Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. Almost all people who develop this disease have worked jobs which put them at risk for asbestos exposure or exposure to asbestos dust and fibers. Even those who come in close or frequent contact with someone who has experienced asbestos exposure are at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma.
Facts About Mesothelioma
According to The American Lung Association, the following is true about mesothelioma:
Up to 80% of asbestos exposures happen in the workplace
In 2004, 1.1 per 100,000 persons had mesothelioma - a number increased by 84% since 1977
Every year, up to 3,000 more cases of this illness are diagnosed
Most diagnosed patients show symptoms after they turn 55 years old
Men are five times more commonly diagnosed than women
The time between exposure and symptoms is between 35-50 years
Early symptoms resemble many other respiratory illnesses
Most cases are diagnosed in the late stages and patients typically only live up to a year after diagnosis
Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma
The earlier this illness is caught, the better the prognosis for the patient. Oftentimes, the symptoms can go on for a while before the person seeks medical advice or help. The following are some common indicators.
Signs of Pleural Mesothelioma are:
Chest wall pains
Fluid surrounding the lungs
Shortness of breath and difficulty to breathe
Reduced chest expansion
Dry cough
Wheezing
Odd breathing noises
Pleural effusions
Signs of Peritoneal Mesothelioma include:
Abdominal pain
Abdominal enlargement and tenderness
Fluid buildups between the peritoneum and the abdominal organs
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Abdominal distention/pelvic mass
Abdominal hernias
Mild seizures
Reducing the Risks
According to the CDC, When asbestos fibers are inhaled some can become lodged in the lungs and remain there forever. Luckily for today's American worker, the use of asbestos is very much regulated by both the FDA and OSHA - but there still are some current cases of violations. If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos, it is very important that you tell your doctor right away. Your doctor will know what to look for and can help identify illness early enough to treat it effectively; just like with many other types of cancers, the earlier Mesothelioma is diagnosed, the better the outlook for the patient. Progressive cases of this illness leave very few options for medical treatment, therefore early detection is key.
While there is little that can be done to prevent it from developing once exposed, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
Smoking does not cause Mesothelioma, but it does greatly increase the risk of developing it after asbestos exposure - it is especially important to avoid smoking if you have been exposed.
You can boost your immune system and reduce risk of any illness with a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle - get regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid other types of known carcinogens.
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