Mesothelioma Risk Factors

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

Mesothelioma Risk Factors
What are the risk factors for malignant mesothelioma?

There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood that a person will develop mesothelioma. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure. Exposure to this very harmful substance can significantly enhance the chances of contracting the disease. While smoking does not have a direct causal relationship with mesothelioma, it is a significant compounding factor that increases the likelihood of developing the disease. Other less common secondary factors include exposure to radiation, zeolite, simian virus 40 (SV40), and erionite. Each of these risk factors is discussed in more detail below. Please click on the individual links to learn more about each mesothelioma risk factor.

Most Common Mesothelioma Risk Factors

Exposure to Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos is the leading risk factor associated with mesothelioma. Asbestos is an insulating material comprised of magnesium-silicate mineral fibers. It was favored by builders and contractors for many years for its low heat conductivity and resistance to melting and burning. Since researchers have identified more and more links between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos, the material is now less widely used. Prior to this discovery, however, millions of Americans have experienced serious exposure to this harmful substance.

Smoking and Mesothelioma

Smoking alone is not linked to mesothelioma, but smokers who are exposed to asbestos have a much higher chance of developing asbestos lung cancer (as much as fifty to ninety percent higher) and as much as double the risk of developing mesothelioma.

Less Common Mesothelioma Risk Factors

Radiation

Thorium dioxide (Thorotrast), a substance used in x-ray tests in the past has reported links to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. The use of Thorotrast has been discontinued for many years due to this discovery.

Zeolite

Researchers have identified a link between exposure to one type of zeolite and the development of mesothelioma in the Cappadocian region of Turkey.

Simian Virus 40 (SV40)

Some scientists have found the simian virus 40 (SV30) in mesothelioma cells from humans and have been able to create mesothelioma in animals with the virus. The relationship between this virus and mesothelioma is still unclear, however, and further research is being conducted to gain clarity on this potential link.

Erionite Exposure

Erionite is a naturally occurring mineral that possesses properties that are very similar to those of asbestos. There have been several documented cases of mesothelioma in indivuduals living near large erionite deposits.

Carbon Nanotubes

Researchers continue to evaluate nanotube exposure as a possible risk factor for mesothelioma even though scientists have not expressed immediate concern.



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Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Caused by asbestos, mesothelioma has no known cure and has a very poor prognosis.

Learn more about various topics related to mesothelioma below, and follow the links for additional information on each subject.

Parts of the Lung Affected by Mesothelioma
Parts of the Lung Affected by Mesothelioma
Prognosis and Survival of Mesothelioma Patients

When diagnosed with mesothelioma, the prognosis is usually very poor, as there is no cure for the disease, and typically it is discovered at a late stage of development. Generally, the earlier mesothelioma is diagnosed, the better prognosis a patient has.

Other Factors That Can Affect Prognosis
The cell type and location of the tumor(s)
Whether the disease has spread (metastasized)
Overall health of the individual
Survivors

While prognosis is generally poor, there is still hope of survival. For example, Heather Von St. James is a 10-year mesothelioma survivor who has become an advocate for mesothelioma awareness and an outspoken proponent of banning asbestos. Other mesothelioma survivors have shared their stories, which can inspire those who have mesothelioma.

Types of Mesothelioma

There are two ways to categorize the type of mesothelioma a person has. The first is by where the tumors are found in the body (lungs, abdomen, or heart), and the second is by the type of cell structure the cancer has (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic).

Types by Location
Cell Types
Types by Location
Mesothelioma is most commonly classified by the location in the body where it develops. Specifically, the cancer forms in the lining of certain organs or spaces within the body, known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma typically develops in one of three specific areas.


Pleural Mesothelioma

Lungs
The most common type, pleural mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers.


Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Abdomen
Inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers can become trapped in lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum).


Pericardial Mesothelioma

Heart
In rare cases, asbestos fibers can get lodged in the pericardium, the lining around the heart cavity.

Cell Types
Mesothelioma can also be characterized by the type of cell that makes up the tumors. The cell type is determined through a process known as histology, which is a microscopic inspection of the tissue acquired through a biopsy.


Epithelioid Mesothelioma

The most common cell type, epithelioid mesothelioma has elongated tumor cells that are all of a similar shape and size.


Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

Less common than other cell types, sarcomatoid mesothelioma is very aggressive and resistant to various forms of treatment.


Biphasic Mesothelioma

Biphasic mesothelioma consists of a mixture of epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells and shows characteristics of both.


Other Cell Types

Other cell type variations exist, such as demoplastic (a variation of sarcomatoid) and deciduoid (an epithelioid variation).

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

As a rare form of cancer, diagnosing mesothelioma can be a long, complex, and often frustrating process, and the disease is often misdiagnosed. Doctors rely on the symptoms of the patient as well as various types of tests to diagnose mesothelioma.

Symptoms

The symptoms associated with mesothelioma can often look like conditions related to other diseases, which makes it very difficult to diagnose.

Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Trouble breathing or chest pain
Effusion (fluid buildup) in the lungs or abdomen
Anemia (especially in women)
Nausea / vomiting
Loss of weight
Diagnostic Tests

Typically, doctors will try to diagnose the disease by eliminating other potential or related diseases and conditions first. This often involves a variety of tests that provide differing levels of information from which to make a determination about the disease.

Imaging Tests
Blood Tests
Biopsies
Imaging Tests
These can include x-rays, CT scans, PET scans, and MRIs, each of which provide a different level of sight into the body without using surgical methods. Because they are non-invasive, these types of imaging tests are often the first forms of diagnostic tool used in detecting mesothelioma. Learn More »

Blood Tests
In some cases, mesothelioma may be able to be detected through the use of certain blood tests that look for biomarkers — unusual substances in the blood that can indicate a particular condition. While no definitive mesothelioma biomarker test exists, these tests could eventually lead to earlier detection than currently exists.

Biopsies
Collecting tumor tissue through a biopsy is usually one of the last mesothelioma tests to be taken. While it is the most reliable test, it can also be the most invasive, which is why doctors tend to wait until they have ruled out other diseases through other tests before taking a biopsy. Learn More »

Mesothelioma Staging

Upon a diagnosis of mesothelioma, the doctor will categorize the disease into one of four stages. While there are several staging systems, the TNM System — which stands for tumor, lymph nodes, and metastasis — is the most commonly used.

Four Stages of Mesothelioma
Stage 1
The mesothelioma tumor is located in only one area and has not spread to other parts of the body.

Stage 2
A large tumor may have progressed to nearby areas and/or the lymph nodes, but has not gone on any further.

Stage 3
Tumors have typically spread beyond the local area to several nearby locations and the lymph nodes.

Stage 4
The tumors have spread into multiple areas and throughout the lymphatic system, invading other organs throughout the body.

Typically, Stage 1 and Stage 2 mesothelioma can be treated effectively with surgery and other forms of therapy. However, Stage 3 and Stage 4 mesothelioma are often treated palliatively (i.e., to relieve pain rather than in an attempt to cure the disease).



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Mesothelioma Radiation

Mesothelioma Radiation

Radiation therapy is one of the oldest forms of mesothelioma cancer treatment available, though it has consistently become more sophisticated as the years have passed. The techniques now available to deliver the radiation have resulted in more targeted therapy and better results. For mesothelioma patients, radiation may be used after a form of surgery that is designed to remove as much of the cancer as possible. It may also be employed to relieve some of the symptoms of mesothelioma disease and make the patient more comfortable.

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External Beam Radiation

External beam radiation uses a radiation source to target a specific locale and eliminate or slow the growth of malignant cells in this area.

The oldest and most widely used form of radiation therapy is known as external beam radiation. This is the "original" form of radiation treatment and the type with which most people are familiar.

External beam radiation is administered by means of a machine that delivers an external source of radiation directly to the affected area where the tumor is located. This machine slowly moves around the body but does not touch it. As such, this particular kind of cancer treatment is painless and can be delivered at an outpatient facility, so no hospital stays are necessary.

As with all forms of radiation therapy, the external beam variety is intended to kill cancer cells and to stop them from multiplying. Dosages of radiation involved in this type of treatment are fairly high and can reach areas of the body other than the tumor. Therefore, healthy cells are also sometimes affected.

