Mesothelioma cancer is something that is associated with asbestos. This is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, even though it is relatively new to the public. It is difficult to treat but that does not mean that it is impossible.
What is mesothelioma cancer?
This is also known to many as being “asbestos cancer” due to the main reason that it develops. The tumors appear after the inhalation of the fibers from the asbestos, which was something used a lot before the 1980s.
There is a membrane that has two layers and protects organs. This is what is attacked by the cancerous cells.
There are three types of this cancer, depending on the layers and cavities that are attacked. They are the pericardial, peritoneum and pleural mesothelioma. The latter is the most common form.
It is extremely common in older individuals due to the time that it takes to develop – which can be anywhere between 20 and 50 years. However, this depends on the amount of asbestos that a person was exposed to – there have been a number of cases that involved those around the September 11th disaster.
The symptoms of mesothelioma cancer
The most common symptom noticed is the difficulty to breathe. The cancer affects the cells around the lungs, which affect the ability to move in the chest cavity. This is especially noticed with the pleural form. Sufferers of the peritoneal form will suffer mainly with the stomach area, which leads to nausea, a loss of appetite and also weight loss at a high and dangerous level.
Excessive coughing and chest pains are also commonly seen in sufferers of all forms, along with difficulties with sleeping and fevers.
Unfortunately, the symptoms are not noticed until the later stages, which is the only time that it will be diagnosed. This makes it extremely difficult to diagnose and then treat. The cancer usually spreads around the body too, which also makes it difficult to treat and usually leads to the sufferer dying.
Women and Mesothelioma cancer
It is mainly men who suffer from the disease but there have been more cases of women. Men in their 50s to 70s are most at risk due to the nature of their employment and the buildings. Women will usually contract the disease second-hand, through family members. There are also cases of people getting the disease without working in the plants and factories – they will have just lived in the area.
Dealing with this type of cancer
This is not as common as many other forms of cancers but Mesothelioma cancer is one of the most deadly. There is very little that doctors can currently do because there is no cure. Most people are treated with radiation and chemotherapy while others will undergo surgery to help remove the tumors that are growing. This makes it possible for the sufferer to live longer but does not help to prevent the spreading of the disease. There is still a lot of research into the disease and how to help treat it.
If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma cancer, you need to determine how it has occurred. It will usually be due to neglect in the workplace, in which case you do have the right to sue. While this will not help your health it will offer compensation to help cover medical bills and help your family cope afterwards.