Get Facts On Mesothelioma
Is Mesothelioma Cancer?
No one wants to hear that they have the diagnosis of cancer. Many types of cancer cells attack other parts of the body, and mesothelioma is one of those cancers. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that attacks the soft tissue lining various vital organs. This lining is called the mesothelium; thus, the cancer name of mesothelioma is given.
Ages ago, there were various things that people lived with that were dangerous to their health, and no one thought twice about these things. One of these things used in the manufacture of many products was asbestos. Many industries used asbestos, including the military. Two such products coming to mind were insulation and ceiling tile. If you worked with products like asbestos, you were unaware that it was attacking the lining of your lungs, and then it was too late. Years later, the doctor gave you the diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Asbestos also is known to attack the lining of other vital organs such as the heart, stomach, or testicles. It is rare for cancer to strike in these organs. Mesothelioma is still on the rise in the 21st Century because there are always products on the market that contain asbestos, and if you come in contact with this, you raise your risk of acquiring secondary exposure to this carcinogen.
The Symptoms of Heart, Stomach, and Lung Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma of the lung lining causes a buildup of fluid around the lungs. This fluid causes pressure on the lungs, preventing them from expanding fully. This pressure causes pain and shortness of breath. These two symptoms alert you to see your doctor as soon as possible, unexplained shortness of breath and chest pain. Other symptoms related to lung cancer include,
- Chronic cough
- Coughing up blood
- Fever
- Swallowing difficulties
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Back pain
- Pneumonia
When this cancer attacks the lining of the stomach, the symptoms are different such as,
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swelling of the feet
- Pain in the abdomen
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Fluid in the lining of the abdomen
- Chest pain
- Hernia
When mesothelioma attacks the lining of the heart, you can experience
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Chronic coughing
- Heart palpitations
The above symptoms of mesothelioma do not mean that you have this type of cancer, as the symptoms could point to another diagnosis. Let your doctor decide the diagnosis. The doctor may order a tissue or fluid biopsy to rule out cancer. Staining of the tissue determines the type of cancers involved. The doctor must proceed with these biopsies to find out what the problem is and the treatments needed.
Treatments for Mesothelioma
The standard treatment for any cancer, including mesothelioma is limited for this rare cancer and includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery when appropriate. You may opt for clinical trials and alternative therapies.
- Alternative Therapies
- You may hear various names for this therapy, such as alternative, holistic, complementary, or integrative. This type of treatment is not what you would see as traditional or conventional therapy.
- Traditional therapy goals are to kill cancer cells.
- Alternative therapy goals are to increase your immunity to eliminate the cancer cells or stop them from spreading.
- Alternative therapies come in many forms, such as but not limited to,
- Vitamin therapy
- Herbs
- Dietary
- Detoxification
- Mind/body medicine
- Chinese Medicine
- Cannabis therapy
- Acupuncture
- Meditation
The bottom line is that you may not believe or have confidence in a specific therapy that someone else has all the faith in the world. It would be best if you followed the particular treatment path that you think brings you the best possible chance for survival.
