Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the lining of the body's organs, known as the mesothelium. The most common type is malignant pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in the pleura, the lining of the lungs. Other varieties include peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma. The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Tiny asbestos fibers lodge themselves in the mesothelium, causing a harmful scar tissue growth which lays the groundwork for mesothelioma tumors. Prognoses for mesothelioma patients are typically poor, however several treatment options exist for patients to manage the disease.
What Treatment Options are Available?MalignantMesothelioma.com has long been regarded as among the web's leading resources for information regarding mesothelioma and asbestos disease. Within MalignantMesothelioma.com you will find an up to date and comprehensive knowledgebase for all you need to know about mesothelioma. Our hope is not only that patients of mesothelioma utilize our site, but their families as well.
How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?Mesothelioma will typically be diagnosed in its later stages only because symptoms of the disease will not arrive until the cancer is advanced enough to cause a chronic cough, loss of breath, coughing up blood, or pain when swallowing. Early diagnosis is possible through a CT scan or MRI. Patient in which mesothelioma is suspected may have to submit to a surgical biopsy in which a small amount of cells are extracted from the lungs or abdomen. This is the only conclusive way for physicians to diagnose the disease. Any patient with known asbestos exposure history should consult their physician frequently and share with them concerns about adverse health complications due to their exposure.