Summary by Trevor Taylor
1. What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that attacks the mesothelium membrane, and is caused by earlier exposure to asbestos particles. Typically, mesothelioma will begin in the pleura or peritoneum.
2. How common is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma affects men more so than women and the risk increases with age, but mesothelioma can occur in either sex and at any age.
3. What are the causes of mesothelioma?
Exposure to certain chemicals and radiation has also been linked to mesothelioma, and a small number of mesotheliomas have been linked to a type of radiation called thorium dioxide(thorotast). There is no evidence linking mesotheliomas with cigarette smoking
The diagnosis of mesothelioma will require a review of the patient's medical history, including past history of asbestos exposure.
5. Can mesothelioma be treated?
Treatment for mesothelioma varies depending on the location of the cancer, to what extent the mesothelioma has developed, and the patient's age and general condition. The options for mesothelioma treatment include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
6. Is there a cure for mesothelioma?
7. Are there new treatments available for mesothelioma?
The National Cancer Institute is currently sponsoring clinical trials in an effort to discover new treatments for mesothelioma along with improvement of the way current mesothelioma treatments are implemented. Before any new mesothelioma treatment can be recommended for general use, extensive clinical trials must be carried out to demonstrate that the mesothelioma treatment is safe for patients and will prove effective against the disease.
8. What is the life expectancy for those diagnosed with mesothelioma?
9. What is asbestosis?
Asbestosis is a non-cancerous chronic and potentially lethal inflammatory disease affecting the lungs, and is caused by exposure to asbestos.