Malignant mesothelioma, which is a rare form of mesothelioma, is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that has been widely used for many years in the construction industry. However, the dangers of asbestos exposure were discovered more than 70 years ago, and the deadly disease it causes was soon called “asbestos cancer”. Since this time, medical research has attempted to find other causes of mesothelioma besides exposure to asbestos. Although many different causes of mesothelioma have been discovered, none of them are entirely understood.
Malignant mesothelioma causes are mostly due to asbestos exposure, and the disease has a ten year survival rate. It is also curable, with the cancer usually clearing up within a few months of diagnosis. The most common cause of malignant mesothelioma remains asbestos exposure, and the majority of those diagnosed with the disease are people who worked directly with the mineral fibers or spent their entire lives working around the mineral. Secondhand asbestos exposure is another major cause of malignant mesothelioma, and people who had worked in old buildings with asbestos insulation face a significantly increased risk of developing the disease.
Other causes of mesothelioma include exposure to chemicals like benzene and perchlorate, as well as infections and genetics. People who have genetic mutations that make them more susceptible to developing the disease are much more likely to be affected. Exposure to asbestos fibers also increases the risk of developing the disease, as do changes in diet. People who had an increased risk of developing mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos fibers are more likely to develop the disease after years of continuous asbestos exposure. Environmental factors may contribute to developing the disease as well, such as cigarette smoke, certain foods, and chemicals in household cleaners.
Mesothelioma causes can vary widely, so the chances of a person developing the disease can change as well. A person who has had their diagnosis based on clinical symptoms alone, without a diagnosis of advanced stage mesothelioma, faces a much greater chance of recovery. However, even a person who is diagnosed with Stage I should receive a final diagnosis by a doctor in order to determine if the disease has progressed to Stage III. The doctor will conduct a number of tests and scans in order to confirm a diagnosis and finalize treatment options. The following is a free mesothelioma guide that can help you understand the symptoms of the disease and the different risk factors that you and your family can face.
Mesothelioma causes are largely due to exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos fibers naturally occur naturally within the mesothelium, which is the protective lining of most of our bodies. Unfortunately, asbestos fibers can become airborne and enter the air, causing people to become exposed to them. The presence of these fibers within the mesothelium indicates that a person has been exposed to asbestos, but not necessarily that they have developed cancer as a result.
Some people who suffer from this disease experience no symptoms at all, while others suffer from serious, debilitating symptoms that limit their daily activities and lead to a loss of independence. Early detection of this disease allows the patient to focus their treatment on combating the symptoms, which often improve over time. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and palliative procedures to alleviate symptoms, depending on mesothelioma causes.