Mesothelioma is a form of Cancer that is caused from over exposure to asbestos. What happens is that the cancer starts to form in the protective lining that surrounds the internal organs like the lungs. This type of cancer is not limited to the lungs. It could be found in the lining of the abdominal cavity as well. The workers that are affected by this disease are railroad workers, auto mechanics, and machinists, Firefighters, Pipe Fitters and even Plumbers. Some people who were in close proximity to the World Trade Center in 2001 have developed Mesothelioma.

Any occupation where you come in close contact with asbestos or where you can inhale asbestos particles. Plumbers and Pipe Fitters can come in contact with asbestos as they replace plumbing lines in older buildings. It is very important to wear a respirator mask as you work. Protection is the best way to avoid coming into direct contact with the asbestos.

Studies have shown that by washing clothes of the person who came in contact with the asbestos can affect the family member of that person if the clothes are washed together. After working with asbestos, either wash your clothes separately or throw them away. Let’s take a look at how this disease shows the signs and symptoms and how it can be diagnosed.

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

The biggest risk factor is working with Asbestos. This is one of the common causes of Mesothelioma. There have been cases where the condition has been diagnosed and asbestos contact was not present. If you have a job where asbestos is present and you are a smoker then the risk become greater. If you are working on a job like pipe fitters and plumbers where contact with asbestos is constant, you should request the proper ventilation and you should cut exposure by 3 months or less.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of Mesothelioma are caused by the increased amount of fluids that are accumulating the lungs. People who have come in contact with asbestos may find that they have shortness of breath and often a sharp stabbing pain may follow. Some people develop a dry sort of cough that won’t go away. Some people living with Mesothelioma may display shortness of breath; fatigue and some may even start to cough up blood.

In cases where the disease has become more prominent, the symptoms include tumors or lung collapses are common in severe cases. If tumors have developed you may have abdominal pain, problems with bowel movements and significant weight loss. Severe cases may show low blood sugar levels, Jaundice and blood clots.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

One of the difficulties of diagnosing Mesothelioma is that it has so many different symptoms of other conditions. If you have been exposed to asbestos then this is something that you need to tell your doctor. Even if you have come into contact with someone who has been exposed. Diagnosing this condition can be done through X Rays and some Lung functioning testing. CAT Scans are often done to diagnose the cancer as well.

Sometimes if the tests are inconclusive the doctor have to perform some lung draining. If blood work cannot determine the diagnosis properly, a lung biopsy may be needed. Once the Mesothelioma is confirmed it has to be assessed a stage. The first and second stage is when the cancer is just affecting one area and that is usually the lungs or the kidney. The more advanced stages are present when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Mesothelioma Treatment

The most conventional types of treatment are radiation or chemotherapy. By using these treatment methods an average of about 75% of people did much better and their life expectancy was prolonged by 5 years and sometimes more, depending on how well their body takes to the treatment. Sometimes surgery is an option but the condition only improved by a small percentage of 16.3%. There are other types of treatment available such as Heated Intraoperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy.

The information that we have provided here is gathered by some medical facts. We are not doctors and you should be checked out by a doctor. It is important that if you experience any of these symptoms even if you were exposed to asbestos for a few hours that you contact your doctor and tell him. Don’t hold back any symptoms from your doctor. What you may think is not important may be important to them.  The best course of treatment is the one your doctor prescribes. Follow your doctor’s advice and get plenty of rest.