Apart from patients and their families, many of us have questions and seek information mesothelioma we wish to answer. Here are 10 top questions with answers often for those seeking information mesothelioma.
What is the mesothelium?
Mesothelium is a membrane that completely covers and protects all the internal organs of the body. This membrane consists of two layers of cells, one layer surrounds the organ and the other forms a sack around it. Mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid which is released between these layers, allowing moving organs such as heart and lungs to slide easily on adjacent surfaces.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that attacks the mesothelium membrane, and is caused by previous exposure to asbestos particles. When mesothelioma strikes, cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide uncontrollably, malignant cells develop mesothelium which can metastasize to their original site to invade and damage nearby tissues and organs in the body. Typically, mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum .. The abdomen or lungs.
How common is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a relatively rare type of cancer, despite the reported incidence data show a steady increase over the last 20 years. Each year about 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States alone. Mesothelioma affects men more than women and risk increases with age, but mesothelioma can occur in sex or any age.
What are the causes of mesothelioma?
At least 90% of mesotheliomas can be related to asbestos exposure, although exposure will usually occurred many years before the cancer becomes clear. Known that even very low levels of exposure to asbestos can cause the development of mesothelioma, so it is possible that some patients might not have any contact with asbestos is known but may still have a soul asbestos fibers without realizing it. Exposure to certain chemicals and radiation has also been linked to mesothelioma, and a small number of mesotheliomas have been linked to type of radiation called thorium dioxide (thorotast). It was used in X-rays until 1950′s. There is no evidence linking cigarette smoking with mesotheliomas
How mesothelioma diagnosed?
The symptoms of mesothelioma are often difficult to diagnose be very similar to the symptoms displayed in other conditions, including asbestosis. Diagnosis of mesothelioma will require a review of the patient’s medical history, including history of exposure to asbestos. Will be a complete physical exam and X-rays of the chest and abdomen obtained. CT scan or MRI may also prove useful in diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is treatable?
Mesothelioma Treatment varies depending on the location of the cancer, mesothelioma has developed what extent, patient age and general condition. Mesothelioma treatment options include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Is there a cure for mesothelioma?
The only treatment that offers hope of cure for mesothelioma is surgery to remove surgically. Unfortunately, because mesothelioma is so difficult to diagnose, is often too advanced for surgery be done safely.
Are there new treatments available for mesothelioma?
National Cancer Institute is currently sponsoring clinical trials in an attempt to discover new treatments mesothelioma while improving the way current mesothelioma treatments applied. Before each new mesothelioma treatment can be recommended for general use, extensive clinical trials must be performed to demonstrate that mesothelioma treatment proves safe for patients effective against the disease. Participation in these clinical trials can be an important treatment option for many patients suffering from the effects of mesothelioma.
What is the life expectancy of those diagnosed with mesothelioma?
The life expectancy of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer vary depending on where the tumor is, how far it spread to the age and general health of the patient. Studies show the average survival periods of between 8 and 14 months, but it is not uncommon for patients to live for several years after diagnosis of the situation.
What asbestosis?
Asbestosis disease is a chronic inflammatory non-deadly cancer affecting the lungs and is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestosis can cause permanent lung damage, increased risk of dangerous lung disease, and heart failure.
So those are the questions most often by seeking information mesothelioma, and he hoped the answers above enlightened you.