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Mesothelioma the medical name for cancer of the pleura (lining of the lung and chest cavity) or cancer of the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen). It is usually caused by prolonged or persistent exposure to asbestos.
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until between twenty and fifty years after exposure, which explains why many new cases of this cancer are coming to light now, despite the dangers of asbestos were realized ago long and measures taken to reduce the risk of the disease.
As with many forms of cancer, the mesothelioma tumor can spread rapidly, often infecting the opposite pleura, and continuing with other internal organs. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, cough and weight loss.
Tests may be carried out initially by X-Ray, with a CT Thoric and open lung biopsy is used to confirm the results of the first tests. If diagnosed early, the tumor can be surgically removed, and the follow-up chemotherapy and radiation treatment, full recovery is often possible.
However, in more advanced cases, cure is not usually possible. In such cases, chemotherapy and radiation can be used with other treatments to relieve pain, to relieve symptoms. Where cure is not possible, the median survival time is between four and eighteen months, depending on the tumor stage and patient's general health.
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until between twenty and fifty years after exposure, which explains why many new cases of this cancer are coming to light now, despite the dangers of asbestos were realized ago long and measures taken to reduce the risk of the disease.
As with many forms of cancer, the mesothelioma tumor can spread rapidly, often infecting the opposite pleura, and continuing with other internal organs. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, cough and weight loss.
Tests may be carried out initially by X-Ray, with a CT Thoric and open lung biopsy is used to confirm the results of the first tests. If diagnosed early, the tumor can be surgically removed, and the follow-up chemotherapy and radiation treatment, full recovery is often possible.
However, in more advanced cases, cure is not usually possible. In such cases, chemotherapy and radiation can be used with other treatments to relieve pain, to relieve symptoms. Where cure is not possible, the median survival time is between four and eighteen months, depending on the tumor stage and patient's general health.
Posted in: Mesothelioma
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