Mesothelioma Cancer Overview

Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that is almost frequently directly caused by exposure to asbestos. Work that deals with or takes place in the vicinity of asbestos is always suspect. Studies have shown that the vast majority of those that have mesothelioma had exposure to asbestos over period of time. Considered a rare kind of cancer, mesothelioma cases number in the vicinity of 3 to 4 thousand every year. Depending on where the cancer is affecting the mesothelium, varieties will vary. They are recognized as Pericardial Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pleural Mesothelioma.

Because it affects the mesothelium, this cancer is identified as mesothelioma. The three main kinds of this cancer are all named after the three primary cavities, Pericardium, Peritoneum and Pleura..

The symptoms of this cancer depend greatly on the region affected. Symptoms mostly develop years in the future (20-50 years). Weight loss, abdominal pain as well as abdominal lumps are all symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma symptoms consist of chest pains, lumps in the chest, and painful breathing instead. Finally, heart palpitations, fever, murmurs and difficulty breathing can point to symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma.

There is a probability that therapy may send this cancer into remission but that is uncommon. The survival rate of patients is not promising at all. Those suffering from advanced stages of mesothelioma more often than not have a year or so to live. Those fortunate enough to uncover the cancer in its early stages can expect to live for up to 5 years. There is still research being done in the field, albeit not a whole lot. The famous specialist, Dr.David Sugarbaker and othernotable doctors elsewhere represent the few doctors that are making inroads into unraveling the mysteries of this cancer. The primary areas of research tend to target pleural mesothelioma and new, aggressive techniques have been found to lengthen live expectancy by years.