Lung Mesothelioma

Lung Cancer Mesothelioma

Lung mesothelioma is a term referring to the occurrence of mesothelioma specifically in the membranes of the lungs. Malignant lung mesothelioma can cause quite a lot of suffering and pain, and can result even in death.

Working with asbestos is the biggest known single cause of lung mesothelioma. Tiny asbestos particles float during manufacturing processes that involve asbestos. These may be swallowed or inhaled.

There are many materials out there that contain asbestos or have not been removed safely. Could we be breathing these materials in when we shop in older malls or maybe there was asbestos insulation used in our attics of our clothes? We can only hope not! If we are breathing asbestos particles in we may not know for up to 40 years after exposure if we will be diagnosed with lung mesothelioma.

Symptoms

The earliest symptoms of lung mesothelioma problems is a harsh, rattling breathing pattern commonly associated with smokers. The other symptoms include shortness of breath, shallow breathing, and a drop in physical endurance. Since these symptoms are commonly found in smokers as well, it was a previously held misconception that asbestosis was also caused by smoking filtered cigarettes. Recent studies show that this is not the case - not that smoking is healthy, but rather only that the two, while having the same symptoms, are not related.

Diagnosis

Lung mesothelioma diagnosis is ordinarily an arduous task due to the similarity of symptoms that are mutual with several other diseases. The diagnosis procedure initiates with the review of the individual’s medical history. A chest X-ray or CT scan follows. If any unusual activity is noticed a biopsy and a microscopic examination ensues.

Treatment

Treatment includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, but patients rarely live more than one to two years after diagnosis.Research into a lung mesothelioma cure has concentrated on slowing or interrupting basic cancer pathways of initiation, progression, and proliferation, especially with regard to cellular responses to asbestos.

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