How to Understand Mesothelioma - Causes & Treatment

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By ginamichellesat
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Mesothelioma treatment

This is a near and dear subject to my heart. My husband's Uncle recently passed away from mesothelioma. Through his journey, we as a family learned alot. If this article helps one person, one family, it is well worth writing to me. Early diagnosis can be key. Knowledge is power! Let me explain mesothelioma and it's causes and treatments.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

If you have been exposed to asbestos, have any concerns- You will need to contact your doctor

Step 1

Mesothelioma treatment, the earlier the better

Understand what mesothelioma is. It is a fairly rare form of cancer. Often (but not always) caused by exposure to asbestos. More often than not, it is not detected until many many years down the road.

From the National Cancer Society: "Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum."
Step 2

Mesothelioma treatment, talk to your doctor

Talk to your doctor, prior to any symptoms. (Symptoms can be chest pain, abdominal pain, shortness of breath. These are just a few major signs, that can be often misdiagnosed. That is why it is the utmost importance you let your doctor know you have been, or may have been, exposed to asbestos.) He may want to run some tests, possibly starting with a simple x-ray. Follow through with your doctors suggestions, early diagnose can be key to saving your life!
Step 3

Mesothelioma treatment, what is available

Understand treatment! More often than not, depending on the severity, doctors may choose chemotherapy, radiation or surgery as treatment. You can survive and beat Mesothelioma, again catching it in the early stages is, or can be key.

It is saddening enough in life to go through illness's or cancer, But what makes us even more sad is this poor man worked so hard every day for his family- not knowing the job, his career was killing him. I wish anyone going through this strength and determination to beat it. If you are a family member, surround your loved one with more strength and kindness. Chemo can be torturous to the patient, step up and give all you can, physically be there and be there to listen. When they feel they can not go through another day- Let them know they CAN and will, and that they WILL beat this. Treatment is available and can work.

Comments

kristara said

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on 8/17/2009 Very important Mesothelioma information 5*

justscott said

on 8/9/2009 Good advice on how to understand mesothelioma!

rockymtngrma said

on 8/8/2009 Mesothelioma can also strike family members of those who were initially exposed. Anyone related to a person in a high risk job should read this and be alert. Thank you for the advice!