Mesothelioma is a rare, deadly form of cancer. Other forms of cancer may respond to treatment and provide victims with a full recovery. Sadly, there is no cure for mesothelioma, and victims usually die within six months of their diagnosis. Many are unfamiliar with this form of cancer because cases have only recently surfaced. Those who are diagnosed with this deadly disease were likely exposed to toxic chemicals within the past fifty years. This disease progresses very slowly. There are about 3,000 new cases in the United States each year. Most of these victims are elderly. Nonetheless, younger adults are not exempt from mesothelioma.

Cause of Mesothelioma: Asbestos

Older individuals are mainly affected by mesothelioma because they worked in companies that exposed them to asbestos. Asbestos is a toxic fiber that was used in many industries. In the early 70’s to mid 80’s, those who worked in automotive factories, mines, shipbuilding industries, and engineering companies were likely exposed to this deadly fiber. Asbestos is not easily detected. The fibers do not contain a smell, yet when inhaled they can potential eat away at the lining of the stomach and lungs. Sadly, many of these workers unknowingly placed their families in grave danger. Asbestos can linger on the body. Thus, after hours of exposure, these workers entered their homes with asbestos fibers on their clothes and hair. Similar to tobacco use, second-hand asbestos exposure can potentially cause cancer.

Pleural and Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Victims of this deadly disease suffer from one of the two types of mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma is cancer that attacks the lining of the abdomen. This sort of cancer only accounts for approximately ten percent of all cases of mesothelioma. Diagnosis for peritoneal mesothelioma is rarely immediate. The symptoms of this disease closely resemble the symptoms of less serious stomach conditions. In fact, physicians may screen for a variety of conditions before even suspecting mesothelioma. Symptoms of this condition include abdominal pains, weight loss, nausea, bowel obstruction, and abdominal swelling.

Pleural mesothelioma is more common. This illness attributes to 90% of all mesothelioma cases. Pleural attacks the lining of the lungs. Symptoms of this condition include a persistent cough, difficulty swallowing, weight loss, fever, and difficulty breathing. Similar to peritoneal, pleural mesothelioma is rarely detected early. Some doctors are unfamiliar with mesothelioma and its symptoms. Compared to other forms of cancer, mesothelioma is new; thus many physicians have not received much information on the condition. Unfortunately, even when mesothelioma is diagnosed, little can be done to cure the patient. This form of cancer has a long latency period. By the time a victim begins to show symptoms, the disease has progressed passed the point of curing. However, the sooner this cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances are for prolonging life. Thus, it is vital for individuals who were likely exposed to asbestos to inform their physicians.

Diagnosis

Tissue biopsy is the only way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. This procedure involves removing tissue cells, and examining them for the presence of cancer. A biopsy is usually the final procedure. Prior to a biopsy, doctors will likely order a CAT scan or MRI to get an imaging of the problem area. These tests will generally produce a diagnosis, or indicate that further tests need to be conducted. When mesothelioma is confirmed, patients will need to immediately consult an oncologist to begin treatment.

Treatment Options

Mesothelioma victims have three treatment options available to them. Chemotherapy, which is a well-known treatment of cancer, is intended to kill cancerous cells and shrink tumors. Doctors will administer the drug using a needle. The drug enters the body through a vein, and then travels through the blood stream. Chemotherapy is very effective with treating cancer patients; however this drug has serious side effects. Large dosages of chemotherapy may cause hair loss, fatigue, and nausea. Surgery is another effective treatment option. The purpose of a surgical procedure is to remove parts of the stomach or lung that contains cancerous cells. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays to kills cancer cells and shrinks tumors. The goal behind any treatment option for cancer is to stop the spread of cancerous cells. If affected cells are not removed, they can multiply and spread to other parts of the body.

Mesothelioma Support Groups

Mesothelioma support groups are ideal for victims. The diagnosis of any disease can be a time of intense emotions. Those who must endure this trial find comfort in friends and family. Although family and friends are able to sympathize with a victim’s pain, they cannot empathize. Support groups are great because they allow the communication with others who are undergoing similar circumstances. Physicians will generally supply group information to new patients. The purpose of these groups is to help victims understand their condition, treatment options, and resources available such as financial support. Victims can choose between group counseling, and private counseling sessions.

The unfortunate part about mesothelioma is that it could have been prevented. Companies that used asbestos products were aware that this fiber was toxic. Instead of using alternative products, they knowingly put the lives of millions of people at risk. It wasn’t until asbestos was banned that workers became aware of the toxic fiber. However, it was too late. Mesothelioma is a very random illness. There are individuals who were exposed to large amounts of asbestos, and never develop cancer. On the other hand, a person with second-hand exposure such as the wife or child of a factory worker may develop the illness and die within months.

Mesothelioma Compensation

Employees of companies that used asbestos products are entitled to compensation if they develop mesothelioma. In most states, the average compensation is between $250,000 and $2 million. Victims of mesothelioma should consult a lawyer who specializes in handling mesothelioma cases. These lawyers are knowledgeable about victim’s rights and they generally have proven tactics to get a victim the highest compensation due. Those with mesothelioma should not be hesitant to consult an attorney. For these particular cases, lawyers are not paid until the victim receives a settlement. Mesothelioma victims should not delay in filing a suit. Each state has a statue of limitation for filing a case against a corporation. Generally, victims have up to two years from the time of their diagnosis to receive compensation.