Mesothelioma is a very rare type of cancer that affects the mesothelium. Mesothelium is a soft layer that covers the lungs, heart and other internal body organs. As it is widely known,mesothelioma occurs due to severe exposure to asbestos fibers. Exposure need not to be very intensive but also mild due to working conditions and other possible reasons where there are chances to inhale in the asbestos fibers.
Mesothelioma is a highly aggressive type of cancer which is unlike other types of cancers is high resistant to cancer treatments and medications. Genuinely it would be appropriate to say that there is no complete curable medication or treatment available yet but the positive side of the treatment is that many of clinical tests are going since this cancer has been found to be an aggressive form that is spreading around across the world fast and is reported to double during next 15 to 20 years’ time.
As the clinical tests are going on to finalize a treatment method in treating this cancer, it is satisfactory information that many cases that have been affected with mesothelioma have been reported to have a decreased in the intensity of the cancer. This is the first steps of successfultreatment in curing mesothelioma. There are existing treatments available in reducing the pain, suffering and in bringing down the symptoms from advanced stages. Prevailing treatments for mesothelioma have proved to extend the life’s expectancy period and quality of life to a better level.
The worst part of mesothelioma cancer is that the patients who might have this cancer already will not even realize that they have this danger in them until the severe symptoms start to interfere in their day-to-day activities.
When will the Mesothelioma Symptoms appear?
The symptoms of mesothelioma will not appear at least for 20 years after being exposed to asbestos. But that is not the maximum period, as certain cases will not even reveal the symptoms for as long as 50 years duration.
Who will get Mesothelioma?
Instead of waiting for the symptoms to be shown, it is better to know who will get this cancer. The first chances of getting mesothelioma are those who are exposed directly to asbestos for more than 6 months or more on a regular basis. Most of these exposures could occur while on job related to handling asbestos.
Which are all occupations those are prone to Mesothelioma risk?
The following occupations are widely believed to have mesothelioma prone circumstances in their working places:
- Military veterans (especially in U.S Army)
- Construction workers
- Demolition or renovation crews
- Auto Mechanics
- Insulators
- Shipyard Workers
- Asbestos mine workers or millers
- Boiler workers
- Asbestos manufacturing plant workers
It is likely that people who are handling asbestos directly or those who are handling asbestos-like materials and people who are being involved or exposed to thick clouds of asbestos containing dust while on job are reported to have high risk of developing mesothelioma.
As per the records and reports the rescue workers who were involved in the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks have widely found to have asbestos related symptoms and lung complications.This could bring you a clear cause of mesothelioma in general.
What are the causes of Mesothelioma?
One of the main reasons to have this cancer is having a history of being exposed to asbestos. The exposure might occur due to environmental circumstances or from the work place or from specific products.
If the asbestos fiber are inhaled or ingested, the fibers can sediment in the soft lining layer (mesothelium) of the lungs and on other internal organs leading to chronic inflammation which causes mesothelioma.
Quick Truths and Facts about Mesothelioma
- The number of mesothelioma affected cases are expected to soar between 2015 to 2030
- About 70% to 80% of mesothelioma cases are due to exposure to asbestos at work
- Men are more prone to mesothelioma than women and the risk of this cancer increases as the age goes up
- Surgery is recommended for those who are diagnosed with Stage 1 and 2of this cancer
- Early diagnosis of mesothelioma is a crucial in the treatment process
Can I live my entire life with Mesothelioma?
Since the symptoms appear after decades and even more number of year revealing this cancer in you, it is very obvious to think whether can I live the entire life without being treated?
While mesothelioma is a highly aggressive form of cancer it is not completely resistant to treatments. There are many people who have survived with mesothelioma for the entire life without being treated completely but the possibility is knowing to manage the symptoms in time not leaving it further to aggravate. This is possible through personalized treatments that fit to the affected person’s situation and condition. The treatment for mesothelioma will be emerging soon as the clinical tests are on and are successful in controlling the symptoms and consequences.