Mesothelioma is a little-known, rare form of cancer that affects people who have been exposed to asbestos. Symptoms of mesothelioma do not begin to appear for thirty to fifty years after this exposure takes place. Because patients are often unaware that they were ever at risk, once symptoms do arise it often takes a long time for a diagnosis to be made, as the symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions.
Types of Mesothelioma and Their Symptoms
There are different types of mesothelioma which are identified by where in the body they appear. The most common of these is pleural mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the linings that surround the lungs, and the symptoms are shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing and chest pain.
These symptoms also are present with pericardial mesothelioma, which impacts the cavity in which the heart rests. The third type of mesothelioma is peritoneal. It affects the cavity in which the abdominal organs rest, and its symptoms are stomach pain, nausea, unexplained weight loss and night fevers and sweats.
Mesothelioma Treatments
The treatments for mesothelioma vary depending upon how far the cancer has spread and where in the body it has appeared, but in most cases a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used. Sometimes these treatments are offered for the purpose of relieving pain or making breathing easier.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and you are interested in more information and mesothelioma facts, we can help.
