Mesothelioma Cancer: Mesothelioma Cancer - A Deadly One

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is not often heard of. The cancer is found in the protective sac covering the internal organs of someone's body called mesothelium. The mesothelioma cancer will damage the nearby tissues and organs. The cancerous cells will spread throughout the body eventually. Every year cases like these account for 2000 in the United States. Cases also show those who have this cancer previously worked at a location where asbestos particles were being used.

Those who developed this disease had one common factor, which is the exposure to asbestos. During the 1800's, asbestos was used and through World War II was used more so. Those who had a job in the shipyards, heating and construction industries, and other trades increase their possibilities of developing this cancer. Reports show 70 - 80% of mesothelioma cancer cases proved exposure to asbestos from work was the cause.

Cement, insulation and brake linings are all examples of products that use asbestos. Asbestos can cause serious health problems (mesothelioma) if consumed, even inhaled. Family members of people working around asbestos are also at risk. This is because the asbestos clings to clothing and to the hair and if the worker does not change and wash up, it is brought home to the family to breathe.Depending on what type of mesothelioma cancer a person has their symptoms will vary. Some frequently seen symptoms include pain in the chest, shortness of breath, loss in weight, blood clotting, abdominal pain, anemia and fever. Other symptoms will arise such as swelling and trouble swallowing if the cancer spreads. It can take anywhere from 30 to 50 years to appear.