Mesothelioma: What is it?

Mesothelioma is a malignant cancerous disease of the cells lining the
patient's body cavities such as chest, abdominal region or the area surrounding
the heart. It is thought to be associated with exposure to asbestos, and this
asbestos association has been documented in 70-80% of all mesothelioma cases.
Asbestos cancer or mesothelioma is very difficult to assess and diagnose
consistently. The time between exposure and the onset of the disease, and the
rate of progression of malignant mesothelioma, make diagnosis very difficult.

It is believed that even insignificant exposure to asbestos in environments
such as asbestos mills, mines, shipping yards, some older Navy ships or even
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.

Some of the earliest symptoms of mesothelioma are commonly over looked due
there similarity to symptoms of less serious diseases. Some patients do not show
any signs of sickness in the early stages of development of the disease. The
most common symptoms of mesothelioma include dyspnoea, pleuritic pain, lasting
cough, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms may not be attributed to
mesothelioma unless the patient is examined by a competent and knowledgeable
health care provider who orders the appropriate tests. Test for mesothelioma, or
asbestos cancer, may include CT scans, x-rays scans, or MRI. Surgery can be one
of the treatment options; however, the recurrence rate of cancerous cells is
high. It is very important that the disease is diagnosed and treated as early as
possible.

This disease is not more prevalent in any particular race or ethic group;
however it is more common in men. Most cases of mesothelioma occur 30-45 years
after initial exposure to asbestos. Once it develops, this cancer will continue
to grow until it is treated or the victim expires.
Mesothelioma: Treatment

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