Understanding Mesothelioma
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of cells lining the body’s lung, chest, abdomen and heart. In the most common form of mesothelioma, malignant tumors grow on the sac that lines the chest cavity and protects the lungs—the pleura. This is known as pleural mesothelioma, accounting for around 70% of the cases. 2,000-3,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S.
Who does Mesothelioma affect?
Approximately 70 to 80 percent of people who develop mesothelioma have been heavily exposed to asbestos at work. Shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople are at higher risk for mesothelioma. There is a long latency period between exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma; usually resulting in decades passing before a person becomes ill.
What is the Cause of Mesothelioma?
Working with asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber, once widely used in building products and materials for its thermal insulating properties and fire resistance. Asbestos is also used in the following products: ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, roofing shingles, transmission and brake parts, heat-resistant fabrics and cement products. Asbestos has no smell or taste, and its fibers are so small that they are not visible to the naked eye. When the fibers are released in the air, people can inhale or swallow the tiny particles. This is especially dangerous in the manufacturing process.
Diagnosing Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose as symptoms are very subtle. Some common symptoms are shortness of breath, back and side chest pain. Other less frequent symptoms are difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, fever, fatigue and weight loss.
Because diagnosis is often made at an advanced stage of the cancer, average survival time is only about 8-12 months. Some common treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, or a combination thereof.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, please contact Drug Alert Updates.
To learn more about Mesothelioma, visit the Mesothelioma website.
November 23, 2009
Tags: Asbestos, Mesothelioma Posted in: Asbestos
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