What is Mesothelioma Lung Cancer? Knowing the Risk Factors and Treatments

What is Mesothelioma Lung Cancer?

Mesothelioma lung cancer is a cancer that occurs in the lung organ because it is contaminated by micro size asbestos fibers for a long period of time. Lung cancer caused by asbestos fibers takes account 4% of annual lung cancer cases. Mesothelioma and lung cancer (the one caused by asbestos) are two different cases, but they share similar symptoms and modes of treatments.

The main difference between lung cancer caused by asbestos and plural mesothelioma is the location of development. Lung cancer develops within the lungs while mesothelioma develops in the lining membrane of lung. Although asbestos contributes heavily to the development of this cancer, there are other risk factors that cause it such as smoking.

The Risk Factors of Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

This type of lung cancer is caused by prolonged contamination of lung by asbestos fibers. Anybody who lives or works in an environment that contains asbestos is at risk of developing this cancer. It does not occur immediately after exposure. This cancer is going to develop after decades of inhaling asbestos particles.

However, asbestos is not the only thing responsible for this cancer development. There are other risk factors as well. The biggest factor is smoking. Smoking causes impairments within the lung’s cells. This activity makes it hard for the lung to get rid of fine asbestos fibers that go inside. In addition to smoking, genetic predisposition and health history may also play role in the cancer development.

The Treatment for Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Lung cancer treatment is likely unable to eliminate the cancer. It is done to lengthen the life expectancy. There are several modes of treatments. Normally, patient will undergo the combinations of two treatments or more instead of just one.

An intrusive method to treat lung cancer is by surgery. The surgery is done to remove tumor that forms within the lung. Most of the times, a portion of the lung will be removed in order to inhibit the tumor growth. Other intrusive methods done to kill cancerous cell but without surgery are chemotherapy and radiation.

There are other types of treatments that aim to improve patient’s life quality (including the psychological aspect). Patient can enjoy meditation in order to improve breathing and relieve some tensions. Meditation will help patient relaxing so that they can receive treatment better. In addition to that, there is acupuncture which is able to help reducing side symptoms of chemotherapy and radiation.