Mesothelioma Cancer Information
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is almost always directly caused by exposure to asbestos. As such, jobs that require constant exposure to asbestos (Asbestos miners, Asbestos products, Shipyard workers, see Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawsuit) carries with it a huge risk. 
In a study conducted, it was found that up to 80% of all mesothelioma cancer patients had experienced prolonged exposure to asbestos at some point in their past. Mesothelioma is also a very rare form of cancer with only about 4000 cases each year. There are 3 main types of mesothelioma cancer that vary according the area of the body that has been affected. The three main types of mesothelioma cancer are Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Pericardial Mesothelioma and Pleural Mesothelioma.
The cancer is named after the mesothelium, which is a protective membrane that covers several cavities. The cavities that we are interested in are the Pleura, Pericardium and Peritoneum cavities.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are many and varied depending on the type the area affected. Symptoms usually develop years in the future (20-50 years). Peritoneal Mesothelioma - Weight loss, Abdominal Pain, Abdominal swelling, Nausea, lumps in the abdomen area, erratic bowel movements. Pleural Mesothelioma - Shortness of breath, cough (dry), lumps in the chest area, chest pain, painful breathing and coughing. Pericardial Mesothelioma - Chest pain, fever, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, murmurs, Orthopnea.
In rare cases, if the cancer is caught very early, the cancer may be sent into remission. Otherwise, mesothelioma patients experience abysmal survival rates. Patients diagnosed with an advanced stage of mesothelioma are generally expected to have a life-expectancy of about a year at most. For those that have an early stage of mesothelioma, life expectancy rates are generally favorable with many going on to live up to 5 years or more. There is still research being done in the field, albeit not a whole lot. The most actively researched area would pleural mesothelioma, spearheaded by the famous Dr.David Sugarbaker as well as other noteworthy doctors specializing in mesothelioma. At the very least, they have managed to prolong the lifespan of pleural mesothelioma patients by years.
