The Basics of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is named for the areas of the body affected by this disease. This type of cancer invades the mesothelial lining of different organs, often starting in the lungs, the stomach, or the heart. Nearly all cases of mesothelioma arise as a direct result of exposure to asbestos, which is a construction material not widely utilized anymore, due to the widely understood hazards associated with it. Asbestos is a cheap, fire retardant, insulating material that’s extremely useful in practical situations, but it contains millions of tiny, jagged fibers that can wreak havoc in your body if inhaled or swallowed.
These tiny fibers can lodge themselves in the lining around your organs, eventually triggering inflammation and the development of cancerous cells. Once manifested, mesothelioma can quickly spread and take over different areas of your body, ultimately multiplying its negative impact.
The Factors That Make Mesothelioma Deadly
So why is mesothelioma so deadly?
- Growth. Part of the problem is how quickly mesothelioma can grow once it reaches a certain threshold. You might first notice relatively mild symptoms, like coughing or general, mild fatigue. But over the course of months, these symptoms can grow worse at an alarming rate, eventually debilitating you and compromising the functionality of some of your most important organs.
- Spreading. Mesothelioma is also notorious for spreading throughout the body. In the earliest stages of development, mesothelioma tends to stick to the original mesothelial lining where asbestos lodged itself. But at a certain point, the cancer starts multiplying quickly and spreading throughout other areas of the body. In a matter of months, and sometimes years, it can take over multiple organ systems.
- Lack of treatability. Many types of cancer are manageable because there are so many available treatment methods for dealing with them. However, there aren’t as many viable methods of treatment for mesothelioma. Many traditional forms of treatment, like surgery, present too many risks, and others simply aren’t effective at dealing with this disease. With minimally viable treatment methods, the cancer is often left to take its course.
- Latency period. It doesn’t help that mesothelioma has a very long latency period. People sometimes develop mesothelioma over the course of decades without ever recognizing that the disease is taking hold. Early spotting and treatment are critical to combat most forms of cancer, and with mesothelioma, this early recognition is extremely difficult. By the time people learn that they have mesothelioma, certain treatment methods may already be unavailable.
- Complicating health issues. Lung health is a complicated topic, and one that’s not so easily reduced. If a patient has any complicating issues with organs affected by mesothelioma, their options become even narrower.
Optimism for Mesothelioma Treatment
Despite the deadliness of this disease, there is some optimism for mesothelioma treatment. While nearly all cases of mesothelioma are fatal, pursuing effective treatment can delay the process and help you live in good health for as long as possible.
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos, these strategies can put you in a much better situation:
- Assess your risk of exposure. First, recognize if and when you were exposed to asbestos. Depending on the nature of your exposure, you may have recourse available to you.
- Act early and quickly. Don’t wait until your symptoms become so severe that they’re unmanageable. Instead, it’s important to act quickly and seek screening if you notice any mesothelioma symptoms.
- Find a dedicated specialist. Mesothelioma is a rare and somewhat poorly understood type of cancer, so it’s important to work with someone who is well versed in it. Try to find a mesothelioma specialist for your diagnosis and treatment.
- Consider experimental alternatives. Researchers are always looking for promising treatments for mesothelioma and other rare, deadly cancers. Traditional treatment methods aren’t always available. Accordingly, you may be interested in experimental alternatives, which might prolong your lifespan and advance scientific research at the same time.
- Take good care of yourself. Prioritize your own health and wellness during this process. Stay active, stay social, eat healthy, and try to relax.
Mesothelioma, and cancer in general, is not a fun topic of discussion. However, the more awareness we can raise about the deadliness and impact of this disease, the more we’ll be able to learn, and the better we’ll be able to treat people who develop it.
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.
