​Mesothelioma 

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that predominantly affects men. The disease is characterized by a long dormant period that can last 35 to 40 years before the onset of serious symptoms. Diagnosis is difficult because over half of patients with mesothelioma show no symptoms.

What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a non-cancerous tumor of the lining of the lung and chest cavity. The disease affects the cells that line an organ. Most often, malignant tumors form on the sac that lines the chest cavity and protects the lungs. These tumors grow and compress the lung, causing a shortness of breath.

Causes
The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos in the workplace or home. Inhaling or swallowing this fibrous mineral can lead to serious medical implications. Living with a person who works near asbestos is also a risk factor for developing the disease.

Symptoms
Early symptoms often resemble pneumonia and include a chronic cough, shortness of breath, chest and abdominal pain and difficulty breathing.

Treatments
Treatments include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy and radiation. A chest x-ray, CT scan of the chest and an open lung biopsy can reveal mesothelioma.

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