What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly cancer that attacks three vital components of the human body. Mesothelioma damages the lining of the chest, abdominal cavity, and the heart. Unfortunately many cases of Mesothelioma are not diagnosed in the early stages of the disease because symptoms may remain latent for decades.

Another deadly aspect of Mesothelioma is the minimal exposure it takes to become infected with this disease. It only takes an average of one to two months of exposure to become afflicted.

Many cases of Mesothelioma are caused by asbestos, a mineral fiber that was used in the construction of buildings because of its highly effective insulation and flame resistant properties. The inhalation of these fibers is directly related to the diagnosis of Mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of the disease are shortness of breath, pain in the abdominal region and chest, swelling of the neck or face, and trouble swallowing. The dilemma is that these symptoms may be caused by less a severe issue such as a common cold or other ailments.

Treatments for mesothelioma range from surgery to radiation to chemotherapy. None of these treatments seem to be highly effective in curing patients, but like other types of cancer, research is being done to try and find a treatment that will successfully heal Mesothelioma patients.