Mesothelioma: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Jakarta: Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and is usually associated with exposure to asbestos dust or asbestos. Mesothelioma develops in the mesothelium, which is the layer of tissue that covers most of the organs in the body.

Launching the site Cancer Research UK, new cases of mesothelioma in the UK in 2016 to 2018 reached 2,718 people. Meanwhile, cases of death from mesothelioma in 2017 to 2019 in the UK reached 2,394 people.

According to doctor Pittara via Alodokter, Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer. These cancers often do not show symptoms for some time after exposure to asbestos. This disease is usually diagnosed in individuals aged 60 to 80 years.

Causes of Mesothelioma

– Family history of illness.
– Exposure to asbestos or asbestos is a major risk factor for mesothelioma.
– Mesothelioma can happen to anyone, but the risk is higher in people who work in areas that are prone to asbestos exposure, such as mineral mines, construction sites, the automotive industry, power plants, the textile industry, and steel mills.

mesothelioma symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms depend on the location of the cancer and how far it has spread. Generally, Mesothelioma can occur in the chest cavity (pleura), abdominal cavity (peritoneum), or heart (pericardium).

1. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (chest cavity) include:

– Shortness of breath or shortness of breath
– Chest pain
– Cough
– Fever
– Sweats at night

2. Symptoms of mesothelioma peritoneum (abdominal cavity), among others:

– Stomach aches or pains
– Nausea and vomiting
– Diarrhea
– No appetite
– Anemia

3. Symptoms of mesothelioma pericardium (heart) include:

– Shortness of breath or shortness of breath
– Chest pain
– Palpitations

How Mesothelioma Works in the Body

Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the body and become trapped in the mesothelium tissue. Asbestos fibers left in the body can damage cells and cause chronic inflammation

In addition, damaged cells can develop into cancer cells and spread to other parts of the body. Mesothelioma usually takes years to develop and symptoms may not appear until decades after asbestos exposure

Mesothelioma prevention

Prevention of mesothelioma includes avoiding exposure to asbestos or asbestos, such as not smoking and using personal protective equipment when working in an environment that is prone to asbestos exposure.

If you experience symptoms of mesothelioma, consult your doctor immediately to get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Fauzi Pratama Ramadhan
(FIR)