Three Main Types of Mesothelioma

Three Main Types of Mesothelioma
By Joseph Devine

Exposure to asbestos can lead to a number of long-lasting and even fatal disorders such as pleural plaques, asbestos warts, and lung cancer. Additionally, a specific type of cancer, called mesothelioma is almost always caused by asbestos. This deadly cancer comes in three different forms that attacks the membranes of the body.

Asbestos can be a wonderfully helpful mineral as long as it does not flake off into microscopic airborne fibers, which can then become lodged in your body. The reason why this mineral became so popular is because it is a silicate mineral. Silicates are highly resistant to a number of different things, including heat, chemicals, flame, electricity, and degradation. Additionally, asbestos itself is characterized by high tensile strength and flexibility.

Because of this, asbestos was a prominent component of many different materials for most of the 20th century. It could be found in ceiling tiles, brake pads, stage curtains, vinyl flooring, and more. However, doctors in a South African town near asbestos mines recognized a lung disease that was not responding to tuberculosis medication. After several years of research, they determined that they had found a new type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure, called mesothelioma. They published their findings in the late 1950s, and now we have discovered even more about this disease.

Mesothelioma is a particular form of cancer that attacks the inner linings of the body. Serous membranes line things like organs and are important because they secrete a special fluid that keeps friction from wearing away at your insides. There are three prominent serous membranes in the body, with other smaller ones scattered throughout. Thus, mesothelioma can originate in any of these.

First, pleural mesothelioma is the primary form of the disease. It attacks the lining of the lungs, causing an accumulation of fluid between the lungs and the lung cavity. This leads to symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and weight loss.

Next, the type of mesothelioma that harms the stomach and abdomen is called peritoneal mesothelioma. Doctors believe that ingested asbestos fibers contribute to this disease, which causes tumors to build up along the walls of the abdomen. This can cause things like pain, nausea, vomiting, and bowel obstruction. Additionally, peritoneal mesothelioma can spread into the testicles, which are surrounded by an extension of the peritoneal membrane.

Lastly, pericardial mesothelioma affects the lining that surrounds the heart. This is the rarest form of this cancer, and it also causes tumors that lead to a buildup of fluid around the heart. This can disrupt the heart's function, which can lead to chest pain and palpitations.

Whatever form of this cancer someone has, it can be extremely painful and also fatal. If you or someone you love is suffering from this terrible disease, you should talk to a lawyer about your options. For more information, check out the mesothelioma attorneys at the firm of Williams Kherkher today.

Joseph Devine

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine

Lung Cancer Signs

Lung Cancer Signs
By Angela Linton

Lung Cancer occurs when abnormal cells begin to grow inside the lungs and this can be due to tobacco smoke. The smoke can be from first-hand or secondhand experience. Therefore, if you are not a smoker, knowing that exposure to the fumes can cause you to become sick, you may take steps to avoid it.

In the early stages of this disease, there may not be any signs to suggest that this is what is wrong. Nevertheless, as it progresses, several signs will be evident and some of them are:

Cough

If you have decided to use over the counter medication for a cough and after using it, the cough is still there, it is best to visit a doctor. If you are a smoker, please do not think that it is simply a case of the smoke going down the wrong way.

Chest Pains

If you are experiencing chest pains that can and cannot be explained by you and especially when it is not going away, please do not ignore it, have a doctor check your lungs.

Swollen Neck and Face

An unexplained swollen face and neck can be because of lung cancer.

Pneumonia and Bronchitis

A reoccurring case of Pneumonia and Bronchitis is also an indication that you may have this disease.

It is possible for the disease to move from the lungs, to other parts of the body, especially when it is not treated. Therefore, if you are faced with some or all of these signs, visiting a doctor as soon as possible is advisable because the sooner it is caught, the better the outcome may be.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Linton