Mesothelioma: Definition, Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

DEFINITIONS
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that occurs in the thin tissue that covers most internal organs (mesothelium). Mesothelioma is divided into several types based on the characteristics and the occurrence of this cancer. Here is a division of mesothelioma:

• malignant pleural mesothelioma, occurs in tissues that line around the lungs and is the most common type.
• Peritoneal mesothelioma, occurring in tissues that line the stomach.
• pericardial mesothelioma, occurring in the tissue lining around the heart.
• Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis, occurs in the lining around the testicles.
Symptoms of mesothelioma
Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma based on the site of the cancer.

Pleural mesothelioma, signs and symptoms include:
• Short Breath
• Pain when breathing
• Pain when coughing
• Pain in the lower rib
• an unusual lump in the chest under the skin layer
• Lost weight suddenly
• dry cough

Peritoneal mesothelioma, signs and symptoms include:
• Pain in the abdominal region
• Swelling in abdominal area
• Change in bowel movements, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation
• Bumps on the tissue in the abdominal region
• Lost weight suddenly

Other forms of mesothelioma
Signs and symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma and tunica vaginalis are unclear. There is no complete information about this. Pericardial mesothelioma have signs and symptoms may include trouble breathing or chest pain. While mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis was first detectable by the enlargement of the testicles.


Causes & Risk Factors
Cause

In general, cancer occurs when cells mutate DNA. These mutations make the cells continued to grow and thrive while others have normal cell cycles of life and death. Accumulation of cancer cells can form a malignant tumor.

It is unclear what causes the genetic mutation that triggers the beginning of mesothelioma even though scientists have identified the factors that can increase the risk. Cancer may occur due to a combination of several factors, such as heredity, environment, health condition and lifestyle.

Benign pleural mesothelioma
Benign tumors that form in the chest sometimes called benign (benign) mesothelioma. But the term is misleading. Benign mesothelioma is not started on the same cell where the cancer is formed. And in some cases kacil, benign mesothelioma can be very aggressive. For this reason, some doctors now prefer to call this tumor as a solitary fibrous tumor.

Solitary fibrous tumors usually do not cause signs and symptoms. It is unclear what caused the solitary fibrous tumor, but these tumors associated with asbestos contamination pollutants. Treatment for solitary fibrous tumors usually includes surgery procedures.


Risk factors

- Exposure to asbestos pollutants (primary risk factor)
Asbestos is a mineral found in the environment. Asbestos fibers strong and resistant to heat makes it very useful to be applied to various needs. People who work in an environment contaminated with asbestos fibers has a much greater risk of mesothelioma.

When asbestos split - such as when the process of making - asbestos dust is formed. If dust is inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers will then settle in the lungs or in the stomach and can cause irritation that causes mesothelioma.

Some people who over many years exposed to asbestos pollution can not have mesothelioma, while others vice versa. This indicates another factor that may be related, that hereditary factors do you have a family history of cancer in some people is a condition that increases risk.

Risk factors that may
Risk factors that may increase the risk of mesothelioma include:
• Exposure to asbestos fiber dust pollution
• Living with someone who works in an environment with asbestos (asbestos fibers stuck in their clothes or skin)
• Smoking
• SV40 virus is found in many primates
• X-ray radiation
• Family history with mesothelioma


Prevention

Beware if you work in an environment with asbestos

Many people who experienced mesothelioma exposed to asbestos fibers while working at places such as:
• Mine
• Factory worker
• Factory of electronic components
• Making tracks
• Making ship
• Construction workers
• Mechanics

For it can be avoided by:
• Follow standard safety regulations
• Do not use objects that contain asbestos in your environment

Adapted from; http://kompas.com