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Mesothelioma – Warning signs, types, and risk factors

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer affecting the tissue covering most of the internal organs. It is a severe and aggressive form of cancer and while treatments are available, curing it entirely is impossible. Some organs that can be affected by this type of cancer include the lungs, abdomen, heart, and testicles. There are different types of mesothelioma cancers, and the signs and symptoms vary depending on the cancer development.

Pleural mesothelioma
This type of cancer occurs near the tissues surrounding the lungs. It leads to symptoms like chest pain, painful coughing, unexplained and unprompted loss of body mass, shortness of breath, and the development of some unusual lumps under the skin near the chest area.

Peritoneal mesothelioma
This type of cancer occurs in the tissues surrounding the abdomen region. Symptoms include inflammation and swelling that can be painful in the abdomen, and unexpected loss of body mass, whereas experiencing nausea and vomiting are also common.

Pericardial mesothelioma
It is a rare type of mesothelioma cancer affecting the tissues around the heart. The symptoms include chest pains and also difficulty in breathing. However, these signs can easily be confused with other diseases as well. So, it is important to stay vigilant and always consult a doctor if symptoms persist for a long time.

Mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis
It is another rare type of mesothelioma cancer affecting the tissues surrounding the testicles. Some signs and symptoms include swelling or a mass developing on the testicle. There could also be some pain around the area; however, the symptoms are unclear since it is rare. Therefore, it is always advised to consult a doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bump, inflammation, or pain in the area.

Diagnosis
Since the symptoms of this disease seem to overlap with the symptoms of other illnesses, it is easy for a patient to ignore the signs. However, being wary of these symptoms could help save a life. However, if the symptoms are persistent and continue to bother you for days or weeks, consult a doctor to get a detailed diagnosis.

Causes
It remains unclear what triggers mesothelioma, but experts believe that cancer occurs when changes or mutations occur in a cell’s DNA. It leads to uncontrolled cell growth and multiplication, leading to the development of tumors in the body. The cause for this mutated cell growth and production remains unknown.

Risk factors
It is observed that asbestos exposure can lead to developing mesothelioma. Asbestos (present in flooring, shingles, insulation, brakes, and used in many other applications) is broken up during the mining process, which can create many dust particles. When these dust particles are inhaled, they settle in the lungs, leading to this type of cancer. However, mesothelioma usually develops around 20 to 60 years after asbestos exposure. During diagnosis, remember to inform the health expert about any asbestos exposure in the past to help them evaluate your risk of the disease.

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