Many people have never heard of Mesothelioma and are unaware of its
symptoms. Although considered a rare form of cancer, each year the
number of cases grows. With the prevalence of this disease on the rise,
it is critical to understand why and how Mesothelioma develops and what
courses of action can be taken in the event of diagnosis. The following
are some questions and answers that will provide you with information
on Mesothelioma.
**What is Mesothelioma?**
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous)
cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most
of the body's internal organs. The organs most commonly affected are
the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. The most common form of
Mesothelioma is Pleural Mesothelioma -- cancer of the lung lining. But
cancerous cells are also found in the lining of the abdominal cavity
(the peritoneum) and the lining around the heart (the pericardium).
**What causes Mesothelioma?**
Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos
is often found in building materials used before the mid 1970’s. In
addition, materials such as pipes, boiler insulation, floor, ceiling
and roof tiles may contain asbestos. It is believed that even
insignificant exposure to asbestos in environments such as asbestos
mills, mines, shipping yards, some older Navy ships or even in
patient's homes can result in mesothelioma. In many cases mesothelioma
does not occur for decades after initial exposure to this
cancer-causing asbestos. 2000-3000 cases of mesothelioma per year are
currently being diagnosed. Family members of workers exposed to
asbestos can also contract this disease through exposure to the
worker's clothing. Like many other cancers, smoking greatly increases
the risk of contracting mesothelioma.
**How much asbestos exposure will cause Mesothelioma?**
Generally, the probability of developing this form of cancer is
directly related to the length of time you are exposed to asbestos. The
health risk also increases with the intensity of the exposure to
asbestos.
However, an exposure of as little as one or two months can result in
mesothelioma 30 or 40 years later. At the age of 48, Canadian Member of
Parliament Chuck Strahl, was recently diagnosed with mesothelioma and
traces the cause back to changing brake pads on logging equipment after
he graduated from high school. Strahl's case is a good example of the
fact that Mesothelioma has a latency period of anywhere from 20 to 50
years. Like thousands of others he developed the disease long after his
exposure to asbestos.
**What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma?**
Mesothelioma is a very subtle form of cancer providing only a few
noticeable symptoms until it becomes extremely advanced. 75% of all
mesolthelioma cases are Pleural mesothelioma - cancer of the lung
lining. This type of cancer causes shortness of breath and/or chronic
coughing that can easily be mistaken for allergies or a common cold.
Mesothelioma is often discovered by accident when patients are being
examined for these common symptoms. Other symptoms of pleural
mesothelioma may include: chest pain, shortness of breath, chronic
coughing that worsens over time, fatigue, wheezing, lung infection,
hoarseness, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, chest or abdominal pain
or blood in the phlegm from the lungs when coughing
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining around the stomach and
intestines and can be just as dangerous and deadly. Symptoms of
Peritoneal mesothelioma include: pain or swelling in the abdomen,
weight loss, bowel obstruction (blockage in the large or small
intestines), anemia (reduced number of red blood cells) , and fever.
The onset of Mesothelioma is usually quite slow. Patients will begin to
experience symptoms such as lower back pain and chest pain.
Unfortunately, once Mesothelioma develops, it quickly becomes
aggressive and treatment must be sought immediately.
**Can Mesothelioma be treated?**
Unfortunately, by the time most infected people become aware they have
mesothelioma it has ceased being dormant and becomes extremely
aggressive. Once it is no longer dormant, this type of cancer can
travel quickly, and this makes it almost impossible to stop.
While there are treatments that are available in order to keep the
patient comfortable, there is currently no cure for Mesothelioma, and
as many as 75% of those who develop the disease will lose their life
within one year. The remainder may last for up to an additional six
months. Among the treatments that are used in order to reduce the
effects of the disease are oxygen, postural drainage and pain killers.
A wide range of treatment approaches are being tested, ranging from
attempts to fortify the body's natural immune system to gene therapy
which tries to attack the problem at the DNA level to homeopathy, herbs
and acupuncture. But none have yet been shown to be very effective once
the disease reaches the aggressive stage.
Given the generally poor prognosis for people who do not catch the
disease in time, early detection is the best defence against
Mesothelioma. If you have worked in an industry such as construction or
suspect that you may have been exposed to asbestos, be alert for
symptoms and contact your doctor immediately. Like all forms of cancer,
detecting Mesothelioma at the earliest stage possible greatly increases
your chances for survival.
