Mesothelioma cancer is a type of cancer which is very rare and has a very poor survival rate. It is very aggressive and appears in the thin layer of lining called mesothelium, that covers the heart, lungs and abdomen.
What causes mesothelioma?
Asbestos, a naturally-occurring mineral, has many industrial applications. It is used in insulation, flooring, brakes and other products. It is unclear how the process kickstarts, but asbestos is a primary risk factor for mesothelioma. Many people exposed to asbestos never develop mesothelioma, while some who are exposed to the substance for a short period of time do contract the disease.
It may also take between 20 and 40 years since exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma cancer to develop. It has been concluded that other factors, like genetic predisposition, play an important factor on whether or not a person develops mesothelioma after asbestos exposure.
What are the risk factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma?
- History of exposure to asbestos – personal exposure to asbestos at work or at home, especially when it is inhaled in the form of dust.
- Second degree exposure to asbestos – living with someone who is regularly exposed to asbestos. The person may bring home with him asbestos fibers and exposure to these over the course of several years increases the risk for mesothelioma.
- Family history – like many other forms of cancer, genetics plays a big role in developing this type of cancer.
What are the types of mesothelioma?
Three types of mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma
- Chest pain
- Pain when coughing
- Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
- Strange or unusual lumps under the skin on the chest
- Inexplicable weight loss
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Lumps in the abdominal tissue
- Inexplicable weight loss
Pericardial Mesothelioma
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pains