Apart from families and patients and their families, there are numerous of us who look for information about mesothelioma and have questions that we would like to be answered. Here are ten of the most frequently asked questions, along with the answers to those looking for information on mesothelioma. Mesothelioma lawsuit after death
What is the mesothelium?
The mesothelium is a layer which completely covers and protects the organs inside the body. The mesothelium is composed consisting of 2 layers. one layer covers the organ, and the other creates a sac around it. The mesothelium creates lubricating fluid that is released between the layers, allowing organs that move, such as the lungs and heart to glide effortlessly across adjacent surfaces.
Mesothelioma: What exactly is it?
Mesothelioma is one form of cancer that targets mesothelium’s membrane, and is caused by prior exposure to asbestos-containing particles. When mesothelioma is diagnosed, the cells in the mesothelium develop abnormal and multiply without control. Malignant mesothelium cells grow that can spread from their initial site to invade and harm surrounding organs and tissues within the body. The majority of mesothelioma cases begin in the pleura or the peritoneum.. The abdomen or lung tissue.
How prevalent is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, however, reported incidence statistics indicate a steady increase in the last 20 years or more. Each year , approximately 2,000 new mesothelioma cases occur in the United States alone. Mesothelioma has a greater impact on men than women, and the risk increases as you age. However, mesothelioma can happen in either sexual orientation and at any age.
What are the main causes of mesothelioma?
A minimum of 90% of mesotheliomas may be caused by exposure to asbestos, but most of the time, exposure has occurred over a long period of time before the cancer’s symptoms are obvious. It is believed that even low levels in exposure to asbestos could result in mesothelioma development which is why it’s probable that some individuals might not have been exposed to any exposure to asbestos, but could have inhaled asbestos-containing fibres, without even realizing that they had. The exposure to certain chemicals and radiation have also been associated with mesothelioma. some mesotheliomas are linked to the radiation type known as Thorium dioxide(thorotast). This was used in certain radiation sources up to the 1950’s. It is not clear if there was evidence that links mesotheliomas and smoking cigarettes.
How can mesothelioma be diagnosed?
Mesothelioma symptoms are usually difficult to identify as they are very similar to symptoms seen in other diseases like asbestosis. Mesothelioma diagnosis requires an examination of the medical history of the patient including any previous asbestos exposure. A thorough physical examination is performed, as well as x-rays of abdomen and chest taken. An CT scan , or MRI could also be useful in the detection of mesothelioma.
Can mesothelioma treatment be done?
The treatment for mesothelioma differs based on the site and type of cancer. It also depends on the extent that mesothelioma been able to grow, as well as the patient’s general health. The treatment options for mesothelioma comprise radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy.
Does there exist an effective treatment of mesothelioma?
The only method that can offer any chance of finding mesothelioma treatment is a surgical procedure to eliminate the cancer surgically. Because mesothelioma can be so difficult to identify and treat, it’s often too advanced to allow surgery to be performed in a safe manner.
Are there any new treatment options in mesothelioma?
The National Cancer Institute is currently conducting clinical trials to develop new therapies for mesothelioma and to improve the manner in which current mesothelioma treatment methods are applied. Before any mesothelioma treatment is able to be recommended for use in general large-scale clinical trials need to be conducted to show that mesothelioma treatments are safe for patients and can be effective against the cancer. The participation in clinical studies could be an effective treatment option for a lot of sufferers suffering from the side mesothelioma-related effects.
What’s the expected life expectancy for those who are diagnosed mesothelioma?
The average life expectancy of patients with mesothelioma can differ based on the type of cancer, the site where the tumor is located, the extent to which it has been able to spread, as well as the general health for the individual. Studies have shown average survival rates of between 8 and 14 months , however it is not unusual to see patients live for several years after the diagnosis.
What is asbestosis?
Asbestosis is an uncancerous chronic and possibly fatal inflammatory condition which affects the lungs. It can be caused due to the exposure of asbestos. Asbestosis may cause long-term lung damage, an increased risk of serious lung infections, as well as heart failure.