Mesothelioma & Asbestosis

Mesothelioma is a cancer which is becoming more common place. Perhaps more accurately it is now being diagnosed more frequently and often resulting from exposure to Asbestos maybe 20, 30, 40 or more years ago.

The effects can remain undetected for years and consequently the 'most at risk' categories are probably men in their 60's or 70's who worked with or in the presence of asbestos many years ago.

Because of the lack of protection and regulations in those days, these workers were constantly exposed to the dust and fibres from the asbestos, which caused the cells of the mesothelium to become abnormal. However, because the disease takes decades to develop fully and manifest, many of them were oblivious to this until thirty to fifty years later. It is these men who are now lodging multi-million dollar lawsuits against the unscrupulous companies that exposed them to the dangers of asbestos, even though they were aware that it could cause harm to the employees.

There are also other people at risk from the disease; namely those who have had regular contact with a person who has worked with asbestos. Because these workers regularly carried dust and fibres on their clothes, skin and in their hair, they fibres and dust could be ingested by family members, who were then at risk of developing mesothelioma, respiratory problems or another asbestos related disease.

In simple terms our internal organs are protected, covered or lined with the mesothelium (the cells are referred to as the mesothelial cells). Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which is usually presented in a fibre form. Exposure to these fibres, without suitable protective clothing and breathing equipment, leads to ingestion of the fibres. Old asbestos 'installations' maybe surrounded by accumulated asbestos dust which also a severe hazard.

Types of Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma - the most frequently diagnosed form of this disease and effects the lungs, breathing etc.

Peritoneal mesothelioma - less frequently occurring and is typically found in the stomach, abdomen and bowels.

Pericardial mesothelioma, - much less frequently diagnosed and directly affects the heart.

Many of the symptoms are similar - in the earlier stages at least - to other more common and less dangerous illnesses. If you have any cause to believe you have been exposed to asbestos then - see your doctor and discuss your concerns. The symptoms and the latency period of this disease mean that it is difficult to diagnose. Treatment for mesothelioma is still being investigated through clinical trials and research, but as a rule it responds poorly to the treatments that are currently used.

Although there are treatments for mesothelioma, they do not have a high success rate particularly on patients in whom the cancer is in its later stages. The faster the mesothelioma is diagnosed and treated, the more chance of success, which is why it is important to get as fast a diagnosis as possible.
Current treatments for mesothelioma include surgery, radiation therapy, palliative therapy and chemotherapy. The National Institute of Cancer along with a variety of other organizations and sponsors are currently conducting research into mesothelioma and carrying out clinical trials to try and find a treatment that will not only be more effective but will enable the successful treatment of the disease even in its later stages.