Mesothelioma Asbestos

Due to continuous exposure to asbestos, a form of cancer may happen to people exposed to it. It is called as Mesothelioma, or Asbestos linked cancer. It is a very rare type of cancer which develops in the mesothelioma cells. They are the cells which are formed in the protective sac which covers the entire body's internal organs. Mesothelioma Asbestos usually happens to people who have worked in asbestos related field. Their work exposed them to asbestos particles and they inhaled asbestos fiber which leads to Mesothelioma Asbestos cancer.

Who is at risk?

It has been noticed that Mesothelioma Asbestos cancer is usually found in those who work in shipyards, asbestos mills and mines, factories producing asbestos products. It is usually high among those who have worked in asbestos related areas and have inhaled asbestos fiber. It takes a long time to show up. It may take up to 30- 40 years for Mesothelioma Asbestos cancer to present itself. In the last 20 years the incidence has increased.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Mesothelioma Asbestos cancer include shortness of breath and chest pain. There may be weight loss too and pain in your stomach and also swelling in the abdomen region. There may be quite other symptoms too in Mesothelioma Asbestos cancer, such as bowel problems, severe anemia, and fever. However they may also mean lesser serious illness too and thus you must consult your doctor immediately.

Types of Mesothelioma Asbestos cancer

There are many types of Mesothelioma Asbestos cancer. Some of them are:
  • Cystic mesothelioma
  • Pleural mesothelioma
  • Pericardial mesothelioma
  • Chrysotile Peritoneal mesothelioma
  • Abdominal mesothelioma
  • Malignant mesothelioma
  • Peritoneal mesothelioma
  • Epithelial malignant mesothelioma

Prevention

To prevent Mesothelioma Asbestos cancer, those who work in asbestos related environment are required to wear special protective clothing and carry equipment for their protection. This helps in lowering the risk associated with exposure to asbestos. The longer and heavier the exposure to asbestos, greater is the risks of developing Mesothelioma Asbestos cancer. But it is not that everyone who is exposed to asbestos develops Mesothelioma Asbestos cancer, it varies from person to person. However there have been cases of family members of the exposed persons getting Mesothelioma Asbestos cancer! Thus it is important that the person exposed to asbestos removes all traces of asbestos from himself before leaving the work place. Thus he is required to shower and change and discard the used clothes even if he will need them immediately.

Diagnosing and treatment

The symptoms of Mesothelioma Asbestos cancer are quite similar to many other diseases, thus diagnosing it may become difficult. A complete medical history is studied into and through body check up is done. A biopsy also needs to be done.

The treatment for Mesothelioma Asbestos cancer depends on various factors like the location, advancement of the disease, age, general health of the patient, and so on. Accordingly the doctor may recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery or a combination of any two or three. It is the doctor who alone can decide what the best form of treatment for the disease is. Apart from Mesothelioma Asbestos cancer, there are many other types of cancer which may happen due to exposure to asbestos particles. Cancer of the lungs and the kidneys may also form. If the person exposed to asbestos smokes too then his risk if developing any type of cancer along with Mesothelioma Asbestos cancer increases manifold.