Mesothelioma is a cancer that is directly in response to exposure to asbestos material, which can be found in older homes and structures. Breathing in the asbestos brings the cancer causing agent to affect the lungs, especially pleura which is the lining in the outer walls of the lung and chest. While this lung cancer is not directly associated with smoking, smoking does increase the chances of getting mesothelioma if the smoker is around the asbestos. There are some cases of mesothelioma that have been caused by coming in contact with the clothes of someone who works around asbestos, but this is much rarer than being in direct contact. Musical legend Warren Zevon and action star Steve McQueen both died from this type of cancer.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
It is important to remember that signs and symptoms of mesothelioma might not occur until decades after the asbestos exposure.
Early Pleura Affected Signs:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing or wheezing
- Coughing up blood
Later Stage Abdomen Tumor Signs:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bowel difficulties
- Stomach mass and pain
Other signs can be fever, jaundice, blood clots, organ bleeds, and fluid buildup in organs and lungs. If any of these signs and symptoms are present, see a healthcare provider immediately for screening. The earlier that mesothelioma is found, the better the chances for survival and higher quality of life.
Treatment of Mesothelioma
There are several different available options for treating mesothelioma. There are some surgical options, including radiation, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. This is all of the suggested medical options; however there are those that will assist the treatment options with alternative treatments. Talking with a medical professional can give a wider range of options with those that are specifically for the stage of cancer that the mesothelioma has progressed to.
- Surgery – This involves removing the lining to the chest wall and lungs.
- Radiation – This is often given with chemotherapy to eradiate cancer cells in the chest wall and lung area. Mesothelioma has been shown to be resistant to sole radiation treatments.
- Immunotherapy – Plagued with side effects that many find intolerable, immunotherapy tries to increase the body’s immune response to the cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy – Best option choice in studies, this has side effects like nausea and vomiting. However, studies have shown an improved quality of life and increase in lung function after chemotherapy treatments with mesothelioma patients.
Some will try treating with non-medically approved forms of alternative therapy such as acupuncture and herbal remedies. Clinicial professionals will look at these alternative therapies as interruptions to medically necessary procedures. Best bet? Cover all the options and do medically proven treatments with the alternative.
Mesothelioma Support
Here are two places to get information and support after a mesothelioma diagnosis. A strong support system can really be a place of comfort, a place to vent, and form friendships with those that are sharing a common bond.
Mesothelioma Center Support listing
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