Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, or tissues that line the cavities of the body, protecting the organs. Most commonly, mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the lungs, the pleura. However it can also occur in the linings of the heart (pericardium), abdominal cavity (peritoneum), or the testes (tunica vaginalis).
Until the mid 20th century, many cases of Mesothelioma were mistaken for lung cancer. Although the link between asbestos and Mesothelioma had been made at least as early as 1929, asbestos insulation was used even in first world countries until the 1980s or 1990s. As a result, the number of Mesothelioma cases worldwide has been increasing. Overall, Mesothelioma is a relatively uncommon form of cancer, except in communities with high exposure to asbestos.
History of Asbestos Us
Millions of Americans have been exposed to asbestos dust, either in the workplace or by coming into contact with those who work with asbestos. Asbestos wasn’t used widely until the 19th century, and a dramatic increase in its use happened just after World War II. Asbestos was used widely in many products including brake linings, roof shingles, cement, gaskets, fire retardant or fireproof coatings and building materials, textiles, flooring products, and, most famously, insulation.
The first lawsuit to successfully link asbestos to Mesothelioma was won in 1929. Increasing cases of Mesothelioma among workers who handled asbestos made it clear that the link was serious. In the 1940s, a large asbestos mine was opened in Australia. A considerable percentage of the population of the town where most of the workers lived has since contracted Mesothelioma.
Asbestos use in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, as well as other developed countries, continues to this day. Although regulations are now in place to protect workers from over-exposure, no limits have been identified to state that any level of exposure is safe. In other words, any exposure can still be harmful and should be avoided.
Common Causes of Mesothelioma
Asbestos refers to a group of fibrous silicate minerals that have been used for centuries to reinforce the strength of pottery, decrease risk of fire, and aid in sound and heat barriers. Unfortunately, asbestos fibers become airborne in processing, and the fine dust that is a normal byproduct of asbestos use is easily inhaled.
When inhaled, the effect can take years, usually 20-50 years, to cause damage that leads to Mesothelioma. The longer exposure lasts, the more likely it is that Mesothelioma will develop. Even regular exposure to small amounts can lead to Mesothelioma, as in the case of families of asbestos workers. The spouse and children of someone who works with asbestos can be exposed to the dust left on the clothes and hair of the worker, and contract Mesothelioma later in life as a result. And some cases of Mesothelioma result from as little as 1-3 months of exposure.
Almost all cases of Mesothelioma are contracted by those who have worked with asbestos. On job sites in construction or even in home remodel jobs, the likelihood of being exposed to asbestos is very high. Asbestos is still used in all kinds of household and industrial products.
Although people still work with asbestos, strict regulations are in place to attempt to keep exposure to a minimum. Workers are required to wear breathing masks, to keep the asbestos dust from entering the lungs. Anywhere that processes or uses asbestos must be very well ventilated and cleaned often to ensure that particles are removed. Most workers will also leave all work clothing, usually specially provided work coveralls, at their place of employment, rather than bring them home with potential contaminants.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Asbestos Poisoning
There are a number of general symptoms of Mesothelioma that can be mistaken for symptoms of other diseases. These include shortness of breath, weight loss, chest pain, fatigue, anemia, hoarseness, wheezing, cough, and blood in sputum (spit). Although these may seem like common symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor if you experience any or all of them.
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma can only be made definitively with a biopsy of the affected tissues or tumor. If Mesothelioma, or lung cancer, is suspected, your doctor will first order a chest x-ray and CT scan, to determine whether any unusual growths exist in the chest cavity. Once a tumor is detected, testing can be done to view the growth and determine where it is, which can help identify the type of tumor. However, a biopsy is the only way to know for certain that it is Mesothelioma.
Because most symptoms of Mesothelioma are not specific to the disease, it is easy to overlook them. If only some symptoms are reported, such as coughing and fatigue, you may be misdiagnosed with a common cold. When you talk to your doctor, be sure to report any and all symptoms, even if they do not seem related. Include frequency during the day or week as well as duration. If any symptoms continue beyond one week and do not respond to treatments you have been prescribed or self-administered, immediately contact your doctor.
Prognosis and Treatment
Mesothelioma is well known and the cause is well understood. However, the prognosis is not good and the majority of Mesothelioma patients die from the disease. However, the earlier it is detected, the easier it is to treat, so proper diagnosis is very important. Patients pre-disposed to a good result can recover and live an additional 3-18 years.
Treatments consist of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Although some cases can be treated with a radiation only, it is more likely that a combination of more than one technique will be used. Often, surgery is the best option for removal of the tumor or tumors. Chemotherapy can help ensure that any remaining cancerous cells do not survive and reproduce. The likelihood that this kind of treatment will lengthen life by more than 3-6 months is low, however.
Some success has come from a combination of modern techniques as well as complimentary medicines, and the famous author Paul Kraus was diagnosed with Mesothelioma and wrote a book about his experiences. His prognosis was one year and he outlived it considerably.
