What is Mesothelioma? – Mesothelioma FAQ
Mesotholioma is a rare type of cancer that is usually associated with prior exposure to asbestos. The lining of the lungs and abdomen is called the mesothelium. This is where the cancer gets its name, since it is a cancer of the mesothelium–hence, it is mesothelioma. The most common type of mesothelioma is found on the sac that lines the chest that is called the pleura. When this protective structure to the lungs is infected with cancerous cells, it is called pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is extremely rare. Only about two to three thousand new cases are diagnosed per year in the United States.
Who gets Mesothelioma? – Mesothelioma FAQ
Three quarters of those who get mesothelioma have been exposed to the substance asbestos. Usually exposure takes place in the workplace and will precede the development of mesothelioma for thirty-five to fifty years! This means most people with the cancer are at least in their sixties when diagnosed. The cancer doesn’t discriminate based on sex, but men get mesothelioma more than woman, probably due to the fact men were more likely to work jobs that led to asbestos exposure. Whites are more likely to get mesothelioma than any other race.
What Causes Mesothelioma? – Mesothelioma FAQ
Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma as previously mentioned. 75% of mesothelioma is caused by asbestos. While asbestos is still being used in some parts of the world, a lot of countries have banned its use, since it causes a variety of diseases. If you have no idea what asbestos is, you aren’t alone. Here is the short of it: asbestos is a group of minerals that has been used in the US and other countries in the manufacturing of goods that require heat, chemical and physical resistance. While asbestos is very bad for one’s health, it is a very useful ingredient in many materials. For this reason, some countries still allow its use today. People who have worked on ships that used a lot of asbestos (many military ships did) or worked in any other job that exposed them to asbestos should seek medical advice about the need for a screening. Remember, always consult with a doctor before deciding the best course of action. It takes 30-50 years for the cancer to develop, but it is a very serious illness once it sets in.
While smoking does not increase the chances of developing mesothelioma (according to some research), smoking does increase the chance of developing other asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and asbestosis.
How Serious is Mesothelioma?
In short, mesothelioma is very serious. Most of the time, diagnosis occurs late in the progression of the cancer. For this reason, the average survival time is around a year from diagnosis. The 5-year survival statistics slowly improve as research is done and treatments get better. As with any cancer/disease with such low incidence rates, the amount of money available for research is limited. But as asbestos exposure decreases, three-quarters of mesothelioma should potentially be wiped out.