Question 1

what are the risk factors of mesothelioma?

Accepted Answer

Asbestos, erionite: Exposure to asbestos fibers and erionite, a mineral fiber found in volcanic ash.  When inhaled, these get into the tiny airways of the lungs and cause mesothelioma.  Former naval shipyard workers, brake mechanics and people working with insulation may have been exposed to asbestos.

Question 2

what is mesothelioma?

Accepted Answer

Ca of lung lining: Your lungs are surrounded by a lubricated lining called the pleura.  This lining allows your lungs to move against your chest wall without friction.    When these cells become cancerous, it is called a malignant mesothelioma.  Mesothelioma are difficult cancers with few effective treatments.   A single day of radiation to the biopsy site can prevent local invasion.

Question 3

is mesothelioma lethal?

Accepted Answer

Usually: If not surgically removable, it is usually lethal.

Question 4

what causes mesothelioma?

Accepted Answer

Asbestos exposure: Mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer which affects the lining of the lungs, is strongly linked to prior asbestos exposure.

Question 5

is mesothelioma hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: A new mutation in a gene called bap1 was discovered in august 2011 which predisposes people to develop mesothelioma (and melanoma of the eye.)   people with a strong family history of mesothelioma might carry this gene in their family.  To learn more:  http://www.Cancer.Gov/newscenter/pressreleases/2011/mesotheliomabap1.

Question 6

how common is mesothelioma?

Accepted Answer

Not common: Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lung and is almost exclusively associated with asbestos exposure.

Question 7

how is mesothelioma treated?

Accepted Answer

Traditional: Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

Question 8

how is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Imaging, blood tests: Mesothelioma is a disease caused by exposure to asbestos. It is typically diagnosed by various imaging studies (ct scan, chest x-ray) and biopsies.

Question 9

how to manage mesothelioma pain?

Accepted Answer

Several: Oral narcotics
iv narcotics
rib anesthesia, 
spinal blocks _ epidurals

bad pain, bad problem
sorry.

Question 10

how do you diagnose mesothelioma?

Accepted Answer

Biopsy: A ct scan or chest X-ray can show the tumor and / the fluid caused by mesothelioma. A biopsy of the tumor can confirm mesothelioma.

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What are the risk factors of mesothelioma

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