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Mesothelioma faq (mesothelium, cause, symptoms, treatment)
By Eden Ali | June 15, 2007
1. What is the mesothelium?
The mesothelium is a membraneous tissue that protects most of the body internal organs. This membrane is made up of two cell layers: One layer covers the organ; the other layer covers all around it. The mesothelium functions by producing a fliud that lubricates these layers, thereby preventing friction on moving organs.
2. What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancerous disease in which the cells and tissues of the mesothelium deviate from normal division without order. These malignant mesothelioma cells can invade and damage tissues and organs around the growth area,and they also spread to other sites or part of the body. The common beginning sites are the pleura and the peritoneum.
3. How common is mesothelioma?
Reported cases have increased in the past 20 years, but still mesothelioma is still a rare cancer. Almost 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are discovered in the United States every year.
4. What is the cause of mesothelioma?
Exposure to Asbestos have been the grestest cause of mesothelioma. Statistics have shown that asbestos exposure at work has brought about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. Other unknown cause of mesothelioma also exist.
5. What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
The symptoms of mesothelioma in most cases do not appear until two to four decades after exposure to asbestos. Dyspnea and chest pain as a result of accumulation of fluid in the pleura cavity. The symptoms of mesothelioma may include weight loss and pain in the abdomen and inflamation. When the cancerous cells spread to other parts of the body, pain, swallowing difficulty, or swelling of the neck or face may also be seen as symptoms of mesothelioma.
7. What are mesothelioma treatment options?
Standard mesothelioma treatment options available include radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy. A combination of one or more mesothelioma treatment options can also be helpful.
Topics: Mesothelioma faq |