Mesothelioma is a rare and malignant cancer caused by inhaling asbestos fibers that lodge in the lining of the lungs
The most common symptoms include coughing, pain in the chest or abdomen and fluid around the lungs and researchers have not found a definitive cure for cancer.
The Causes
Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of cancer.
Mesothelioma develops when a person ingests asbestos, and it causes changes to a person’s DNA & Changes in our genes may cause cells to divide out of control and may lead to cancer.
Development of Mesothelioma
- Over time, tumors begin to form on the damaged mesothelium, which is the lining of the abdomen, lung, heart, and testes.
- The embedded fibers damage the mesothelial cells and cause inflammation
- Tumors begin to form on the damaged mesothelium, which is the lining of the abdomen, lung, heart, and testes.
- The asbestos fibers become lodged in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart.
- A person inhales or swallows airborne asbestos fibers
- Chest Pain
Symptoms
mesothelioma symptoms include:
- Dry coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Respiratory complications
- Pain in the chest or abdomen
- Fever or night sweats
- Pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs)
- Fatigue
- Weakness in the muscles
These mesothelioma symptoms usually do not show until tumors have grown and spread. Mesothelioma latency is 20-50 years. That’s how long it takes from initial exposure to accurate diagnosis. For that reason, many people with mesothelioma are in their 60s or 70s.
You should talk to a mesothelioma specialist soon if you have a history of asbestos exposure and experience these symptoms. An early diagnosis may improve your prognosis and life expectancy.
