Malignant mesothelioma (me-zoe-thee-lee-O-muh) is a type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers most of internal organs (mesothelium).
Also, mesothelioma can occur in the peritoneum and the tunica vaginalis.
While the peritoneum is the serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity, the tunica vaginalis is the pouch of serous membrane that covers the testes.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer and this is why we are writing about it.
You need to to know that you could be exposed to one thing that causes it without knowing. This particular material is common in homes.
Types Of Mesothelioma
Furthermore, mesothelioma is divided into different types based on what part of the mesothelium is affected.
When mesothelioma affects the tissue that surrounds the lungs (pleura), it is referred to as pleural mesothelioma. This is the most common type.
Also, as mentioned earlier, other rarer types of mesothelioma affect tissue in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), around the heart and around the testicles.
Symptoms Of Mesothelioma
Basically, the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma vary. It depends on where the cancer occurs.
When it occurs around the tissue that surrounds the lungs, it could cause:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Painful coughing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on your chest
Also, the other type that occurs in tissue in the abdomen presents:
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal swelling
- Nausea
- Unexplained weight loss
Causes Of Mesothelioma
This is the reason we are writing about it and it is also why we highlighted that you could be at risk of this cancer.
Different studies link this cancer to exposure to asbestos. It appears to be the major cause.
Unfortunately, in Nigeria, asbestos roof is a common thing.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of flexible fibers that are resistant to heat, electricity and corrosion (1).
These compounds that are in asbestos also make it a very deadly product.
Apart from roof, it could be in electrical products and some other items that are fittings in your home. Sometimes you come in contact with these things daily.
Because it is almost the major cause of this form of cancer, the United States regulates the use of asbestos.
In fact, it is the reason people are are phasing it out when it comes to roofing of homes.
Trouble With Exposure To Asbestos
Sadly, experts say no amount of asbestos exposure is safe.
Fact is; asbestos generally has the worst effects when a person is exposed to an intense concentration of it, or they are exposed on a regular basis over a long period of time (2).
Asbestos accumulates in the body with every exposure, and there is no known way to reverse the damage it causes.
Once the fibres are airborne, you can inhale it without knowing. Often, this happens when you disturb any product that contains asbestos.
Like, braking it or crushing it to pieces.
It may give you relief to hear that the majority of patients with asbestos-related diseases are men in their 60s or older.
But the reason is because asbestos-related diseases have a long latency period, often taking decades to develop.
They usually trace back to occupational exposure at workplaces historically staffed by men.
Is It Possible To Remove Asbestos From The Lungs?
Sadly, there is no known way to completely remove asbestos from the lungs.
However, some forms of asbestos may be naturally cleared by the lungs, or coughed back up as mucous.
But in many cases, the asbestos fibers are there to stay.
Basically, the fibers that are lodged deepest in the lung take the longest to remove.
Often times they move throughout the lungs for many years.
How To Stay Safe From Mesothelioma
One of the ways you can stay safe from this cancer is to avoid every product that contains this material. If you come in contact with it, ensure you do not disturb it.
People who are at risk are those who live in homes that contain asbestos materials like roof, plumbing materials and more.
Unfortunately, it could leach into rain water that drips from the roof.
Also, others that are at risk are:
- Asbestos miners
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Pipefitters
- Insulators
- Shipyard workers
- Demolition workers
- Brake mechanics
- Selected military personnel
- Home remodelers
If you want to know whether asbestos is in your home or place of work, ask the builders or your employer.
Also Read About: Breast Cancer: Things You Should Know
It is very important that you stay safe from this material to avoid coming down with mesothelioma in future.
Now that you know, do not try to remove the asbestos in your home by yourself. That is one terrible way of making the fibre come off.
Ensure that you employ the services of experts.