Mesothelioma is a Rare Form of Cancer, but Not Unbeatable

Mesothelioma is a cancer not usually found in the general public. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. It commonly starts in the lining of the lungs or the abominal cavity. If it is found in the lining of the lungs it is called pleural mesothelioma. If it is found in the lining of the viscera or abdomen it is called peritoneal mesothelioma. Regardless of where it turns up in the body, it will be a dangerous condition needing immediate attention.

Since asbestos and mesothelioma go hand-in-hand and the symptoms of mesothelioma are not very different from other forms of illnesses, any attempt to diagnose mesothelioma should be considered with a look into the past. Have you had contact with asbestos ? Have you worked around a building or other place where asbestos was incorporated into the structure?

Asbestos was used in firemen's suits from long ago, so if you had contact with someone such as a fireman or someone who worked with or around asbestos, you may want to consider checking out the symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed some thirty or more years after exposure to asbestos. Some symptoms are; persistant cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, abdominal pain and swelling, weight loss, fever and anemia. At rare times there are no symptoms.

The name "mesothelioma" comes from the name of the liquid-filled sac surrounding some major organs; the mesothelium. When normal healthy mesothelium cells are affected by the asbestos, mesothelioma can occur. As of this writing it would be affecting those in their sixties or seventies from their unsuspected past exposure to asbestos.

As of today, asbestos is rarely used in the United States now that we know its dangers to health. According to the cancer.gov site new uses of asbestos were banned after 1989 by the Environmental Protection Agency. All uses prior to that year are reportedly still allowed. It is still used in other developing countries.