An Overview on Mesothelioma

By Harold Hisona  |   Submitted On June 15, 2010

  

Mesothelioma is just another form of cancer in the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos. It is called "mesothelioma" because the cancer cells caused by asbestos fumes greatly damaged the outer linings of the lungs called "mesothelium". These fibers were acquired through breathing and were suspended in the tiny openings in the lungs or stick in mucous membranes.

Medical statistics show that 95% of the people working under asbestos environment, such as factories that manufacture or use asbestos, are afflicted with mesothelioma cancer. However, there were cases wherein people have developed mesothelioma cancer even if their previous occupation was under asbestos-free environment. The results of the diagnosis pointed back to asbestos being the primary cause as there were fumes found in mesothelium, the outer linings of the lungs. It could be that one of their relatives or family members was exposed to asbestos; the fumes could have stuck in the clothes and were brought home.

But what makes mesothelioma worse is that it is very difficult to diagnose due to the following reasons:

First of all, mesothelioma symptoms can never be detected for 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. This simply means that once symptoms start to show, the cancer may already be in its full or advanced stage. And second, even if the symptoms show up early, diagnoses will still lead to other results as there will be other diseases in the body that will conceal the true symptoms of mesothelioma cancer. More often than not, mesothelioma is the last result doctors can find after the patients reveal being exposed to asbestos in the past.

As mentioned earlier, mesothelioma symptoms may appear when the cancer is in its advanced stage. Therefore, the success of mesothelioma treatments is dependent on what stage it is found. That is why most of mesothelioma treatments are often labeled as "unsuccessful".

Studies show that if the cancer is discovered at its earlier stages, either stage 1 or stage 2, mesothelioma treatments may be successful in prolonging the life of the patient for not more than five (5) years. These treatments include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and even surgery.

Although there are conventional and natural treatments which can be used, the result will just lead to the decrease of the size of mesothelioma in the patient. But still, these kinds of treatments will not absolutely cure mesothelioma patients.

So, the question is, Are there mesothelioma survivors?

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