Mesothelioma is a cancer of mesothelium tissue, associated especially with exposure to asbestos
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Asbestos fibers cause inflammation within the lining that can lead to the progression of the disease.
The Risk Factors of Mesothelioma
Having any of the following risk factors is not a death sentence it doesn’t mean someone will get cancer.
1. If there’s a family history of mesothelioma can increase a person’s chance of developing cancer.
2. exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma.it sums up to 80% of all the cases.
3. Living under the same roof with someone who works with asbestos can increase a person’s risk for contracting mesothelioma because the particles of asbestos can go from the skin to the clothing.
4. Exposure to radiation especially to the radioactive substance which was used to diagnose health conditions way back.
The causes of mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can take up to 15 to 50 years to fully develop after exposure to asbestos.
The asbestos fibers can cause this tissue to inflame, leading to scar tissue plaques forming on the surface of the protective lining. it is within this tissue that the tumors begin to grow.
When asbestos fibers are ingested they can develop into peritoneal mesothelioma, which forms within the abdominal lining.
An extremely rare form of the disease is called the pericardial mesothelioma, it develops in the membrane surrounding the heart.
Research suggests that pericardial mesothelioma forms when asbestos fibers travel through the bloodstream where they become embedded in the pericardial membrane.
The symptoms and signs of mesothelioma
1. Pains on the Side of the chest or lower back
2. Shortness of breath
3. Cough
4. Trouble swallowing food.
5. Hoarseness
6. Swelling of the face and hands
7. Fever
8. Excessive sweating
9. Fatigue
10. Weight loss (without working out or placing yourself on diet)
11. Loss of appetite
These are the symptoms of mesothelioma but these symptoms can also be caused by a number of illnesses.
But if you experience any of these symptoms and you have been exposed to asbestos then I highly recommended that you go and see a doctor right away so that they can be discovered and treated as soon as possible.
Written by: Chinwendu Okeke O.
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