What to Know About Mesothelioma Cancer

First off, the pronunciation of the word is 'mess-o-thee-lee-o-ma'. That said, Mesothelioma cancer is not as common as other types of cancers like breast, lung, colon or stomach cancers, but it can be just as deadly if not caught early and treated.

Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer caused mostly by exposure to inhaled asbestos particles. Asbestos is the name given to a grouping of minerals that cluster together in strong fibers, almost like threads, that have been used to create a myriad of industrial building materials like cement, roof shingles, and most types of insulation.

These days, asbestos is not used, but many houses and buildings throughout the country and the world are still standing, and people who work or live in these buildings may be at risk of developing Mesothelioma cancer. The tiny particles of asbestos can be inhaled into the lungs or swallowed and over time, exposure to such materials can often cause the development of this cancer.

The mesothelium is a membrane that surrounds and protects most of our major body organs, and it's called by different names in different parts of the body. It's called the peritoneum in the abdomen, the pleura when it surrounds the lungs.

Mesothelioma cancer is the process through which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and then start to divide, invading neighboring cells and tissues until they spread throughout the body. Most types of Mesothelioma cancer signs begin in the pleura, or the protective coverings of the lungs.

While rare, about 2,000 cases of Mesothelioma cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year, and oddly enough, occurs in more women than men. A history of working with asbestos or asbestos materials is reported in a vast majority of those who develop Mesothelioma cancer, although some have been diagnosed who have never worked or been around such building materials.

While asbestos has been around since the late 1800's, millions of Americans were exposed to the material during World War Two, especially around shipyards, and those who work in heating and other construction industries. Since symptoms of the disease don't show up for 30-50 years, it's hard to catch it early.

Trouble breathing and pain in the chest due to accumulated fluid are some signs of Mesothelioma cancer, but can also be disguised as other medical conditions. Diagnosing the cancer is difficult, and many younger doctors who have never seen a case of Mesothelioma cancer may misdiagnose it entirely. To determine the presence of Mesothelioma cancer, a chest x-ray is often taken and a CT scan will take a series of pictures, and an MRI may also be recommended for viewing purposes.

Treatment options for Mesothelioma cancer depend on its location in the body, and the stage of the cancer. Most treatments are begun with surgery in conjunction with radiation or chemotherapy. Often a doctor will insert a tube into body cavities to relieve buildup of fluid and to ease pain and increase respiration in patients.

Asbestos is not a substance that's commonly used in construction these days, though it is still found in older homes, schools and buildings throughout the United States. If you need to demolish or renovate any such structures, protect yourself by wearing protective clothing and masks to prevent inhaling asbestos fibers into your lungs, which will help to prevent an occurrence of Mesothelioma cancer later on in life.