Posts Tagged ‘Asbestos Cancer’

How to Deal with a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer which starts in the mesothelium, which are the cells that line the internal organs in the body. If you have been diagnosed with this rare form of cancer, you may feel overwhelmed and scared, both of which are completely normal reactions. However, there are some things you can do help cope with the diagnosis and treatment.

Learn as much as possible about your condition. If possible, bring a friend or family member to your doctor’s appointments. Not only can a loved one provide emotional support, he or she can also listen and recall information you may forget. Read more…

The Basics of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a very aggressive cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Approximately 20 percent of cancers caused by asbestos are peritoneal mesothelioma. This form of the cancer manifests itself in the mesothelial cells of the abdomen when the asbestos fibers become embedded in the space between the cells. It can take as many as 20 to 50 years for the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma to appear. Over these years, the asbestos fibers irritate the parietal layer that covers the stomach cavity and they begin to produce cancer cells. Fluid builds up and tumors eventually form.

What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are swelling and pain in the abdomen, diarrhea or constipation, unexplained weight loss, nausea and vomiting, and the appearance of lumps under the skin in the abdominal area.

How is It Treated?
Since this type of cancer is usually diagnosed very late in its development, a positive mesothelioma prognosis is not likely, and treatment options are limited. Chemotherapy and radiation are typically used to threat the cancer, along with medication to provide pain relief. For many patients, surgery is not an option because at the point of discovery, the cancer has already spread too far and the patient’s poor health may make him or her too weak to recover from the trauma of surgery. Read more…