5 Things to Know About Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma cancer is a difficult cancer to get diagnosed with. It can take years for the disease to develop and even longer to die from it. Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of the small, dime-sized sacs called pleura that line the inside of your chest cavity. The disease is almost always associated with exposure to asbestos, a mineral found in various forms in various parts of the world. But there are many other types of mesothelioma as well. There are several different types, but all of them share the same symptoms and signs. For example, if you have malignant pleural mesothelioma, your illness will likely be treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapies rather than surgery. Read on to learn more about Mesothelioma cancer and its causes so that you know what to expect if you find yourself Susceptible to Mesothelioma? Here’s What You Need To Know

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of the small, dime-sized sacs called pleura that line the inside of your chest cavity. Mesothelioma is almost always associated with exposure to asbestos, a mineral found in various forms in various parts of the world. But there are many other types of mesothelioma as well. There are several different types, but all of them share the same symptoms and signs. For example, if you have malignant pleural mesothelioma, your illness will likely be treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapies rather than surgery.

How Does Mesothelioma Develop?

Mesothelioma develops when cells in the lining of your pleural sacs become cancerous. Initially, these cells are called “stromal cells” because they line the cavities of the body, but when these cells become cancerous, they differentiate into “stromal elements,” which are essential to the structure of the surrounding tissue. As the cancer advances, the cancerous elements become aggregated in what’s called a “mesothelioma tumor” and form a hard, solid tumor mass. The cancerous cells in the tumor develop into two types: proteasomes and Shipman cells. Proteasomes are the cells that cause the initial inflammation that leads to pleural mesothelioma. Shipman cells are the supporting cells that help the growth of the mesothelioma and maintain its shape.

When Does Mesothelioma develop?

Mesothelioma develops between the ages of 25 and 40, and most people are diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 60. It’s more common in people who work in industries that produce asbestos or who have been in a vacuum where asbestoses or mesothelioma fibers can settle to the ground and settle in your lungs.

What Can Cause Mesothelioma?

There are many different possible causes of mesothelioma, but most of them are related to asbestos exposure. Some of the main causes of mesothelioma are listed below: Physical injury from a fall, accident, or surgery Smoking and asbestos in your systems Obesity, high blood pressure, or diabetes Excessive alcohol intake Poor diet, including an unhealthy weight-reducing diet Inherited conditions like lupus, scleroderma, Addison’s disease, anemia, or collagen vascular disease Chronic viral infections such as Epstein-Barr, allergies, or inflammatory bowel diseases.

Mesothelioma Cancer: symptoms and diagnosis Symptoms of mesothelioma cancer may include a persistent or increasing cough, a change in voice pitch, weight loss, persistent chest or abdominal discomfort, and changes in your vision. Other symptoms include shortness of breath while lying down, being able to sleep on your stomach or side, and a change in your bowel habits. You’re likely to develop the disease in stages, with abnormal breath tests leading to a more serious condition. If you have only a few symptoms, you may only be diagnosed after other medical problems are ruled out. You’re likely to feel lucky if you get through this with only mild symptoms.

Types of Mesothelioma Cancer

There are five main types of mesothelioma cancer: Cutaneous, Lung, peritoneal, and ovarian. The types are determined by where the cancer develops in your body. Cutaneous mesothelioma cancer usually develops on your skin, while lung and peritoneal types develop in your lungs and abdomen, respectively. Additionally, there are two subtypes of ovarian cancer: high-grade and low-grade. Low-grade ovarian cancer usually has no symptoms, but high-grade cancer can be very hard to detect.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma Cancer

The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary from person to person and may depend on your age, general health, and amount of exposure to asbestos. Some of the more common symptoms associated with mesothelioma cancer include: Vivid dreams Chronic cough Excessive tiredness Weight gain Mild shortness of breath Increased heart rate A change in your bowel habits Weight loss Impaired sensory perception Dizziness Blurred vision Fever Chronic purple or greenish-colored discharge from your eye Frequent and difficult urination Chronic inflammation of your lungs Mild joint pain Chronic muscle spasms Chronic shortness of breath Chronic cough with fever Dark, sticky-looking breathe Altered sense of taste Mild skin rash Chronic Loss of Appetite Chronic Diarrhea Chronic Nausea Chronic Vomiting Mild Fatigue Cough That Lasts All Day Increased Respiration Difficulty Sleeping Increased Stress Levels Cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to get diagnosed with. It can take years for the disease to develop and even longer to die from it. If you have mesothelioma, you’re likely to feel lucky if you survive the disease. It’s a hard cancer to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other cancers, and the tests are often negative. If you have mesothelioma, you should talk to a doctor as soon as possible so that the right medical care can be available when you need it.