Mesothelioma Cancer Facts
An interesting fact regarding the cases of Mesothelioma cancer in the United States is that according to Medicinenet.com, the number of cases on a per annum basis remains stable, this is not true of cases in Europe which has shown an increase over the years. The aforementioned quoted scource provides that this stability is arguably due to the various restrictions that have been imposed within the United States and with specific reference to the workplace, as regulated within the control of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States. However considering that Pass, Metula & Vento provide that between two and three thousand people, in the US, are diagnosed with Mesothelioma cancer per year (p. 2 2009); it certainly is a disease that affects many.
We will aim to answer some of the most common questions surrounding Mesothelioma cancer on this page – the information naturally extends beyond these brief points and can be viewed by clicking on the read more link below each point. Please bear in mind that all information contained on this site is not intended to substitute for any medical, legal or specialist advice of any nature in any form whatsoever; it is strongly recommended that an experienced professional be consulted for the right advice, treatment and guidance whichever the case may be. Additionally many areas of the site are being updated and/or redone, so please bear with us.
What is Mesothelioma Exactly?
In short, Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, although considered rare it is often times only diagnosed when it is already at an advanced stage. In terms of the anatomy, this form of cancer primarily affects the outer lining of the lungs, the abdomiinal cavity lining, the sac surrounding the heart known as the pericardium and even the sac surrounding the testis, known as the tunica vaginalis.
How Do You Contract Mesothelioma?
The primary culprit behind this disease is said to be asbestos, and exposure to this fibrous material, both directly and indirectly. This can occur within a workplace environment where the material is being mined, processed or utilized within the manufacture of other products, and even indirectly such as that of the family members of someone who may be in direct contact with the asbestos.
The risk of contracting the disease increases with the amount of exposure to asbestos one may have had; common industries that have historically shown an increased risk due to the so called occupational exposure to asbestos include factory & construction workers, ship builders, brake repair workers, manufacturers and installers of insulation and of course the miners involved within the extraction of asbestos (Pass et al 2009).
Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment Options
Research continues in ways of treating mesothelioma cancer to this day, and it is not uncommon to see a combination of new approaches and traditional methods of treating the disease. The traditional methods include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy; with some of the newer approaches including the alternative healing methods, clinical trials and more. The important issue here is that one needs to consider all options, and more so from an educated perspective.
More Resources
- Types of Mesothelioma
- Mesothelioma Diagnosis
- Deciding on Treatment, Side Effects and Coping with the Disease
References
- MedicineNet.com. (Online) Mesothelioma. http://www.medicinenet.com/mesothelioma/article.htm
- Pass, H. I., Metula, A., & Vento, S. (2009). 100 Questions and Answers about Mesothelioma. Jones & Bartlett Publishers, Incorporated.