What is Mesothelioma, and How Common is this Disease?

Mesothelioma is a particularly deadly cancer caused by ingesting or inhaling asbestos fibers. There 

are about 3,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The average age of diagnosis is around 72. The rate of diagnosis tends to be a bit lower for women than for men, and the risk of diagnosis increases with age for both genders.

According to studies conducted by the World Health Organization between the years 1994 and 2008, the worldwide mortality rate for mesothelioma were rounded off to about 4.9 deaths per million people.
Mesothelioma is commonly found in the lining of the chest (lungs) and abdomen. However, mesothelial cells also are found in the lining of your heart, so it is possible for this cancer to start forming there as well. No matter where the cancerous cells start forming in your body, the disease can spread to other areas if left undiagnosed and untreated for too long a time. The rate at which the malformed cells divide determines how fast the disease will spread.

After Asbestos Exposure, How Does Mesothelioma Develop?

It can be easier to be exposed to harmful asbestos fibers than you might think. Whenever a substance containing asbestos fibers is moved around, the fibers become loose and are digestible or inhalable. Prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers increases the likelihood that someone will develop this disease. In the past, many products used in construction materials contained these fibers. Those who worked in construction were at an especially high risk of exposure and continue to be at risk in some cases.

It is not common for doctors to perform tests for this disease without something showing up in a patient's medical history or an occupational risk factor that increases their chances of being exposed to asbestos fibers. The typical reason why someone would get tested is that they exhibit one or more of the following common symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Intense coughing
• Abdominal pain
• Blood from coughing
• Fever
• Swelling
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Shortness of breath

In order to obtain a diagnosis, a doctor may run one or several tests, including:

• Chest x-rays
• CT scans
• Physical exam
• Biopsy
• MRI
• Blood tests
• Pulmonary function tests

What are the Most Common Treatment Methods?

Mesothelioma must be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible to provide the best odds of the patient making a recovery. Delaying treatment after diagnosis can allow the disease to spread rather quickly throughout the body and ultimately require more intrusive and intense treatment methods. The four typical methods for treating this disease are:

• Surgery
• Radiation
• Chemotherapy
• Medication therapies

This disease may be treated with any of the above methods or a combination of surgery, therapy and medications. The stage and location of the cancer cells are top factors in determining the best course of treatment. The patient’s medical history and any other health conditions may also influence which treatment methods are recommended as well as what the doctor recommends for recovery. To reduce the negative side effects that you may experience during treatment, your doctor may recommend a change in diet or exercise habits.

Recovery can be a challenge because of the physical demands and emotional stress that enduring this disease brings on. Physical exercise and healthy eating are two of the most important things you can control during the recovery process. Be sure to follow all recommendations from your doctor for any lifestyle changes during your recovery.

Article Written By: Sheila Maxwell - Accomplished writer/editor and researcher in cancer cases around the world.