What is mesothelioma

What is mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer that is almost always caused by asbestos exposure and is most commonly found in the outer lining of the lungs called the mesothelium. Most people who develop mesothelioma agreement this cancer through breathing in asbestos fibers or being exposed to asbestos dust while at work. In cases where mesothelioma is found in a person without previous occupational exposure is summized that exposure could be derived from asbestos fibers found on clothing of someone in their home who worked in an area where asbestos dust found. There are several reasons that make early mesothelioma diagnosis extremely difficult. The symptoms of mesothelioma can have a latency period of anywhere between 20 to 50 years after initial asbestos contact, which means the time symptoms begin to show, the cancer is already advanced. Once symptoms are present, the diagnosis is still not a quick process. There are a number of diseases that mirror symptoms that are found in mesothelioma patients and therefore mesothelioma is often the last stop - usually before the patient not to mention the possibility of previous exposure to asbestos. The success of treatment for mesothelioma depends on the stage the cancer is discovered. As it appears that most mesothelioma is not discovered until late stages, mesothelioma treatment is often referred to as "success." Studies show that when found at one stage I or II, treatment for mesothelioma - usually with a combination of radiation and chemotherapy - is successfully extending the patient's life for five years at a rate of 74.6% (Wikipedia). There are also alternative forms of treatment that can be used in combination with conventional treatments, which indicated the opportunity to decrease the size of mesothelioma found in one patient. Asbestos was used for many years in a wide range of household and industrial products because of its multiple types and uses. It is fireproof, and can also be used as an insulator, allowing it to become very popular during the industrial revolution. It is unknown whether or not people were aware of the dangers of asbestos fibers at the time, but 1900'e risk of asbestos was increasingly evident. People living in mining towns would develop lung problems, and general studies have shown that asbestos workers died at a young age. Asbestos in an undisturbed condition, seems to pose no threat. However, once it becomes damaged or brittle fibers are able to be ingested thus could lead to these or other health problems. Although some companies have been aware of this danger, continued to work with products containing asbestos with no regard to their employees. This flagrant injustice are the reason for the popularity of mesothelioma litigation.