Raising Awareness of Mesothelioma
posted by Sarah Calothis |
- Counselling ~ Face to Face - Pain Control -
Over the past several decades, information regarding mesothelioma has been scarce and inconclusive,
making this form of cancer one of the most indefinite and unspecified diseases in modern history. As physicians, scientists and various medical research experts learn more about this fatal disease, we’ve been able to determine that the greatest asset we have in battling the condition is information. Because
mesothelioma carries such a great latency period, the disease is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms are so similar to more common and treatable illnesses.
Presently, as many as 3,000 people will be diagnosed with mesothelioma annually, and that number is only expected to increase in conjunction with the widespread use of asbestos throughout the last
century. There is no definitive cure for mesothelioma, however, that doesn’t mean that something cannot be done to prevent the spread of this cancer. By identifying symptoms early, life expectancy can be increased, ultimately creating a better quality of life for patients and their loved ones.
There are four malignant types of mesothelioma, and one benign type of mesothelioma, which is non-cancerous. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in nearly 75 percent of all cases. This type develops in the pleura, or the lining of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for less than 20 percent of cases, and is found in the peritoneal membrane of the stomach. Pericardial mesothelioma forms in the pericardium, which is the lining of the heart. It accounts for less than 5
percent of cases. Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest form of the disease. It develops in the testicles; however, there have been very few diagnosed cases.
Typically, the symptoms of mesothelioma do not appear for 20 to 50 years after the initial exposure to asbestos. When symptoms do begin surfacing, it can still be difficult to diagnose the disease because symptoms often mimic other diseases, such as asbestosis, asthma, and even the common cold. Additionally, the symptoms experienced will vary according to the type of mesothelioma. Those with pleural mesothelioma often exhibit persistent coughing, chest pains, shortness of breath, fatigue and lumps on the chest, under the skin. Those with peritoneal type may experience abdominal pain, weight loss and nausea, pericardial mesothelioma causes irregular heartbeats, palpitations, breathing difficulties, chest pain and night sweats. Testicular mesothelioma causes lumps on the testicles that may or may not be painful.
After a diagnosis of mesothelioma is confirmed, the next step is to decide the course of treatment. Treatments can include chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. Patients often choose a combination of treatments, as they help to aggressively fight the cancer and increase the patient’s life expectancy. Sufferers of mesothelioma are usually given only one year to live after diagnosis. While the prognosis may seem grim, if detected early, the disease can be fought, and with an aggressive enough treatment the outcome can change. That is why it is imperative that we work to raise awareness of mesothelioma
and its potential danger. If enough people raise their voice, hopefully asbestos can be permanently abolished and families can find respite from the disastrous disease of mesothelioma.
Victor Turner
Director of Communications- An Advocate working for http://www.mesotheliomaprognosis.org/
