Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are first found in the mesothelium, a protective sac or lining that covers and protects internal organs and tissues including the lungs, abdomen, heart, and testes.
The four main types of malignant Mesothelioma include Pleural (lining of lungs,) Peritoneal (lining of abdomen,) Pericardial (lining of heart,) and Testicular (lining of testicles) and can be made up of epithelioid and/or sarcomatoid cancer cells.
Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked jobs where they regularly inhaled asbestos particles. Not everyone who worked these jobs will get this disease and it can take decades to develop into cancer, so most cases are discovered when the patient is past the age of 65. Some spouses and children of asbestos workers also develop this disease due to exposure of asbestos on the worker's clothing and skin. People who lived close to areas where asbestos was being manufactured or used might also be at risk.
Symptoms vary depending upon the location of the disease. Early symptoms of mesothelioma, such as difficulty in breathing and loss of appetite, are non-specific and may be misdiagnosed as more common ailments.
The four stages of meso are measured by two different systems depending upon the type of the cancer. The TNM system takes into consideration three variables which are tumor, lymph nodes, and metastasis, while the Brighan system considers whether or not the bad cells can be removed by surgery.
The National Cancer Institute lists U.S. cancer centers alphabetically, by state, and by region. Universities and private organizations conduct research and clinical trials for cancer.
Read books about cancer therapies, mesothelioma research and guides, and cancer fighting nutrition and recipes.
Legal representation may be able to obtain money to pay for medical bills.
Also, keeping up on the lastest meso news, may bring you insights on managing this disease and surviving mesothelioma.
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