Mesothelioma Cancer
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Bautista
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Updated on: November 21, 2019
About Mesothelioma Cancer
Malignant mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects your mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue covering most of your vital internal organs. Most commonly, this form of cancer is found in the pleura, which is the lining of the lungs. Malignant pleural mesothelioma comprises about 80 percent of cases of mesothelioma in cancer patients. Other common types of mesothelioma include:
- Peritoneal mesothelioma – Comprising 15 to 20 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses, peritoneal mesothelioma is the second-most common form of the disease. This type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdominal cavity.
- Pericardial mesothelioma – Pericardial mesothelioma results in tumors forming in the lining of the heart. Accounting for about 1 percent of all mesothelioma cases, this form is diagnosed in less than 50 people in the United States every year.
- Testicular mesothelioma – This is the rarest form of mesothelioma with only 100 diagnosed cases in all published. This cancer develops in the lining of the testicles.
Mesothelioma is extremely rare but extremely aggressive. The average life expectancy is 12 to 21 months following diagnosis.
Causes and Risk Factors
Much like other forms of cancer, mesothelioma is understood to be caused by genetic mutations that result in abnormal cell growth and tumor formation. This suggests that hereditary may play a role in you developing mesothelioma.
However, unlike other forms of cancer, mesothelioma has a known cause: asbestos. This naturally occurring mineral is commonly used in flooring, insulation, shingles, and other household products. When asbestos is broken down, it creates a fine dust that can be easily inhaled or swallowed. This results in asbestos fibers settling in your lungs, stomach, or heart, causing irritation leading to mesothelioma. The exact mechanisms still are not well understood, but studies suggest it takes up to 20 to 60 years for mesothelioma to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Not everyone exposed to asbestos will develop mesothelioma, suggesting that other details may come into play, but it remains a significant contributor and known risk factor.
Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging
The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma are dependent on the affected area. Pleural mesothelioma’s symptoms often include:
- Painful coughing
- Chest pain
- Sudden weight loss
- Difficulty breathing
- Lumps in the skin on your chest
Abdominal forms of mesothelioma may result in:
- Pain and swelling in the abdomen
- Nausea
- Sudden weight loss
Symptoms of mesothelioma in the heart can consist of severe symptoms of chest pain, fluid buildup, and arrhythmia. Symptoms of testicular mesothelioma typically include pain and swelling in the testicles or a visible mass.
Diagnosis for mesothelioma usually involves imaging scans, including X-rays or CT scans, of the chest and abdomen. The doctor may also perform a biopsy to collect tissue from affected areas. Biopsies may be performed through surgery or with a needle.
The staging system for mesothelioma helps to categorize the extent of the disease and identify an appropriate treatment plan. Stages of pleural mesothelioma range from I to IV. The higher the stage, the more the cancer has progressed to other parts of the body. Formal stages for other types of mesothelioma are currently unavailable.
About Alternative/Natural Treatment of Mesothelioma
Traditional treatments for mesothelioma include surgery to remove cancerous cells and tissue or decrease fluid buildup, chemotherapy, and radiation. While these medical treatments may be effective, they can come with potential side effects that leave you weak and make your quality of life rather painful. Alternative therapies offer natural remedies that can encourage treatment and potentially reduce the severity of side effects. Immunity Therapy Center offers a range of alternative treatments, including:
- Hyperthermia
- Sonodynamic therapy
- Vitamin and mineral supplements
- Biomagnetic cancer therapy
At Immunity Therapy Center we can provide an alternative mesothelioma treatment catered to your health. Our primary goal is to provide a comprehensive range of alternative treatment options not only to treat mesothelioma but other kinds of cancer as well. Our team is committed to consulting directly with you to develop a treatment plan that is individualized to work with your personal needs and health while providing flexibility and knowledge to adjust and adapt your treatment as your health changes. Dr. Bautista offers one-on-one consultations to truly get to know you as a person and build a working relationship to provide you with the most suitable integrative medicine options.
Those diagnosed with mesothelioma shouldn’t lose their quality of life through chemotherapy drugs, but should take their life back with homeopathic remedies. So, if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and would like to learn more or get a custom cancer treatment plan, contact us today.
Therapies we useAt Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.
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