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Mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer, usually associated
with previous exposure to asbestos. Of course, saying it's
uncommon is hardly comforting to someone dealing with this
cancer or who has a loved one suffering from it. In this
disease, cancerous cells develop in the mesothelium, which is a
protective lining that covers most internal organs of the body.
Its most common site is the outer lining of the lungs and chest
cavity, known as the pleura, but it may also occur in the lining
of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum or a sac that
surrounds the heart, called the pericardium. These sensitive
tissues become very irritated as a result of the cancer's
progression.
The most common reason people develop mesothelioma is from
asbestos exposure with those who have worked on jobs where they
inhaled asbestos particles. Some flooring adhesives also
contained asbestos fibers and even pipe insulation was made with
asbestos for a time. People exposed to these fibers have a
greater risk of developing this cancer, but it is not a
certainty.
Mesothelioma clinical symptoms may not appear until 30 to 50
years after exposure to asbestos. This increased the
difficulties associated in legal claims because the time between
the exposure and the disease was so long.
Shortness of breath and pain in the chest are often symptoms of
pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma clinical symptoms
include weight loss and muscle wasting. Abdominal swelling and
pain due to a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity are also
common symptoms associated with Peritoneal mesothelioma. Other
clinical symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel
obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. As
the cancer spreads beyond the mesothelium, symptoms may include
pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face. These
symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious
conditions and should always be evaluated by a medical
professional for a proper diagnosis.
As there is no universally agreed protocol for screening people
who have been exposed to asbestos, early detection is difficult.
Discuss any possible risk factors you may have with a doctor if
you believe you may have been exposed to asbestos.
Biologically, asbestos fibres have been shown to alter the
function macrophages, which are specialized cells of the immune
system. This ultimately creates conditions which favor the
development of mesothelioma. Macrophages generate increased
amounts of hydroxyl radicals, which are normal by-products of
cellular anaerobic metabolism. However, these free radicals are
also known as clastogenic and membrane-active agents thought to
promote the carcinogenic effect of asbestos. These free radicals
can participate in the oncogenic process by directly and
indirectly interacting with DNA, modifying membrane-associated
cellular events, including oncogene activation and perturbation
of cellular antioxidant defenses. Because of these factors,
healthy levels of dietary antioxidants may improve the bodily
capacity to manage the progression of these free radical
effects, but it should be noted that nutrition is not regarded
as medical intervention for this disease and dietary
improvements should be viewed as complimentary benefit by
properly nourishing the body and avoiding the more common and
more harmful foods which are so common in the average diet in
industrialized countries.
Asbestos may also possess immunosuppressive properties and is an
issue which is under great study. Again diets, that promote
proper immune function may provide some benefit to a person at
risk, or deal with the effects of mesothelioma, but it is not
considered medical intervention by any means.
About the author:
Adrian Zhu is an author writing for
http://www.mybest-mesothelioma-pages.com
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