Mesothelioma simplified

Mesothelioma Simplified

The article mesothelioma simplified is for people of all ages. This article is to help all people understand what mesothelioma is. The article also talks about the treatment available. Mesothelioma simplified gives an overview of symptoms.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma simplified – lung with mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused by long time periods of inhaling asbestos fibers. The asbestos fibers affect the lining of the chest and abdomen. Mesothelioma grows in the tissue that covers the abdominal organs. Such organs include the heart and lungs. It can also be found in the testicles or ovaries.

How do you know you have mesothelioma?

It is very hard to tell if a person has mesothelioma or not. This is because the symptoms are the same as other sicknesses. It takes between 15-40 years for a person to see the symptoms. If you worked for many years where there was asbestos containing materials, you may have mesothelioma. You may have mesothelioma if you worked or lived in or near the following places:

• U.S. Navy shipping yard,
• U.S. Navy submarine,
• Asbestos mine
• Asbestos containing factory

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

The common symptoms are:

• Buildup of fluid
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss
• Dry cough
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Difficulty swallowing

How do doctors test for mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma simplified – tissue samples tested

These are the ways to test for mesothelioma:

• Imaging scans first an X-ray is taken, if there is need other scans are done. Like PET scans and CT scans
• Biopsies this is done by taking a tissue sample. The sample is then tested
• Blood tests blood tests may be done to help determine if one has cancer
• Staging this a system used to find out which stage a patient has of pleural mesothelioma

What treatment is there for mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma has no cure. But there are treatments used to help with the symptoms. Some treatments are:

• Chemotherapy kills cancer cells, shrinks tumors and stops the cancer from starting up again and lessens symptoms
• Radiotherapy – kills cancer cells and manages tumors
• Surgery for patient’s in the early stages, surgery removes tumors; while for other patients it lessens symptoms

What help can I get?

Legal help is available to claim for loss of income and to pay for medical fees. Claims can be made for U.S. Navy veterans and for those who suffered from workplace exposure to asbestos. Vinson Law offers legal help for those who want to make claims.