symptoms and treatment of Mesothelioma
Symptoms and Treatment of Mesothelioma
Of the 3,000 cases of mesothelioma each year, the rarest is mesothelioma of the heart called pericardial mesothelioma. The causes of pericardial mesothelioma is still not fully understood by scientists and doctors. Many scientists believe that asbestos is inhaled and ultimately makes its way to the blood stream however this is still very much a theory.
What is known is that asbestos fibers get stuck in the pericardial membranes of the heart. Over time, the accumalation of these asbestos fibers cause changes in the cells of the pericardium often resulting in cancer. Once these cells become cancerous, the divide and multiply rapidly. As these mesothelioma cells increase in quantity, the pericardial membranes thicken resulting in tumors. This build up puts pressure on the heart.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is so rare, it has been difficult for doctors to create a list of recognizable symptoms. The problem is that symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma resemble symptoms of other heart diseases. If any of the following symptoms are occuring, it is advised that one should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Only a number of specific tests can determine whether mesothelioma of the heart is apparent.
Symptoms of mesothelioma (pericardial mesothelioma) of the heart include:
Basics of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is rare type of cancer that is caused by the exposure of asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been and is still used in various building and construction applications due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. Asbestos exposure is often caused by inhalation or digestion of microscopic fibers. When the microscopic asbestos brought into the body (most typically through inhalation), the particles attach themselves to the mesothelial lining of the lungs and can also attach themselves to the lining of the heart and abdomen. Many construction workers, shipyard workers, Naval vessel crew, asbestos manufacturing plant workers, power plant workers and chemical plant workers (to name just a few) are typically the ones who develop Mesothelioma due to their exposure to the toxic asbestos.
People can develop Mesothelioma at any age, however, many do not see aparent symptoms until their 70's and 80's. Common therapies for Mesothelioma include radiation therapy, surgery, anticancer drugs, and chemotherapy. Though the effects of asbestos exposure are quite apparent, the United States has yet to ban the manufacture of cancer causing agent.
People can develop Mesothelioma at any age, however, many do not see aparent symptoms until their 70's and 80's. Common therapies for Mesothelioma include radiation therapy, surgery, anticancer drugs, and chemotherapy. Though the effects of asbestos exposure are quite apparent, the United States has yet to ban the manufacture of cancer causing agent.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma of the Heart
Of the 3,000 cases of mesothelioma each year, the rarest is mesothelioma of the heart called pericardial mesothelioma. The causes of pericardial mesothelioma is still not fully understood by scientists and doctors. Many scientists believe that asbestos is inhaled and ultimately makes its way to the blood stream however this is still very much a theory.What is known is that asbestos fibers get stuck in the pericardial membranes of the heart. Over time, the accumalation of these asbestos fibers cause changes in the cells of the pericardium often resulting in cancer. Once these cells become cancerous, the divide and multiply rapidly. As these mesothelioma cells increase in quantity, the pericardial membranes thicken resulting in tumors. This build up puts pressure on the heart.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is so rare, it has been difficult for doctors to create a list of recognizable symptoms. The problem is that symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma resemble symptoms of other heart diseases. If any of the following symptoms are occuring, it is advised that one should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Only a number of specific tests can determine whether mesothelioma of the heart is apparent.
Symptoms of mesothelioma (pericardial mesothelioma) of the heart include:
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing (event at rest)
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
Symptoms of Mesothelioma of the Abdomen
There are 3,000 cases of mesothelioma a year and of those cases, 10 to 20% of those cases are mesothelioma of the abdomen called peritoneal mesothelioma. Peritoneal Mesothelioma occurs in the abdomen that effect the mesothelial cells that form the peritoneum. The peritoneum is comprised of two layers that surround, support and protect organs in the abdomen.
Like the other forms of mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is not complete understood as to how it forms. Many scientist believe that peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by one of two ways. The first theory is that asbestos is ingested and find there way to the digestive organs. The other way is by inhaling the asbestos fibers. The asbestos finds its way to the peritoneal membrane through the lymphatic system.
Regardless of how the asbestos fibers find their way to the abdomen, they can not be expelled. Over time, the peritoneum thickens often resulting in cancerous tumors. Like pericardial mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the heart) or pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the lungs), peritoneal mesothelioma are vague and can often be confused with other non-serious diseases. However, if you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos in the past 20 to 50 years (or ever), and you experience of the following symptoms, it is advised that you seek the consultation of a doctor. Only tests can determine if mesothelioma is present.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma of the abdomen area include:
Like the other forms of mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is not complete understood as to how it forms. Many scientist believe that peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by one of two ways. The first theory is that asbestos is ingested and find there way to the digestive organs. The other way is by inhaling the asbestos fibers. The asbestos finds its way to the peritoneal membrane through the lymphatic system.
Regardless of how the asbestos fibers find their way to the abdomen, they can not be expelled. Over time, the peritoneum thickens often resulting in cancerous tumors. Like pericardial mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the heart) or pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the lungs), peritoneal mesothelioma are vague and can often be confused with other non-serious diseases. However, if you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos in the past 20 to 50 years (or ever), and you experience of the following symptoms, it is advised that you seek the consultation of a doctor. Only tests can determine if mesothelioma is present.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma of the abdomen area include:
- Night sweats
- Fever
- Weight loss that can't be explained
- Unexplained diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Lumps under the skin on the abdomen
- Swelling and/or pain in the abdomen
- Anemia
- Fatigue
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