Mesotheioloma
Historical Review
The cancer known as Mesotheioloma was diagnosed as early as the 1906 although it was not referred to as Mesotheioloma until the 1931.
Diagnosis of the lung disease was originally described by an article titled, “Pulmonary Asbestos: Carcinoma of the Lung in Asbesto-Silicosis” which appeared in the American Journal of Cancer. The author of this article linked lung cancer with asbestos. It would take more than 20 years for the rest of the medical community to agree with the findings.
Perhaps the reason for the delay in confirmation was precipitated by the belief that asbestos was a miracle component provided by the earth itself. It was useful in a multitude of applications and many Americans were gainfully employed in occupations that used asbestos in the manufacture of products.
It was in the 1960’s that malignant cases of Mesotheioloma were diagnosed. It was also during this decade that attention began to be focused more firmly on asbestos as the causal agent.
One of the most significant problem mesotheioloma can take from 20-50 years to develop following substantial exposure. This allowed many businesses and individuals to believe that concern over the issue was ‘much ado about nothing’. After all their workers seemed to be fine and productivity was booming.
Asbestos is a silicate mineral that can withstand extreme heat. This made the mined substance desired by the industrial world for a variety of applications. The result was asbestos mining workers along with industrial workers were exposed to the toxic substance. One of the primary results of this exposure is Mesotheioloma.
Describing the disease
Mesotheioloma is a condition of the lungs, however the advance of this cancer can also affect the abdomen and the heart. We’ll describe this more fully in the section dedicated to mesotheioloma types.
Workers who interacted with asbestos are the most vulnerable to the effects of the disease, however if they brought asbestos fibers home with them on their clothing it is also possible that those living with them during this period may also be at risk for Mesotheioloma.
The asbestos fibers are generally breathed in and then infiltrate the lining of the lungs and can infuse various pockets creating conditions contributing to the development of Mesotheioloma.
Health professionals are concerned about the aftermath of the World Trade Center attack. It is believed that first responders were exposed to a critical amount of asbestos along with those who survived the attack. Some suggest the next four decades could see a profound increase in this cancer type among those exposed to the Word Trade Center during and following the collapse.
Malignant Mesotheioloma typically results in a significant decrease in life expectancy, but there are some that suggest it is often worry that speeds the process along. Patients who followed a regimen of cancer treatment along with a diet specific to cancer patients seemed to have a longer life expectancy. Medical professionals report that patients who are diagnosed with cancer often experience a decrease in appetite. Without the proper nutrients the cancer can spread much faster within the body.
Body effects
Most patients who have been diagnosed with Mesotheioloma complain of chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. While these may be the primary symptoms they are far from the entire effect of the disease.
Patients may also experience…
- A persistent wheeze
- Coughing up blood
- Fatigue
- Unexpected weight loss
- Problems with bowel function
- Stomach pain
- A decrease in blood glucose levels
- Blood clots in lungs and veins
- Tumors within the lungs
Patients who may feel they may have been exposed in the past to asbestos may consider a medical screening to either eliminate the current Mesotheioloma potential or to begin early treatment for the disease. Currently there is not a singular screening standard, but many patients feel it is worthwhile to either gain some much needed piece of mind or develop a battle plan early.
As we continue we will look at additional symptoms and the process of diagnosis for Mesotheioloma. Continue the exploration of this site in your quest for answers and assistance.
