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Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that typically affects the lining of the lungs heart and abdomen. Approximately2,000 to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the United States, Comprising around 3 percent of all cancer diagnoses. This cancer occurs about four times more frequently in men than in women and all forms of mesothelioma, expect for benign mesotelioma , are invariably fatal. The life expectancy for mesothelioma patient is generally reported as less than one year following diagnosis , how a patient's prognosis is affected by numerous factors including how early the cancer is diagnosed and how aggressively it is treated. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that affects the mesothelioma ? causing cells in the membrane , fluid buildup and the formation of tumors. This can result in difficulty breathing, nausea, fatigue and a myriad of other concerns.
Mesothelioma Causes:
Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure which occurs when fibers are inhaled or ingested into the body and become lodged in body cavities , causing inflammation or infection. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fibrous substance that was widely used in the 20th century in a number of different industries . When the public became aware of the hazards associated with the mineral , warnings were issued in the mid-1970 and use of the product began to decline. More than 30 percent of those diagnosed with mesothelioma are veterans. Please visit the page on asbestos for additional information about the mineral.
Mesothelioma Types
There are five known types of mesothelioma. The four below are malignant cancers, and benign mesothelioma is a non-cancerous condition.
Pleural Mesothelioma:This type of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. It is the most common form maligant mesothelioma, with around 70 percent of cases being pleural in origin.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Comprising approximately 25 percent mesothelioma cases , this form of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdominal cavitym known as the peritoneal membrane.
Pericardial Mesothelioma :This form of mesothelioma developes in the lining of the heart, known as the pericardium. Approximately 5 percent of all mesothelioma cases are pericardial.
Testicular Mesothelioma: Testicular mesothelioma develops in the tunica vaginalis of the testicles and is the rarest form of the cancer.
Mesothelioma Symptoms: Symptoms of mesothelioma often do not appear for 20 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos occurred . Mesothelioma symptoms often resemble less-serious condition, which can make diagnosis difficult . Below is a list of several common symptoms mesothelioma patients may experience.
Pleural Symptoms: Shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough , fatigue, lumps under the skin on the chest.
Peritoneal Symptoms: Weight loss, abdominal pain and swlling , bowel obstruction, nausea
Pericardial Symptoms : Heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat,chest pain, difficulty breathing , night sweats
Testicular Symptoms : Painful or painless testicular lumps
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