Posted on 27 June 2008
Tags: Add new tag, Cancer, expose, expose daily, Exposedaily, Health, Malaysia, membrane, Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma is not a condition you often hear about. It is actually a rare form of cancer. If however, you have been exposed to large amounts of asbestos, you should at least try to learn a little bit about this condition.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma in general is cancer of the mesothelium. This is the membrane that covers most internal organs. It protects the organs against damage when they brush against other internal parts. The peritoneal type is a form of cancer that affects the membrane of the abdominal cavity. This is however, only one type of mesothelioma and is not the most common. It accounts for only 30% of all mesothelioma cases. The most common type of the condition is the pleural type which affects the membrane covering the lungs.
Mesothelioma is a complicated condition. It is generally believed though that exposure to asbestos greatly increases a person’s chance of developing the condition. It can take some time though before the disease develops. Upon exposure, the disease can manifest itself only after more or less 30 years.
Symptoms
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma typically involve the abdomen:
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The abdomen may swell and feel painful
Constipation or diarrhea
Weight loss
Nausea
Fever
Anemia and exhaustion may followBased on the symptoms alone, the disease may actually seem too similar to other conditions affecting the digestive tract. This is why many sufferers do not typically suspect the condition at first. Doctors too may have to rule out other possible conditions first before looking for clear signs of abdominal mesothelioma.
Asbestos and the Abdomen
It is a little obvious why pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the disease. Asbestos typically enters the body through the respiratory tract. This is why the membrane of the lungs is the first one put in danger. Asbestos however, can also find its way to the abdomen. You may for example be able to accidentally ingest asbestos fibers. It is also possible for the mineral to travel to the abdomen from the lungs.
Legal Rights
Asbestos exposure can happen in many ways. The most common reason however is work exposure. Many employers and companies are fully aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure. If you it is obvious that a company did not take pains to protect its employees from exposure, they may be held legally liable should mesothelioma develop. If you have the condition, you may have some basis for filing a case against a company that uses asbestos.
Peritoneal mesothelioma may not be a common condition. It is however a dangerous one. Learn to protect yourself and your family from this deadly disease.
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Posted on 10 June 2008
Tags: Cancer, Health, membrane, Mesothelioma, mesothelium
Mesothelioma: What You Should Know
Mesothelioma is not a new medical condition. It has been around for quite some time. Many people however have just only heard of it. Here’s what you should know about the condition.
What It Is
Mesothelioma is cancer of a membrane known as the mesothelium. This membrane coats a number of the body’s internal organs to protect them. Like other forms of cancer, this one can also result in cancer cells metastasizing to other cells of the body. The most common tissues affected are those in the lungs and the abdominal cavity. Mesothelium in the lungs is called pleura while those in the abdominal cavity are known as peritoneum.
Cause
Cancer in general is commonly believed to have genetic roots. It is however, also possible that certain external factors may contribute to a person’s risk of getting cancer. In the case of mesothelioma, it has been found out that exposure to asbestos is a significant risk factor.
Asbestos is a mineral that is widely used for industrial applications. People who work around asbestos may inhale or ingest particles of it. This is most likely the reason why mesothelioma often affects the lungs and abdomen first. It is possible though that there are other risk factors besides asbestos exposure. More or less 20% of mesothelioma cases have not been linked to asbestos.
Symptoms
The condition may produce a couple of signs and symptoms. Unfortunately, these symptoms may only appear decades after an individual has had contact with asbestos. Cancer that affects the membrane of the abdominal cavity may result in weight loss, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain and stomach swelling. Cancer that affects the membrane of the lungs may lead to dry cough, shortness of breath and pain when breathing. If you know that you have been exposed to asbestos in the past and you experience any of these symptoms, it may be time to see a doctor.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a rare condition. Its symptoms may also seem much like those of other diseases. This is why your doctor may first attempt to rule out other conditions before considering the possibility of cancer. Aside from a physical exam, you may also have to undergo imaging methods like x-ray, CT scan and MRI. If there is a strong possibility of mesothelioma, your doctor would have to take tissue samples from the affected membrane for a biopsy.
Mesothelioma may be a rare condition. Nonetheless, it is always best to be careful when you work with asbestos. Always follow proper safety procedures at work.
