Mesothelioma is a rare, but aggressive cancer that results from exposure to asbestos. Affecting more men than women because of occupational exposure, mesothelioma is cancerous disease affecting the lining of the lungs and chest cavity.
Risk Factors for Mesothelioma
People who work with asbestos.
Asbestos was a popular product from the early 1900s because of its insulating, fireproofing and strengthening properties. Asbestos has been widely used in industries such as shipbuilding and construction. Asbestos has been used in motor breaking systems and for insultion.
Workers at highest risk were involved in asbestos mining and milling and manufacturing of asbestos products where their exposure was prolonged.
Higher risk for asbestos related diseases are fire men, drywall removers, demolition workers and families of those workers - from particles brought home on their clothing.
In the late 1960s evidence that asbestos fibers caused disease became compelling and in the 1970s legislation was brought in to protect the industry and those who worked in it.
Statistics About Mesothelioma
Asbestos related cancer can take anything from 10 years to 50 years to develop. Because of this cases of mesothelioma will continue to emerge for the next 25 years or more. It is estimated that more than 9 million workers are at risk of this disease.
In the developing world alone it is expected that in the next 25 years 100,000 people alive today will die from this asbestos related cancer.
Cigarette smoking does not seem to increase the incidence of mesothelioma although it does significantly increase the incidence of lung cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Symptoms of mesothelioma include:
Treatment for Mesothelioma
There is no cure for mesothelioma. Supportive treatments to help thin or remove lung secretions, postural drainage, oxygen and painkillers can only relieve distressing symptoms for a short time.
Prognosis and Mesothelioma
75% of people who develop malignant mesothelioma die within 1 year. A few survive for 18 months.
Article updated 05/13/2006
