If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the odds are that you haven’t been given good news about your chances of long-term survival. The bad news is nearly 85% of patients with mesothelioma don’t survive past the first year following their diagnosis, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t hope. Longevity Live Partner Content
Millions of people die every year from various cancers. Mesothelioma is one of the deadliest cancers in that it often goes undetected until the options for treatment are limited. Early detection is the key to fighting most cancers, and that couldn’t be more true when it comes to mesothelioma.
In many cases, once patients start to display symptoms of mesothelioma, it has already moved into the later stages of the disease. Patients who have worked in industries that put them at risk of asbestos exposure may have more awareness of their risks as they are heightened in those types of industries. In fact, many of the personal injury lawsuits surrounding mesothelioma are filed to take advantage of settlements over lung issues caused by exposure to harmful irritants.
Mesothelioma Overview
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that attacks the thin layer of tissue that encompasses all the body’s organs. Although there are treatments that can help reduce the growth of mesothelioma tumors, most diagnoses are not positive, resulting in an extremely low cure ratio.
The type of mesothelioma in a patient is determined by where the tumors are found in the body. In most cases, mesothelioma attacks the lung tissue and is known as pleura. More rare types of this disease are found in the abdomen, heart, and testicular tissues.
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Causes
Most types of cancer begin and develop in the same way that includes a mutation of healthy cells into carcinogenic damage deep in the DNA. This mutation causes an abnormal accumulation of these cells that eventually grow into a tumor.
There are many scientific and medical theories behind why certain people end up with cancer and others don’t. There are some genetic factors that can’t be avoided, but many of the other factors behind a mesothelioma diagnosis can be traced back to lifestyle choices, environmental exposure, and genetic weaknesses.
Asbestos exposure
More than 99% of mesothelioma cases are caused by direct exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a natural substance that is exceptionally heat resistant and strong, which made it an ideal construction material in the past. When asbestos fibers are broken up, they can easily become airborne and inhaled into the lungs. Once there, they cause irritation leading to the formation of a tumor.
Asbestos can be commonly found in any type of insulation, flooring, as well as brake assemblies, and roofing shingles. This variety of products in general use puts many people at risk, especially those dealing directly with them, including construction personnel, manufacturing workers, and demolition workers.
Simple casual exposure to asbestos does not necessarily put you at high risk. However, those that have worked with high exposure for many years are more likely to develop mesothelioma. Continued exposure results in a buildup of harmful fibers in the lungs that can eventually grow into cancerous tumors.
The highest risk group are those that are either exposed to asbestos in their homes or their profession. Those who live with a person exposed to asbestos regularly are at moderate risk as fibers can be transported into the environment on clothing or skin and hair. Genetic ties to a parent or sibling that has had mesothelioma may mean that you are at higher risk. Those that have had radiation therapy to their chest, may also be at moderate risk of mesothelioma.
Symptoms
One of the most prevalent reasons that mesothelioma is such a deadly cancer is that the symptoms do not generally start to appear until the disease has progressed beyond a cure. Asbestos that accumulates for many years can sit unnoticed in the lungs and other organs. Once the symptoms listed here make their appearance, it’s critical to get treatment as soon as possible.
Pleural Mesothelioma
- Painful coughing from the chest
- Chest pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tissue lumps under the skin of the chest
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fluid buildup in the lungs
- Phlegmy coughs
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
- Nausea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal swelling
Prevention
The best way to prevent being at high-risk of mesothelioma is to be aware of your environment. Talk to your employer about whether you are being exposed to asbestos. Occupations that are considered high-risk for asbestos exposure include:
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Pipefitters
- Insulators
- Shipyard workers
- Demolition workers
- Brake mechanics
- Home remodelers
Once you know that you may be at risk in your career it’s time to be proactive. Follow all safety regulations that are in place for your profession. Wear protective equipment and follow cleaning procedures to help reduce your risk of exposure to asbestos.
If you live in an older home, you are at greater risk for asbestos exposure. Older materials including siding, flooring, and shingles often use asbestos as the main material. If you are concerned about your risk, have an inspection done to alert you to any dangers.
Treatment
When considering treatments for mesothelioma, it is the stage of the disease that is the most important factor. The early stages of the disease are the most critical in the quest for survival. There are three main strategies for mesothelioma treatment: Resection, chemotherapy, and Immunotherapy.
Resection
Surgery may be an option for, particularly placed tumors. If possible, removing the tumors can be an effective form of treatment to slow the spread of mesothelioma.
Chemotherapy
Targeted chemotherapy is a common treatment option for moderate to late-stage mesothelioma. Chemo treatments may shrink the size of tumors and extend the life expectancy of patients.
Immunotherapy
The target of treatment for late-stage mesothelioma is comfort and life extension. In some cases, Immunotherapy treatments can ease symptoms and slow the growth of tumors.
The most important factor in a mesothelioma diagnosis is early detection. The survival rate of patients who get treatment quickly for early-stage infection is still promising. In your work and home, proactive behavior to avoid the risk of exposure to asbestos is the best prevention.
If you feel like you are at risk for asbestos exposure, or you are experiencing any of the common symptoms of either pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma, it’s critical that you talk to your doctor and have an examination.
