There are many important factors to consider when someone is first diagnosed with the asbestos causing illness, mesothelioma. Although there is not a cure for the disease yet, there are several steps that those with mesothelioma can take to ensure that they are taken getting the best treatment possible.

Communicating With Your Doctor

Having an open line of communication with your doctor is vital when you’re dealing with a serious disease such as mesothelioma. The health care physician who diagnosed the illness will be able to answer any questions and concerns regarding treatment and the other life issues patients must face.

Understanding Your Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a complex disease and can develop in various forms.

There are three types of mesothelioma that can occur as the result of asbestos exposure, the three groups are:

·    Pleural mesothelioma- This type of cancer affects the lining of the lung
·    Pericardial mesothelioma- A cancer that causes the lining surrounding the heart
·    Sub-types of mesothelioma- This third group can be broken down into three additional groups:
-    Epithelioid is the most common of the sub-types and is most likely to react positively to treatment
-    Sarcomatous is the more aggressive of the sub-types
-    Biphasic is a combination of the above two forms of mesothelioma

Treatment Options

Those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma by their physician are typically referred to an oncologist for further treatment. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of your mesothelioma and what stage you are currently in.

Treatment options include:

·    Surgery
·    Chemotherapy
·    Clinical trials
·    Photodynamic therapy
·    Gene therapy

Mesothelioma, which is caused by exposure to asbestos, is often something that is contracted for many Americans while in the workplace.

Since an estimated 5,000 products contain asbestos, most of us have at one point been exposed to substance in small quantities. However, for those routinely handling asbestos, developing mesothelioma is a very realistic consequence.

Many occupations put workers at risk due to being exposed to asbestos. Some of the more common risky professions include:

·    Construction Work
·    Miners
·    Auto Mechanics
·    Roofers
·    Factory Workers
·    Electricians
·    Railroad Workers

Asbestos fibers can be so toxic that families of worker’s in these professions are also at risk since the particles can often cling to clothing, shoes, skin and hair.

This second hand exposure is known as Para occupational exposure.

There are several types of materials that contain asbestos, however these are a few of the more commonly used products:

·    Cement Pipes
·    Decorative Plaster
·    Packing Materials
·    Boiler Insulation
·    Heating and Electrical Ducts
·    Electrical Cloth
·    Roofing Shingles
·    Fire Doors
·    Adhesives

Though asbestos was banned in the mid 1970’s, the risk from exposure is still very much prevalent today due to its long latency.

Most people, who have been harmed by asbestos and are developing mesothelioma, usually don’t realize until 15-50 years after their initial exposure.

Mesothelioma has been plaguing the country for decades with several people being exposed to asbestos daily. Although so many are affected by these harmful fibers, there are still facts and statistics about mesothelioma and its affects that many Americans aren’t aware of.
By being educated on the disease, its causes, and the proper treatments available, you may prevent yourself and others from becoming a victim of mesothelioma.

How Many Americans Will Develop Mesothelioma?

According to research, close to 8 million Americans have already been exposed to asbestos.

2,500-4,000 people living in the United States have already been diagnosed with mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos exposure is not only a problem in the United States but has been an ongoing issue worldwide throughout the years.

When Can Mesothelioma Be Detected?

Mesothelioma can develop anywhere between 15-50 years of the initial exposure.

Therefore, most victims die within 18 months due to the fact that once the disease is detected; the cancer has already spread throughout the body.

Are There Variables That Enhance the Illness?

Although there is nothing found that will actually increase the rate of the cancer or cause the case to be worsened, there are some variables that don’t add positive contribution to those living with the disease. Some variables include:
·    Old age
·    Heart problems
·    Nonepithelial histology

Mesothelioma is a potentially deadly disease that takes on various forms and often can’t be detected until several years after initial exposure.

One of the more rare forms of mesothelioma is known as pericardial mesothelioma.

About five percent of those suffering from this illness are living with pericardial mesothelioma.

This form of the disease affects the lining surrounding the heart and as with all cases of mesothelioma, can be deadly if not treated within its early stages.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Asbestos exposure is the main reason people develop pericardial mesothelioma. Inhaling asbestos dust and fibers can affect your health in the future and ultimately lead to the development of illnesses such as mesothelioma.

Only a couple of months of exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to pericardial mesothelioma 30 to 50 years later.

Who Is At Risk?

The majority of those suffering from mesothelioma are older men between the ages of 60 and 70.

Elderly men are typically associated with the disease because their generation was most exposed to asbestos through work, before the risks of the substance were known.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma can be detected through a variety of symptoms including:
·    Persistent coughing
·    Shortness of breath
·    Chest pain
·    Loss of appetite
·    Weight loss

Finding a Cure

Although a cure for pericardial mesothlioma has not been found, scientists and pharmaceutical are working together to fight this illness.