Whether you have a history of working with asbestos, you know someone who does, or you’ve simply seen the legal advertisements on TV, you’ve probably heard of a disease called mesothelioma. And as with most diseases, it can be scary if you don’t understand it and you worry that it might affect you or someone you love.
Let’s try to increase our understanding of this serious condition. Here are some common questions you might have about mesothelioma, with answers and sources to help you learn more.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer. More specifically, it is cancer of the mesothelium — tissue that covers many internal organs in the chest and abdomen. The disease often starts with the lungs.
How common is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, around 3000 new cases are diagnosed in the U.S. every year.
What are the causes mesothelioma?
The largest risk factor associated with mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. But according to the Mayo Clinic, other risk factors include exposure to the simian virus 40 (a virus found in monkeys), family history, and radiation exposure.
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
According to the American Lung Association, mesothelioma can have a fairly wide variety of symptoms. Those include:
-Being short of breath-Having a persistent cough-The presence of pain under your rib cage-Weight loss (that can’t otherwise be explained)-Swelling or pain in your abdomen-Having a fever-Anemia-Blood clotting problems
The Mayo Clinic adds to that list by noting that lumps felt in the chest or abdominal area can also be symptoms of mesothelioma.
Source: http://www.dirjournal.com/health-journal/mesothelioma-faqs/
