Posts Tagged ‘exposure to asbestos’

As with any condition of health or disease, researchers have mesothelioma, over time, compiled statistical information on mesothelioma. These statistics can help us learn about the inclinations of the disease and its incidence and potentially help future patients as we learn more about mesothelioma.

The Incidence Of Diagnosis
The new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed between 2,500 and 3,000 Americans each year. These numbers, though significant, indicating that mesothelioma is still a relatively rare disease, although the incidence is expected to increase over the next decade, according to projections.

Age At Diagnosis
The first diagnosis of mesothelioma usually occurs in men and women between the ages of 50 and 70. mesothelioma patients undoubtedly have been diagnosed in children ages 50 and older than 70 years, but the diagnosis of the age groups are considered statistical anomalies.

Mesothelioma Occur In A Particular Sex Or Racial Demographic Over Another?
Mesothelioma is more common in men than in women, mainly due to occupational exposure to asbestos is most common among men in industrial work sites. This does not mean, however, that women can not be diagnosed with mesothelioma. In fact, recent evidence suggests that the incidence of mesothelioma in women could increase in coming years as the secondary asbestos exposure can take the form of a positive diagnosis of mesothelioma. Also of note is that mesothelioma is much less common among African Americans than white Americans, the reasons that researchers are still investigating.

What Are The Typical Rates Of Patient Survival After A Diagnosis Of Mesothelioma?
As mesothelioma is often diagnosed in its advanced stages, the prognosis for mesothelioma is sometimes poor, with life expectancy is little more than a year after diagnosis. If diagnosed early, however, the patient’s prognosis will increase dramatically. survival rates of patients are often dependent on the treatments available for the patient. In the early stages mesothelioma tumors eligible for mesothelioma surgery and lead to improved prognosis in those diagnosed with mesothelioma stage 3 or stage 4 of mesothelioma. As the new mesothelioma treatments and alternatives are investigated and used in the future is unrealistic to expect an improvement in survival rates of patients.

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer diagnosed in about 3,000 people a year. The disease usually affects the thin membrane that lines the chest cavity (thorax) and lungs. This membrane is called the pleura. It can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum and, rarely, it affects the lining of the heart called the pericardium.

In most cases the malignant mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, a natural mineral used in various industries. A small percentage of cases have been linked to exposure to mineral silicate called zeolite or a type of radiographic contrast dye, Thorotrast, used before 1960 to make the blood vessels can be visualized on radiographs. In a few cases, no known cause of malignant mesothelioma.

People exposed to asbestos for a long time or exposed to high levels of asbestos have a higher risk of developing malignant mesothelioma, but even those exposed for a short time can develop this disease, which appears at least 15 years (usually 20 to 40 years) after exposure to asbestos. Usually the disease is diagnosed between 50 and 70. Men are more likely than women to suffer, because it is more likely that they have worked in industries using asbestos.

There are three main types of malignant mesothelioma: epithelial, sarcomatoid and mixed. The epithelial type is the most common.

Many people with malignant mesothelioma have worked or lived in places where they inhaled or swallowed asbestos. After exposure to asbestos, it usually takes a long time until malignant mesothelioma to occur. Other risk factors for malignant mesothelioma include:

* Living with a person who works near asbestos.
* Being exposed to certain viruses.

Signs that may indicate that there are malignant mesothelioma include shortness of breath and pain under the rib cage.

Sometimes the cancer causes fluid to collect around the lung or abdomen. These symptoms may be caused by the fluid or malignant mesothelioma. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. Call your doctor if any of the following problems:

* Trouble breathing.

* Pain below the rib cage.
* Pain or swelling in the abdomen.
* Lumps in the abdomen.
Weight loss for no known reason.To detect (find) and diagnose malignant mesothelioma tests are used to examine the inside of the chest and abdomen.

In some instances it is difficult to differentiate between malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer. You can use the following tests and procedures:

* Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. The register should include the history of health habits, exposure to asbestos, the diseases and previous treatment of the patient.

* X-ray: a ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An X-ray is a type of energy beam that can penetrate the body and onto film, which makes pictures of areas inside the body.