Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer that affects the lining of the
chest and abdomen. It is highly uncommon and affects about one in a million
people in the U.S. Although most cases occur in older men, it can also occur in
women who are middle-aged and elderly.
The medical community has not yet come up with a definite cause for this
kind of cancer. Some things they believe may cause mesothelioma include
exposure to asbestos, long-term exposure to cigarettes and inhaling fumes from
radon gas.
Mesothelioma is different from other forms of lung cancer in that it is
caused by the exposure to asbestos. This is the form of asbestos that most
people are familiar with - the kind that you find on the inner walls of your
home. It was used for insulation in homes, but it is now banned due to the
health risks that it poses.
Another common type of lung cancer is called pleural mesothelioma. This
form of cancer is usually diagnosed when the affected person dies, but there is
no known cure for it. It is caused by years of exposure to asbestos fibers.
Mesothelioma is more rare than other types of skin cancers, but it does
occur. Because the person affected has been exposed to asbestos, it is more
likely to have mesothelioma cancer, but not guaranteed. If you have had a
mesothelioma diagnosis, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
There are several treatments available for mesothelioma.
Before going to a doctor, talk to your family and friends. Find out how
other people have been treated and if they would recommend the doctor.
In most cases, a doctor will want to take a biopsy of the cancerous tissue.
The doctor will look for the tumor using an x-ray, CT scan or MRI. If a biopsy
is performed, the doctor will remove a small piece of the tissue for testing.
If a tumor is found, the cancerous cells are removed through a needle.
If the doctor finds no cancer cells after removing a small piece of the
tissue, the cancer may be malignant. There is currently no cure for
mesothelioma, but a cure is not likely for the next several years.
Treatment for mesothelioma is known to have a high success rate. Doctors
use various forms of therapy to get rid of the cancer. The most common therapy
is surgery.
A partial treatment may be enough to shrink the cancer, and then the
patient can go into a full treatment. Surgery typically involves removing the
affected area. It is important to remember that if the cancer is in an area
where the person can breathe through their mouth, surgery may not be necessary.
Treatment includes removing all of the affected areas, shaving off the top
layer of skin and hairline tumors and exposing the affected area to radiation.
In some cases, there is no need for radiation and treatment is temporary.
If your doctor feels that there is no cure for mesothelioma, he or she will
inform you of your prognosis. If your doctor believes that there is a remote
chance that the cancer can be cured, then treatment is not necessarily
necessary. He or she may suggest lifestyle changes that may help you reduce
your risk of developing mesothelioma.
Komentar
Posting Komentar