or those who live with them develop mesothelioma.There is a long latency period between initial exposure toasbestos and the development of malignant tumors. On average,35-40 years elapse before the onset of disease.
The early symptoms of
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can resemble pneumonia,including shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, persistentcough, chest and abdominal pain. Often, there is fluid buildupbetween the pleura and chest cavity (called pleural effusions),which leads to dyspnea (shortness of breath) and sometimes pain.Some people may not have any symptoms.
Treatment for
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cancer can be surgery to remove thetumors, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of the three.Depending on the person’s health, time of diagnosis, and otherfactors, the survival rate is about four to 12 months from theonset of symptoms. However, occasionally people may live longer.
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