In order to learn about mesothelioma (mez zo THEE lee oh ma), one must first learn about asbestos. Anyone who has ever worked with asbestos needs know about mesothelioma. This modern age has brought many wonders and also, many new problems. Although Marco Polo wrote about the Chinese using asbestos, it wasn’t until the 1800s when it was hailed as the perfect, flame-retardant insulation material. It then became the insulation of choice. Sadly, even in the 1800’s there were indications that workers exposed to asbestos fibers were at greater risk of illness and death but the profitable businesses using asbestos in their products took great pains to cover this up. It was not until the mid 1970’s that the true risks of asbestos exposure were made known and asbestos was determined to be the cause of a rare but terrible form of cancer called mesothelioma. Today about 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year in America. Because doctors now know about the relationship between asbestos and mesothelioma, they generally question patients about previous exposure to asbestos. Signs and Symptoms The body’s internal organs are surrounded by two layers of skin known as the mesolethium. This is where mesothelioma sets in. The mesolethium is important because it produces a lubricant that helps internal organs like the lungs, stomach, and heart, keep moving continuously, without cracking or bleeding. People that are prone to getting mesothelioma are people who worked with asbestos, even if they worked with it up to 50 years ago. The main symptoms of mesothelioma are pain in the chest and trouble breathing. Unfortunately, many medical conditions can cause these symptoms. Later symptoms include difficulty swallowing and strange swellings in the face or neck. Treatment Mesothelioma treatment may include the surgical removal of affected parts of the mesolethium; along with radiation and chemotherapy treatments. If a person suspects mesothelioma symptoms, it is recommended that they share their concerns with a health professional. Discussing past work with products containing asbestos may help to speed diagnosis and treatment. Fortunately, new mesothelioma studies are underway. The National Cancer Institute lists many free clinical trials related to mesothelioma on its website. As well as learning about standard mesothelioma treatments, patients may consider participating in such trials.
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