A Good Look At The Rare Cancer, Mesothelioma
Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of this type of cancer called mesothelioma. Jobs that deals with or takes place in the vicinity of asbestos is always suspect. In a study conducted, it was found that up to 80% of all mesothelioma cancer patients had periods of prolonged exposure to asbestos at some point in their lives. Mesothelioma is also a exceedingly rare variety of cancer with merely about 4000 cases each year. There are 3 main types of mesothelioma cancer that vary according the region of the body that has been affected. They are recognized as Pericardial Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pleural Mesothelioma.
The cancer is named after the mesothelium, which is a protective membrane that covers various cavities. Peritoneal, Pleural and Peritoneal mesothelioma are all named after the particular cavities that this cancer affects.
The symptoms of this cancer depend significantly on the region affected. The symptoms can take as long as 50 years to show up Weight loss, abdominal pain as well as abdominal lumps are all symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma symptoms consist of chest pains, lumps in the chest, and painful breathing instead. Pericardial Mesothelioma – Chest pain, fever, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, murmurs, Orthopnea.
There is a chance that treatment may send this cancer into remission but that is uncommon. The survival rate of patients is not promising at all. The life expectancy of those with advanced stages of this cancer normally do not survive more than a year. Those lucky enough to become aware of the cancer in its early stages can expect to live for up to 5 years. There is still research being done in the field, albeit not a whole lot. Dr.David Sugarbaker has been at the forefront of mesothelioma research and he, along with other noteworthy doctors have been making good progress in the area. The primary areas of research tend to target pleural mesothelioma and new, aggressive techniques have been found to extend live expectancy by years.
