Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. Frustratingly, it was not identified until the mid 1950s, after asbestos had been used in everything from the construction to shipping industries since the Industrial Revolution. This means that many people endured asbestos exposure without knowing of the risks. Sadly, life expectancy with mesothelioma is not very high.
One issue with asbestos is that it is a very useful material despite its dangers. Asbestos can resist heat, flame, chemicals, and electricity, and it is very flexible yet strong. Thus, it is easily added to many different items in order to provide insulation and longevity. However, asbestos can flake off into microscopic particles, which you can inhale without realizing it. Once in your lungs, your body is unable to break down the asbestos and remove it, so it can remain lodged in your tissues for years.
Over time, the mutating effects of the asbestos can cause tiny tumors in your body. Mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the heart, lungs, abdomen, and even the testes, and tumors in these areas can be difficult to detect. Mesothelioma in the lungs, or pleural mesothelioma, is the most common type, so doctors often have better tools for detecting this type of cancer.
Typically, the earlier that doctors detect your cancer, the better your life expectancy. Sadly, though, this form of cancer can lay dormant for decades after asbestos exposure, which makes it hard for you to expect and seek help for any symptoms. Additionally, doctors have yet to develop very specific treatment plans for this condition, which can also hinder your chances of recovery.
Overall, one study that followed mesothelioma patients from 1998 to 2002 found that the five-year survival rate is only about 9% for the combined types of mesothelioma.
If you are worried about asbestos exposure and your potential for developing mesothelioma, you should talk to your doctor immediately about any tests that he or she can use to help you detect cancer. For more information regarding asbestos and mesothelioma, please visit the Mesothelioma Resource Center today.
One issue with asbestos is that it is a very useful material despite its dangers. Asbestos can resist heat, flame, chemicals, and electricity, and it is very flexible yet strong. Thus, it is easily added to many different items in order to provide insulation and longevity. However, asbestos can flake off into microscopic particles, which you can inhale without realizing it. Once in your lungs, your body is unable to break down the asbestos and remove it, so it can remain lodged in your tissues for years.
Over time, the mutating effects of the asbestos can cause tiny tumors in your body. Mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the heart, lungs, abdomen, and even the testes, and tumors in these areas can be difficult to detect. Mesothelioma in the lungs, or pleural mesothelioma, is the most common type, so doctors often have better tools for detecting this type of cancer.
Typically, the earlier that doctors detect your cancer, the better your life expectancy. Sadly, though, this form of cancer can lay dormant for decades after asbestos exposure, which makes it hard for you to expect and seek help for any symptoms. Additionally, doctors have yet to develop very specific treatment plans for this condition, which can also hinder your chances of recovery.
Overall, one study that followed mesothelioma patients from 1998 to 2002 found that the five-year survival rate is only about 9% for the combined types of mesothelioma.
If you are worried about asbestos exposure and your potential for developing mesothelioma, you should talk to your doctor immediately about any tests that he or she can use to help you detect cancer. For more information regarding asbestos and mesothelioma, please visit the Mesothelioma Resource Center today.
| James Witherspoon Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Witherspoon |
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