In the U.S., mesothelioma was first discovered in the 1970s. The rare form of lung cancer was the direct result of exposure to asbestos products in factories, mills, and shipyards. However, with the widespread use of the materials, more cases have emerged through other means.
What are the Current Statistics for Mesothelioma?
According to the latest statistics, even after the discovery of the dangerous material, at least 2,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S. alone. At least eighty percent of the new cases are men. About 75% of mesothelioma cases affect the lining of the patient’s lungs. At least 23% of the cases originate in the lining of the small intestines. One percent of the cases affect the male reproductive organs or the lining of the patient’s heart. The average survival rate for the disease is one year, and at least 125 million individuals were exposed to asbestos.
Three Types of Mesothelioma Cells
Epithelioid cells are found most often. The cells are dark purple in color when viewed under a microscope and are egg-shaped. The sarcomatoid cells are the rarest of the three cells and are considered more aggressive than any of the other cells. They appear as purple nodules. Biphasic cells are the third type and consist of a mix of the other two cells.
What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
Pleural symptoms include shortness of breath, fluid in the lungs or chest wall, chest pain, and weight loss. Peritoneal symptoms include abdominal pain or swelling, irregular bowel movements, night sweats, fever, vomiting, and fatigue.
What are Known Ways of Contracting the Disease?
According to all known studies, mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation or ingestion of asbestos. Since it is also found in consumer-based products, the potential exposure to the substance remains higher than average. The volume of asbestos that is ingested or inhaled defines the stage of the cancer.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. The disease could also affect the lining of the heart, intestines, and male reproductive organs. The disease is a common occupational disease, but it isn’t restricted to workers only. Individuals who have been diagnosed can read more about surviving mesothelioma now.