What is Mesothelioma
(Asbestos Cancer)


It is a form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium which is a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. Generally, most individuals who develop this cancer have worked on jobs or lived in apartments or buildings where asbestos particles were inhaled.
Asbestos cancer is when the mesothelium lining becomes abnormal and grows uncontrollably causing pain. This can be benign or malignant. The malignant form of the cancer will damage the tissue of the organ it resides on and possibly invade other organs. Most cases of mesothelioma are either pleural or peritoneal. the Most cases of begin in the pleura or peritoneum.
Mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.


Mesothelioma Symptoms
(Asbestos Cancer)

Symptoms may not show up in the body until between 20 - 50 years after exposure, which is why so many new cases of this form of cancer are being diagnosed in recent years. All though the dangers of asbestos cancer were realized many decades ago and precautions have been taken to reduce the risk of the disease, it can take very little exposure to cause the cancer. As with many forms of cancer, the asbestos cancer tumor can spread in the body rapidly, often infecting the opposite pleura and continuing on to other internal organs. The symptoms of Asbestos cancer are listed below.

Pleural Mesothelioma:
* Shortness of breath
* Chest pain in the chest (caused by fluid accumulation in the pleura)

Peritoneal Mesothelioma
* Weight loss
* Abdominal pain
* Abdominal swelling (caused by fluid build-up in the abdomen)
* Bowel obstruction
* Blood clotting abnormalities
* Anemia
* Fever

If the asbestos cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, additional symptoms may include:
* Pain
* Trouble swallowing
* Swelling of the neck or face areas

If you are experiencing these or similar medical problem, please consult your doctor.