Asbestos Cancer – Dealing with Asbestos Cancer

Mesothelioma or asbestos cancer as it is more popularly known is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells found in the lining of the lungs, heart, abdomen and testicles. The most common form is Pleural Mesothelioma which develops in the pleura, the thin lining that covers the lungs. Mesothelioma life expectancy is not all good news. Most experts have recorded a one-year and five-year survival rates.

Causes and risk factors

Mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by exposure to airborne asbestos, hence the name asbestos cancer. In the beginning of the twentieth century asbestos was commonly used in various industrial materials. It’s insulating and heat resisting properties made it ideal for engines, shingles, floor tiles, ironing boards, electric blankets, gaskets and many more.

Workers in commercial facilities that utilized asbestos are the most likely victims of Mesothelioma. The chances of getting asbestos cancer depend on the amount and length of exposure to asbestos. This is aggravated by factors like an unhealthy lifestyle and exposure to other carcinogenics, the most significant risk factor is cigarette smoking.

Signs and symptoms

The list of symptoms for asbestos cancer is general. This includes difficulty breathing, chest pain, relentless coughing, bloody phlegm, weight loss, fever, insomnia and weakness or unexplained fatigue. The commonality of these symptoms makes them easy to overlook and is often misdiagnosed as influenza or as other types of respiratory illnesses.

Diagnosis and prognosis

Asbestos cancer is usually diagnosed in the middle or late stages of its development. This is because of its long latency period, which means that the symptoms manifest itself after a long time. In this case the symptoms become apparent 20 – 45 years after the individual’s first exposure to asbestos. A definitive diagnosis is made after a battery of tests that involve CT scan, X-ray, PET scan and biopsy.

Mesothelioma life expectancy is one year. This is explained by the fact that mesothelioma is often discovered in its late or advanced stages.

Treatment and management

A multimodal treatment plan is the best option for Mesothelioma patients. This means the cancer is treated through the combination of various avenues, namely chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. An aggressive enough plan will improve a patient’s quality of life and increase his or her survival rate.

Early detection is key in prolonging a Mesothelioma patient’s life expectancy. Asbestos exposure and associated symptoms should be immediately reported to a personal physician. There is no current cure for Mesothelioma but clinical trials and medical researches which offer new information regarding the disease are under way.

Some experimental treatments include immuno-therapy and gene therapy which work by manipulating the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. Although the trials do not show great promise there is still hope.

Mesothelioma survivors report to have subscribed to alternative treatments in addition to hospital care. These alternative treatments have been found to be concentrated in strengthening a patient’s immune system. A holistic treatment is advisable. A person should be physically, mentally and emotionally prepared to deal with the disease.