Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos. This name is given as the disease occurs in the mesothelioma protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs.
- Pleura- Outer lining of the lungs.
- Peritoneum- The lining of abdominal cavity.
- Pericardium- The sac which surrounds the heart.
Cause of Mesothelioma
Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or they have been exposed to asbestos dust. Washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos can also put a person at risk for developing mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma
Most insulation material contain asbestos like-
- Insulation on pipes.
- Brakes and clutches
- Boiler insulation
- Roof, floor and ceiling sites.
Sites-Industrial sites like power plan, paper mills, refineries etc.
Mesothelioma Symptoms:
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing
- Sweating
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the upper body, especially the face and arms
- Lower back pain
- Pain in the side of the chest
- Muscle weakness
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms:
Mesothelioma that affects the lining of the abdominal cavity is called peritoneal mesothelioma. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma include:
- Stomach pain
- Weight loss
- Anemia
- Fever
- Blood clotting abnormalities
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swollen belly
- Bowel obstruction
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms
The pericardium is the lining that surrounds the heart. Mesothelioma affecting this area of the body is known as pericardial mesothelioma and symptoms include:
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent coughing