Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers many of the internal organs (known as the mesothelium)
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by inhaling or swallowing fibers from asbestos, a commonly used building material from the 1940s to the 1970s. The cancer affects the mesothelium, the cells that line the chest and abdomen.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, nausea, and fatigue. As the cancer progresses, more serious symptoms arise, including weight loss, difficulty swallowing, and anemia.
Treatment depends on the type of mesothelioma, the stage of cancer, the patient's overall health, and other factors.
Common treatments of mesothelioma may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or surgery. The chemotherapy drugs used most often are Alimta, cisplatin, and pemetrexed. All three of these drugs are administered intravenously, meaning they are put directly into your blood.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells. It is usually used in combination with chemotherapy or surgery to treat mesothelioma.
Surgery is an option for some patients with mesothelioma and is used to remove cancerous tumors.
Full description:
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. It is a malignant tumor of the mesothelium, the cells that line the chest and abdominal cavity. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, nausea, and fatigue. As the cancer progresses, more serious symptoms may include weight loss, difficulty swallowing, and anemia.
Treatment for mesothelioma may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or surgery. Common chemotherapy drugs used to treat mesothelioma include Alimta, cisplatin, and pemetrexed. Radiation therapy is used to destroy cancer cells, and surgery is an option to remove cancerous tumors.
History:
Mesothelioma has been linked to exposure to asbestos since the early 20th century, when asbestos was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. Since then, studies have shown that asbestos fibers can lodge themselves in the mesothelium and cause malignant tumors. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has set limits on how much asbestos is safe for human exposure, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has set regulations on how asbestos should be handled in the workplace.
Law, lawyer:
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, you may be eligible for compensation from the manufacturer or distributors of the asbestos-containing materials. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Many law firms specialize in mesothelioma cases and may be able to provide legal advice and assistance.