Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that occurs most commonly in the chest area. In some cases, it can develop in the lining of the abdominal cavity (also known as the peritoneum) but this form is very rarely found. The more common form of the disease occurs in the lining of the sacs of the chest, which are also known as the 'pleura'. Both forms of the disease can be potentially fatal.
Mesothelioma of the peritoneum has symptoms that affect the abdominal region. They include abdominal swelling, nausea and vomiting. Pleural mesothelioma affects the chest area and symptoms include shortness of breath and chest pain. Epithelial and sarcomatoid are the two main cell types associated with mesothelioma. In some cases, both types can be found but in around only 15% of cases will the sarcomatoid cell be found.
The major cause of mesothelioma is the inhalation of asbestos. Nowadays, the demographic most at risk of contracting mesothelioma is men over the age of 40. This demographic are most likely to have been involved in construction pre-1985, when the use of asbestos in construction was acceptable. In 1985, the use of asbestos in UK construction was banned because of the health issues associated with the substance.
It isn't just those that worked in construction pre-1980s that are at risk. Of course, there are still countless buildings still used today that used asbestos in their construction. People using these buildings could be at risk without even realising it. People who carry out DIY or demolition in these buildings are also at risk of disturbing the substance, causing it become airborne.
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for mesothelioma as of yet. There is a better chance of survival if the condition is diagnosed early and as with most illnesses, age and previous health conditions of the patient play a crucial part in determining the outcome. There are several types of treatment that can be used to battle against the disease, but the success of these treatments really depends on the individual case.
Mesothelioma of the peritoneum has symptoms that affect the abdominal region. They include abdominal swelling, nausea and vomiting. Pleural mesothelioma affects the chest area and symptoms include shortness of breath and chest pain. Epithelial and sarcomatoid are the two main cell types associated with mesothelioma. In some cases, both types can be found but in around only 15% of cases will the sarcomatoid cell be found.
The major cause of mesothelioma is the inhalation of asbestos. Nowadays, the demographic most at risk of contracting mesothelioma is men over the age of 40. This demographic are most likely to have been involved in construction pre-1985, when the use of asbestos in construction was acceptable. In 1985, the use of asbestos in UK construction was banned because of the health issues associated with the substance.
It isn't just those that worked in construction pre-1980s that are at risk. Of course, there are still countless buildings still used today that used asbestos in their construction. People using these buildings could be at risk without even realising it. People who carry out DIY or demolition in these buildings are also at risk of disturbing the substance, causing it become airborne.
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for mesothelioma as of yet. There is a better chance of survival if the condition is diagnosed early and as with most illnesses, age and previous health conditions of the patient play a crucial part in determining the outcome. There are several types of treatment that can be used to battle against the disease, but the success of these treatments really depends on the individual case.
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