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A Cancer Called Mesothelioma
by Shemileti Tadoroki
http://www.factmesothelioma.com
Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer that is caused by
inhaling the microscopic fibers of asbestos. Before the
1960s it was a common practice to use asbestos as insulation
in many houses. It is known to be a good flame retardant,
which explains why it was preferred as insulation. However,
since then it has been discovered that the microscopic
fibers of asbestos can cause mesothelioma. The rise in the
instance of this disease is proof of that.
Mesothelioma has got its name because this cancer affects
the linings in the body known as the mesothelium. Although
these linings are found in the nose, the inside of the
lungs, and in the abdomen, yet it is the lungs that are most
affected by mesothelioma. This is because the tiny asbestos
fibers that are inhaled through the nose come to rest in the
lungs. Mesothelioma is hard to understand because it takes a
long time to manifest itself. And then it is often too late
to treat.
Because the fibers are so small, they can lay in the
mesothelium for decades before causing any symptoms of
infection. And when they do, the mesothelioma has symptoms
that look much like other diseases. For instance, when the
cancer first appears in the lungs (and usually only the
right lung is affected initially), it looks a lot like
viral pneumonia. Shortness of breath and chest pain,
accompanied by persistent coughing, are symptoms. There is
even fluid build up in the lungs.
A chest X-Ray can show the fluid build up, but it requires
other tests to determine that you just do not have
pneumonia. Abdominal mesothelioma is characterized by bowel
trouble, pain, and swelling. The feet may swell as well, and
weight loss or anemia may occur as a result of vomiting.
As with any other cancer, mesothelioma can spread to other
parts of the body, causing pain in them as well. If you
know that you have been exposed to asbestos, it is
important to see a doctor if you have persistent symptoms
that are similar to those of mesothelioma. While the cancer
specialists who treat mesothelioma are few and far
between, they do exist and can give you the best chance of
beating the disease.
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