Mesothelioma:

Mesothelioma is a cancer that attacks the sac lining internal body cavities of the lungs, heart and abdominal cavity. One of the most common causes of mesothelioma is exposure and inhalation of asbestos. Asbestos is a common industrial material used in brake pads, hair dryers, pipe insulation, roofing shingles and insulation and in cement. These products are commonly used. This increases chances of exposure to asbestos. The symptoms of this lethal cancer are commonly mistaken for those of lung cancer, asthma and other pulmonary diseases, which make it harder to diagnose the cancer in its early stages. These confusing symptoms include shortness of breath and a persistent cough.

The distinguishing factor of this cancer is that it affects the outer lining of the abdominal cavity. This difference distinguishes it from lung cancer and other types of cancer where the attack is inside the organ itself. There are two types of mesothelioma based on which part of the body tissues the cancer started. The first type is called pleural mesothelioma because it starts in the pleura part of the chest. This is the outer lining that surrounds the lungs and internal chest wall. The second type is peritoneal mesothelioma which starts in the outer lining of the abdominal cavity. These two types of cancer attack the outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It is a rare but deadly cancer.

As stated earlier, the symptoms of this lethal cancer include a persistent cough and shortness of breath. Other common symptoms include fever, fatigue, night sweats, weight loss, visible lumps or swelling in the abdomen and pain under the rib cage. The problem with these symptoms is that they are also indicative of other pulmonary diseases and infections such as asthma and lung cancer. It is therefore imperative to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Professional doctors may ask for your consent to perform diagnostic surgery in order to confirm the cancer and determine its stage. The key to treating and curing this cancer is to diagnose it early so that treatment options may be curative. Seek medical advice early enough.

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