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Mesothelioma: An Introduction

This article is the first in a series on a devastating disease called Mesothelioma. In future articles we will deal with Mesothelioma's cause; its symptoms; its diagnosis; the stages of development; its treatment and finally, alternative approaches to dealing with deadly illness.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer and like all forms of cancer, knowing is more comforting and useful for the patient's survival than not knowing. And for the loved ones of the patient, having good information about the disease will help them deal with the stress caused by Mesothelioma. So walk along with us as we try to explain what Mesothelioma is and how we (both the patient and those who love him/her) can deal with this reality that is now part of our lives.

Mesothelioma: A definition.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer whose malignant cells are found in the sac lining of the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum). The majority of people with Mesothelioma have a history of jobs that exposed them to asbestos, an insulation material. (The Oncology Encyclopedia ).

The chest cavity, the abdominal cavity and the cavity that surrounds the heart are encased in a membrane or sacs made of specialized cells called mesothelial cells. It is the cells in these sacs that become cancerous from prolonged and repeated exposure to asbestos. It is thought that when the asbestos fibers are inhaled they lodge themselves in the air sacs of the lungs and eventually puncture the lining of the lung and then the lining of the sac around the lung. The byproduct of the irritation this causes to the mesothelial cells is thought to turn them cancerous. If untreated the cancer spreads to other areas of the body.

What Mesothelioma is not, is contagious. You can not contract the disease by contact with someone who has it. You are not born with it. You can not pass it along to your sexual partner or to your children.

Mesothelioma is a disease that is seldom found in children. It is most often found in adults age 50 to 70. More men than women contract the disease (probably because greater exposure to asbestos). And the overall number of people with this cancer is relatively small compared to other types of cancer it does seem to be on the increase.

It is a disease caused by exposure; most notably to asbestos although it may occur due to exposure to certain types of radiation and to certain chemicals. As research continues on the mechanism that causes the mesothelial cells to become cancerous, it is hoped that the research may provide answers as to how other types of exposure caused cancers are created and how they may be treated. And the more complex our world gets the more we are exposed to new toxins, chemicals and irritants that may adversely our health. Maybe the research into Mesothelioma will not only relieve the suffering of those afflicted with this disease, but it may also provide us with new tools to deal with the new exposures.

Mesothelioma: Demographics

Mesothelioma is a fairly rare form of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, there are an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 new cases per year of the disease in the United States, but this figure seems to be rising. This apparent rise in the number of cases may be caused by the fact that house and buildings constructed in the 1940's used a great deal of asbestoses for insulation and fire retardant materials. Because of this many people have had a life long exposure to asbestoses and as the population ages the incidents of Mesothelioma will increase.

One study expects the number of deaths from Mesothelioma to peak around 2020 and then rapidly decline after that. There reason for setting that date is that the use of asbestos as an insulating material was ended in the 1970's. The average age of a person with Mesothelioma is 50 to 70 years of age so as this generation passes the incidents of Mesothelioma will go down because of the lesser exposure.

More Articles to Come

In future articles we will expand on the definition of Mesothelioma; on its causes; its symptoms; its diagnosis; its treatment and how Mesothelioma affects the lives of everyone around the patient.

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