WHAT IS MESOTHELIOMA?
Mesothelioma is a cancerous disease that is becoming more
common. This form of cancer is a direct result of regular
and unprotected exposure to asbestos.
It affects the mesothelial cells that make up the mesothelium
- the outer lining that protects the body's major internal
organs such as the heart, stomach and lungs. This disease
is difficult to diagnose because of its symptoms
and latency period. Treatment for mesothelioma is still
being investigated through clinical trials and lab research,
but as a general rule it responds poorly to the treatments
that are currently used. |
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WHAT IS THE CONNECTION
BETWEEN MESOTHELIOMA AND ASBESTOS?
The cause of a number of ailments and diseases, including
the deadly cancer mesothelioma, asbestos has actually
been in use for centuries. The name asbestos was given
to this mineral by the Ancient Greeks, and the word literally
means inextinguishable. The Greeks gave it this name because
of its amazing fireproof qualities, although they also
noted the harmful effects that asbestos had upon workers. |
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WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS
OF MESOTHELIOMA?
The symptoms of mesothelioma are very common to a number
of other diseases which are more well-known in society.
Therefore, it is not unusual for the patient to be misdiagnosed
when he or she goes in displaying any or all of these
symptoms. People who have worked with asbestos should
always let their doctor know this so that the doctor is
more aware and more conscious of the possibilities in
the event that the symptoms do manifest. |
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HOW IS MESOTHELIOMA DIAGNOSED?
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is most often obtained with careful assessment of clinical and radiological findings in addition to a confirming tissue biopsy. (Learn about typical mesothelioma symptoms. A review of the patient's medical history, including history of asbestos exposure is taken, followed by a complete physical examination, x-rays of the chest or abdomen, and lung function tests. A CT scan or MRI may also be done at this time. If any of these preliminary tests prove suspicious for mesothelioma; a biopsy is necessary to confirm this diagnosis. |
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WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF
MESOTHELIOMA?
Treatment options are often determined by the stage of mesothelioma a patient is in. There are three staging systems currently in use for pleural mesothelioma and each one measures somewhat different variables; peritoneal mesothelioma is not staged. |
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