Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that can occur anywhere there is mesothelial tissue, a lining that is found on certain organs in the body. Primary locations of mesothelial tissue are the lungs and abdominal organs, although it can be present in other areas, also. Mesothelioma has been linked to asbestos exposure.
At present, there is no cure for mesothelioma, nor do symptoms appear until the cancer is in an advanced stage. However, like any cancer, the sooner it is detected, the better the chances for survival. People who have been exposed to asbestos can start having regular check-ups with a health care professional, with an emphasis placed on looking for signs that mesothelioma may be occurring. Like any other cancer, mesothelioma develops in stages; therefore, if caught while in its earliest stages, treatment is likely to be more successful.
The first of three stages consists of where the tumor originated from. Again, a mesothelioma tumor can form anywhere the tissue is present. The location of the tumor is called the primary tumor site. The second of three stages deals with whether there is lymph node involvement or not, while the third of the three stages is metastasis, or evidence that mesothelioma has spread to other parts of the body.
Wed, Mar 3, 2010
Health