1. Why Should I Care?
If you're one of those individuals struck with a rare form of cancer called mesothelioma, your doctor may not have all the answers. However, experts are working on a few magic pills to extend your life beyond the current life expectancy of a year and a half. Mesothelioma occurs when the protective lining surrounding your internal organs gets damaged and the cells therein multiply uncontrollably. damaging tissues and organs. Most often, mesothelioma originates in the layers (called pleura) surrounding the lungs and heart as well as the peritoneum lining the abdominal organs.
2. Men Carry a Greater Risk
More men than women are at risk of getting mesothelioma. In fact, more than three quarters of all cases involve folks engaged in jobs involving asbestos. In other words, if you or your friends and relatives are exposed to asbestos at work or at home, for e.g., cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation, there is a risk of inhaling asbestos particles. Aside from mesothelioma, you also run the risk of cancers of the lung, larynx and kidney.
3. Early Detection to Increase Mesothelioma Life Expectancy
Should you or your loved ones show any of the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma, do not hesitate to pay a visit to your family physician. Watch out for any shortness of breath and pain in the chest. These might be related to fluid accumulation in the pleura. But if you lose weight or suffer from abdominal pain or swelling, suspect fluid buildup due to peritoneal mesothelioma. You might also have problems related to bowels, blood clotting, anemia and fever. And if you also suffer from pain and trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face, the disease has reached an advanced stage. Your doctor might perform specialized tests such as x-rays, CT, MRI, biopsy, and others if indeed, it is mesothelioma.
4. How Good is the Medicine?
If your lungs are really damaged, they may have to be surgically removed. Radiation and chemotherapy are other options available. The doctor might remove fluid from the chest and abdomen as well as inject medicines to prevent further buildup. This could help reduce the painful symptoms. To extend life expectancy in mesothelioma, the American Society of Clinical Oncology suggests combining new drugs such as pemetrexed with cisplatin, with good results. Another promising drug, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (vorinostat, [SAHA]) may reduce the growth of mesothelioma cells.
5. Prevent Exposure to Increase Life Expectancy
It takes 20 to 30 years of asbestos exposure before the first signs and symptoms of mesothelioma appear. You should, therefore, have enough time to avoid inhaling this toxic mineral, if you can. You should use respirators and masks in hazardous environments.
