Mesothelioma is deadly type of cancer that is most frequently caused by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is mostly found in older people but children can also suffer from this disease. Mesothelioma in children is extremely difficult to diagnose because it is rarely found in kids. In addition, in adults development of mesothelioma takes years after the exposure to asbestos, but with children, it is still not known.
What Causes Mesothelioma in Children?
Mesothelioma in adults is caused by asbestos exposure and takes decades before the cancer is diagnosed. It is because asbestos fibers that enter the body remain embedded in the body for decades before being diagnosed. On the other hand, when it is diagnosed in children, they generally do not live long enough. Mesothelioma in children can be linked to asbestos but it can be occur without asbestos exposure. Researchers are looking for hereditary links and other possible causes.
Types of Mesothelioma in Children
Since pleural mesothelioma is most commonly found in adults, while in children most cases are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma cancer. The latency period before mesothelioma symptoms start to manifest can take decades. While with kids diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, it is not the case.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma in Children
Peritoneal mesothelioma is the most common type found in children. Mesothelioma symptoms are closely associated with other common viral illnesses, therefore it is extremely difficult to diagnose mesothelioma. Studies have shown that children that are diagnosed with mesothelioma manifested similar symptoms to that of adults. Some common symptoms include:
- Abdominal distention
- Weight loss
- Abdominal mass
- Abdomen pain caused by excessive fluid
- Bowel obstruction
- Chest pain
- Weight loss
- Husky voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fever
- Anemia
- Inability to sleep
- Loss of appetite
Mesothelioma in children is rare and difficult to diagnose. Therefore, it is advised to discuss mesothelioma with your doctor for early diagnosis of the disease because early detection can increase the chances of cure.
Mesothelioma Treatment
Although there is no effective treatment discovered to treat and diagnose this fatal type of cancer. But oncologists and researchers are searching for mesothelioma treatment options to specifically treat children that are suffering from mesothelioma. Since mesothelioma is a rare disease in children, therefore treating mesothelioma in children is a challenge for doctors. Malignant mesothelioma is usually fatal and once the symptoms manifest; death occurs within 18 months.
Researchers and oncologists are still hoping that they will discover effective ways to diagnose and treat mesothelioma in children that can extend the life expectancy of children with mesothelioma.
Author Bio: Rachel Smith is a web enthusiast and professional webmaster of MesotheliomaResourceOnline.com. She loves to write about mesothelioma research findings that help people and their loved ones suffering from mesothelioma.
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