Aside from patients and families, there
are many of us who search for mesothelioma information and have
questions we would like answered. Here are 10 of the most often
asked questions with answers for those seeking mesothelioma
information.
What is the mesothelium?
The mesothelium is a membrane that
completely covers and protects each of the internal organs of
the body. This membrane is made up of two layers of cells, one
layer surrounds the organ while the other forms a sac around it.
The mesothelium produces lubricating fluid which is released
between these layers, allowing the moving organs such as the
heart and lungs to glide easily against adjacent surfaces.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that
attacks the mesothelium membrane, and is caused by earlier
exposure to asbestos particles. When mesothelioma strikes, cells
of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control,
and malignant cells develop in the mesothelium which can
metastasize from their original site to invade and damage nearby
tissues and organs within the body. Typically, mesothelioma will
begin in the pleura or peritoneum.. the abdominal cavity or
lungs.
How common is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of
cancer, even though reported incidence figures show a steady
increase over the past 20 years or so. Each year approximately
2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United
States alone. Mesothelioma affects men more so than women and
the risk increases with age, but mesothelioma can occur in
either sex and at any age.
What are the causes of
mesothelioma?
At least 90% of mesotheliomas can be
linked to exposure to asbestos, although usually the exposure
will have taken place many years before the cancer becomes
apparent. It is known that even very low levels of exposure to
asbestos can lead to the development of mesothelioma, so it is
possible that some patients may not have had any known contact
with asbestos but may still have breathed in asbestos fibres
without realizing it. Exposure to certain chemicals and
radiation has also been linked to mesothelioma, and a small
number of mesotheliomas have been linked to a type of radiation
called thorium dioxide(thorotast). This was used in some x-rays
up until the 1950's. There is no evidence linking mesotheliomas
with cigarette smoking
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
The symptoms of mesothelioma are often
difficult to diagnose being very similar to the symptoms
displayed in other conditions including asbestosis. The
diagnosis of mesothelioma will require a review of the patient's
medical history, including past history of asbestos exposure. A
complete physical examination will be performed and x-rays of
the chest and abdomen obtained. A CT scan or MRI may also prove
useful in the diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Can mesothelioma be treated?
Treatment for mesothelioma varies
depending on the location of the cancer, to what extent the
mesothelioma has developed, and the patient's age and general
condition. The options for mesothelioma treatment include
surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Is there a cure for mesothelioma?
The only treatment offering any hope of a
cure for mesothelioma is an operation to remove the tumour
surgically. Unfortunately because mesothelioma is so difficult
to diagnose, it is often too far advanced for surgery to be
carried out safely.
Are there new treatments available
for mesothelioma?
The National Cancer Institute is currently
sponsoring clinical trials in an effort to discover new
treatments for mesothelioma along with improvement of the way
current mesothelioma treatments are implemented. Before any new
mesothelioma treatment can be recommended for general use,
extensive clinical trials must be carried out to demonstrate
that the mesothelioma treatment is safe for patients and will
prove effective against the disease. Participation in these
clinical trials can be an important treatment option for many
patients suffering from the effects of mesothelioma.
What is the life expectancy for
those diagnosed with mesothelioma?
The life expectancy for patients diagnosed
with mesothelioma will vary depending on the type of cancer,
where the tumor is, how far it has spread and the age and
general health of the patient. Studies show average survival
periods of between 8 and 14 months but it is not uncommon for
patients to live for a few years following diagnosis of the
condition.
So what is asbestosis?
Asbestosis is a non-cancerous chronic and
potentially lethal inflammatory disease affecting the lungs, and
is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestosis can cause
permanent lung damage, increased risk of dangerous lung
infections, and heart failure.
So those are the most often asked
questions by those seeking mesothelioma information, and it is
hoped the above answers have enlightened you.
Trevor Taylor
