In today’s time, when healthcare has finally started to become a priority for many. Apart from this, the advent of new diseases has attracted the most attention. Mesothelioma is one of such kind that has raised a series of questions in the mind of most people.
All these questions range from being very simple to complex. It depends entirely on the curiosity of a person. So in this article, a few of these questions would be picked and answered. Also, it would assist in making the masses aware of signs and symptoms as well.
Mesothelioma: What Is It?
Mesothelioma is one of the different kinds of cancer. It has been given such a name due to the organ it affects. This cancer is said to be highly malignant.
Apart from this, it will be affecting the different organs that are present internally in our bodies. And this is the reason it gets its name of Mesothelioma.
According to various sources, it has been known that despite the availability of treatment options. Mesothelioma remains one of the most harmful forms of cancer as compared to others.
Mesothelioma is further classified into different categories. This has been done based on the region or area which is affected. The disease has usually found in various places of lungs. This type of cancer may be known as pleural Mesothelioma.
The one which has the tissues situated in the abdomen region under its effect is said to be termed as Mesothelioma of the peritoneum. Similarly, it would get different names based on the area of infection.
The lifespan of the patient after the diagnosis is one year. The treatment options that are currently known are very much similar to the other cancers. However, a few changes could be observed based on the stage it is.
Click here to read more about this rare form of cancer.
Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is categorized on the basis of its location in the body and the cell type that it affects.
On the basis of its location, mesothelioma is of four types. The four types of mesothelioma are as follows.
Mesothelioma is further categorized on the basis of cell type. As per this, there are three mesothelioma cell subtypes which are as follows.
- Epithelioid mesothelioma
- Sarcomatoid mesothelioma
- Biphasic mesothelioma
It is time that we have a look at the potential mesothelioma causes.
What Could be the Potential Causes of Mesothelioma?
Now that we are somewhat aware of the disease let us proceed further by knowing all the causes which lead to Mesothelioma.
If we go by the latest studies that have been brought in the limelight about the causes, it clearly states that the primary agent responsible for Mesothelioma is Asbestos. All those individuals who are exposed to this agent continuously. They are more likely to be having this cancer in the near period.
Once, asbestos has been inhaled by the particular individual. There is a high possibility that it gets to work soon. It starts from the cellular level, where the DNA can be damaged. After all, it’s a known fact that no matter which cancer it is. The cellular changes such as sudden modification in the DNA, I.e., the mutation could cause cancer.
Apart from this, the fibers also start an inflammatory response in the body. After this, there are scars formed, too, which can be very harmful to the person. Well, just like any other case, immediate exposure may not be worrisome. But it’s the regular exposure to such an agent, which leads to cancer. And the effect could be observed many years later, even ranging to decades.
People who are a part of the mining industry or in construction businesses or jobs are usually the ones to be exposed to asbestos. As per the survey conducted by WHO it was estimated that in 78% of Mesothelioma cases. Asbestos had been playing a dominant role, and it had been damaging all the tissues present in the delicate organs.
Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma
It has always been the signs that have indicated some problems. In the case of Mesothelioma, these signs and symptoms could be:
Chest Pain and Breathing Issues
Pain in the chest could be one of the primary symptoms. Secondly, the individual is unable to breathe correctly. And as this is happening, it alarms about something that is not right in the body.
Abdominal Pain and Swelling
The pain in the abdomen region can also be one of the signs that must not be ignored so easily. The swelling of the abdomen could be quickly figured out in primary diagnosis. However, the undesired pattern could be another common issue among the patients.
Weight Loss Accompanied By Hunger Pangs
Excessive loss of weight accompanied by the increased hunger could be extremely discomforting.
Digestion Issues
The disruption of the regular cycle of the bowel can be the most challenging situation for a person to be in.
Lung Related Issues
The formation of lumps in the lungs would make things even worse. These lumps would also interfere with the normal functioning of the lungs.
Bleeding During Urination in Males
Mesothelioma of testicles is a common occurrence in the case of males. It could be sensed by the bleeding and also the discomfort at the time of urination.
Abnormal Growth of the Body Parts
Also, there can be unwanted growth observed in the various parts of the body. This growth could be detected in the diagnostic processes.
Some Other Symptoms
These have been some of the most common symptoms which are observed in people. Mesothelioma has also been found mostly in different people. At times the exposure to gaseous and impure substances would also lead to it. Fever is also one of the listed symptoms accompanied by nausea. It has been reported that these two would remain a constant sign throughout. Even during the treatment, the patient could be having these two issues.
The imbalance in the diet of the patient could also be caused by Mesothelioma. It is always advised to visit the physician at the earliest when any of these symptoms begin to appear. Unlike all other cancers, this one seems to be even more particular.
Conclusion
Now, we are well aware of the causes of this rare cancer type and its signs and symptoms. Let us take a step forward and be more vigilant when it comes to dealing with it.
We are all aware about the severity of the disease now. Therefore, it is important to handle the patients with utmost care. Also, it is imperative to be very vigilant. Yes, many times, the condition worsens solely due to negligence.
So, this was all about Mesothelioma. Besides this, we also need to pay attention to the causes, as well as the signs and symptoms of the disease.