What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the protective lining of the body’s internal organs called the mesothelium. The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. In rarer instances, tumors can form in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum and the lining of the heart called the pericardium.

This disease is most often caused by asbestos exposure. When the naturally occurring mineral is disturbed or broken the fibers float in the air and can be inhaled or swallowed.

Because the symptoms of mesothelioma mimic those of other less serious diseases, many patients don’t seek help from their doctors until the cancer is in its later stages. Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, pain in the chest or rib area, difficulty swallowing, weight loss and fatigue.

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

People who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at the greatest risk for developing mesothelioma. Many shipbuilders, miners, demolitions workers, firefighters, construction workers and military personnel may have been exposed to high levels of asbestos fibers throughout the 20th century; and some risk of exposure remains today in older buildings, ships, factories and mines.

The families of these individuals were also at risk since asbestos can attach to clothing, hair, skin and shoes and be brought into the home.

Preventing Mesothelioma

Since most asbestos exposure occurs while on the job, workers should take every precaution by wearing protective gear whenever asbestos may be present. Any clothing worn while working in the presence of asbestos should not be worn home. When disposing of asbestos, proper removal or containment (abatement) procedures and regulations should be used.

In the home, asbestos exposure usually occurs during renovation projects. When doing renovation work in homes built prior to 1980, always wear proper protective gear. If possible, hire professionals who are experienced in dealing with asbestos to do the renovation and disposal of any materials that may contain asbestos.

Resources for Mesothelioma Patients

Due to mesothelioma being such a rare cancer, affecting 3,000 people annually in the United States, resources aren’t as readily available as other forms of cancer. The following are some resources that are available to individuals affected by an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.

• Mesothelioma Center – Provides free informational literature on the subjects such as books and packets. Patient Advocacy program that works with individuals and their families free of charge to help them find the best mesothelioma doctors, treatment centers and support groups. Additionally provides a comprehensive up to date website with information on all the latest treatments, clinical trials and information about mesothelioma.
• Supportive Care Coalition – This organization focuses on improving palliative care. They work with patients and focus on their spiritual, emotions and physical needs. Mesothelioma patients go through pain from the cancer as well as from the treatment they obtain to fight the cancer such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation and the Supportive Care Coalition helps these individuals manage their pain.
• Air Charity Network – This organization matches people in need with free flights and travel arrangements to specialized mesothelioma treatment facilities. Their service is for all 50 states. They work with individuals that have a medical diagnosis that requires specialized treatment, such as mesothelioma.

Preventing Mesothelioma after Asbestos Exposure

Not everyone who has been exposed to asbestos develops mesothelioma. However, the risk of developing the disease is greatly increased after repeated, heavy exposure to asbestos. Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos should monitor their health regularly with physical or radiological exams.

People who have been exposed to asbestos should not smoke because studies have shown that smoking greatly increases the chances for developing lung cancer.