Did you know that there are more than 100 types of cancer?
Some of the most common types include breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. While there’s no true cure, there are treatments that can put it into remission.
It’s important to note, however, that some cancers are more aggressive than others. Take mesothelioma, for example, where only 35% of those who are diagnosed will survive another year.
But what is it, exactly? What causes mesothelioma? What are some common mesothelioma symptoms, and when should you speak with a mesothelioma lawyer?
We’ll be going over the condition in detail below, so keep reading to learn more.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is an aggressive type of cancer that affects the mesothelium. This is a thin layer of tissue that covers most of the internal organs.
More often than not, it affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall (pleural mesothelioma). However, it can also attack the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma).
Not only that, but it can affect the lining of the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) as well. This is the rarest form, accounting for less than 1% of all cases.
As far as survival rates go, it varies between types. Generally speaking, however, more than half of individuals will survive for at least another six months.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. More specifically, it’s caused by the inhalation or swallowing of asbestos fibers.
Once they’re inside the body, they can become permanently lodged in the gastrointestinal tract or lungs. They can also affect other organs too. Over time, these embedded fibers will cause DNA damage to healthy cells.
Ultimately, it’s this process that results in uncontrolled cell growth.
Some products that contain asbestos include building materials (e.g. roof shingles, ceiling materials, floor tiles), heat resistant fabrics, and car parts.
For those who were recently diagnosed, you may want to look up a few mesothelioma attorneys. They’ll ensure that you receive proper compensation for any negligent exposure to the toxic substance.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma symptoms can take several decades to appear. Not only that, but they can vary depending on the part of the body that’s affected.
For example, pleural mesothelioma can cause shortness of breath, pain under the rib cage, coughing, lower back pain, and lumps under the skin in the chest area.
Pericardial mesothelioma, on the other hand, often causes low blood pressure, heart palpitations, chest pain, fluid retention (often in the legs), and extreme fatigue. As for peritoneal mesothelioma, it can cause nausea, abdominal pain, and abdominal swelling.
And like all cancers, it can also lead to unexplained weight loss.
Understanding Mesothelioma
What causes mesothelioma? Asbestos exposure. If anything, it’s the only confirmed cause of this type of cancer.
The good news is that it’s possible to reduce or even eliminate your risk by avoiding exposure to this toxic material.
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