According to the National Cancer Institute, there are approximately 2,000 to 3,000 new diagnoses of mesothelioma each year, making up about 3% of cancer cases. Direct exposure to asbestos is linked to as many as 90% of mesothelioma patients.
Mesothelioma Definition
Mesothelioma affects the body’s mesothelium, the thin membrane covering most of the internal organs. The mesothelium lubricates internal organ movements, reducing friction associated with breathing, heart-beats, digestion and other internal processes. When the cells that make up this membrane begin to divide uncontrollably, that means mesothelioma cancer has begun its rapid progression toward shutting down the body’s processes.
Almost all cases of mesothelioma are fatal. According to the Mesothelioma Cancer Center, patients typically survive for one year after diagnosis, depending how early the diagnosis is and how aggressively the cancer is treated.
Mesothelioma Types
According to specialists at the Mayo Clinic, there are 4 types of mesothelioma, depending on which area of the body is most affected:
- Pleural malignant mesothelioma, the most common form and affects the tissue around the lungs. Around 70 percent of mesothelioma cases originate in the lungs.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma, affects the tissue in the abdomen.
- Pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the tissue surrounding the heart.
- Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis, which occurs in the lining around the testicles.
There is also a benign form of Mesothelioma, which most commonly develops in the lining of the lungs. This is the only form of mesothelioma for which full recovery is a probable outcome.
Mesothelioma Symptoms and Treatment
Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose since many of its symptoms are similar to other medical conditions. Early signs include shortness of breath and chest pain, as fluid begins to fill up in the chest cavity. To be truly diagnosed, a biopsy must be performed and examined by a doctor who also knows the patient’s medical history and rules out other diagnoses.
Once a mesothelioma diagnosis is given, there are two treatment options: palliative and curative. Curative treatments include surgery to remove cancerous tissues, radiation treatment and chemotherapy. Palliative treatment focuses on relieving pain and improving the patient’s comfort as the disease progresses.
According to Mesothelioma Watch, a group dedicated to informing families on the latest treatments, news and other items relating to the disease, a recent study conducted by London doctors found no statistical improvement in length of a patient’s life if they received chemotherapy, versus receiving no chemotherapy. Such a study only underscores the tragedy of this disease, which is largely fast-acting and aggressive yet is almost always preventable.
Asbestos Exposure Leads to Mesothelioma
Asbestos is naturally-occurring fiber that is popularly used in building and construction due to its flexible, fire-resistant and insulating properties. Since World War II, asbestos has been commonly used in building materials, brakes, and other materials.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, asbestos is often found in the following products:
- Pipes
- Siding
- Floor Tile
- Brake Shoes
- HVAC Duct Insulation
- Caulking/Putties
- Pipe Insulation
- Wallboard
- Joint Compounds
- High Temperature Gaskets
- Roofing Shingles
- Ceiling Tiles
- Insulation
- Fireproofing Materials
Since symptoms take 30 to 50 years to fully manifest, millions of workers were exposed to asbestos in the 1950s and 1960s without knowing the dangers associated with the material.
Mesothelioma and Legal Issues
Unfortunately, even after the dangers of asbestos were known, some companies knowingly exposed their workers to the deadly substance. If these workers are later diagnosed with the aggressive cancer, they and their families are eligible for compensation for medical bills, productivity loss, and emotional suffering. Damages as high as $9 million have been awarded in cases involving known exposure of workers to asbestos.
More Information
- Mesothelioma Cancer Center
- National Cancer Institute
- Mesothelioma Watch
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