Generally, external beam mesothelioma radiation is administered five times per week for anywhere from one or two to several weeks. The recommended dosage and length of therapy will depend on a number of factors including the type of cancer, its location, its size, the general overall health of the patient, and which other treatments are being used at the same time. Most sessions last anyone from 10 to 30 minutes, rarely longer.

During treatment, the patient is asked to lie flat on a table and certain parts of the body that should not be exposed to the radiation may be covered with shields that deflect the beams. During the treatment, the technician will be in another room controlling the radiation machine but will be able to talk to the patient through an intercom system. The patient should expect to hear clicking, whirring, and other noises, which are completely normal and are merely indicators that the machine is working properly. If there is any concern, the patient can speak to the technician via the intercom and voice their concerns.


Have a Question about Mesothelioma and Radiation?

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Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is an internal radiation source which is implanted within the patient but has yet to show efficacy in mesothelioma management.

Mesothelioma Brachytherapy - also known as internal radiation therapy - is a targeted form of treatment that delivers high doses of radiation directly to the tumor. Greek for “short distance” therapy, this variety of radiation therapy has not been around as long as the external beam type, but its potential utility is being studied in number of different kinds of cancer, including mesothelioma.

The process of delivering radiation via brachytherapy involves the implantation of tiny radioactive seeds or rods in or near the tumor. This method allows highly-concentrated doses to reach the area of most concern, and because delivery is so precise, fewer healthy cells are affected during the treatment process.

There are two types of brachytherapy offered - temporary and permanent. The former involves the implantation of seeds for a pre-designated short period of time after which they will be removed. Conversely, permanent brachytherapy means the seeds are never removed though they will eventually stop emitting radioactivity, usually within 3 to 12 months of implantation, depending on the dosage and type of radioactive material used in the treatment.

Brachytherapy is delivered as an outpatient procedure in a shielded room that can contain the radiation. It does not generally require a hospital stay except in the case of some high-dose varieties of this treatment. The seeds or rods are implanted by means of metal tubes or catheters. General or local anesthesia will be used to lessen discomfort. If the therapy is to be of the temporary variety, the applicator may be left in place until the seeds are removed.

When the procedure is complete, the patient may return home but may be advised to avoid interaction with pregnant women and small children, who are most prone to the effects of radiation. However, the amount of radiation released by a person who has undergone brachytherapy is fairly minimal.

Side Effects of Mesothelioma Radiation

Side effects of mesothelioma radiation include fatigue, skin problems, dry mouth, and oral cavity inflammation.

The most common complaints from radiation patients include:

Severe fatigue - Radiation seems to zap the energy of those who undergo the treatment and many individuals report an extreme level of fatigue during the course of treatment. Many patients also report that the fatigue remains for months or even years after the treatment is complete.

Skin problems - Redness, dryness, peeling, and a darkening of the skin are common side effects of radiation therapy. Burning of the skin is less rampant then it was in the early days of radiation treatment though it can still occur to some degree.

Mouth problems - Most patients undergoing radiation treatment report extreme dry mouth or inflammation of the oral cavity as well as changes in taste. These should be reported to a doctor immediately if they are interfering with eating.

Many radiation patients find some relief from these side effects using alternative treatments such as massage or acupuncture.

Howard (Jack) West, M.D.
Author: Howard (Jack) West, M.D. Google+

Thoracic Oncologist, Swedish Cancer Institute in Seattle, WA

Read about Dr. West


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Mesothelioma Chemotherapy

Mesothelioma Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is one of the most widely employed treatments for all types of cancer. Literally meaning “chemical therapy”, chemotherapy was developed in the 1940s. Today, there are more than 100 chemotherapy drugs on the market.

Chemotherapy uses certain medications to kill cancer cells and stop them from multiplying. A number of different chemotherapy drugs are available to treat mesothelioma, although some of these drugs have proven to be more successful than others. Often, chemotherapy is used for mesothelioma patients in conjunction with other standard therapies such as mesothelioma radiation. It may also be used in an adjuvant capacity following surgery to eliminate any tumor that remains after the procedure is complete.

Chemotherapy often represents the most efficacious solution for medical oncologists as they evaluate a patient’s treatment options. Cancer researchers and other doctors continue to apply exploratory chemotherapy drugs in the treatment and management of malignant mesothelioma.

Chemotherapy, over the years, has elicited fear in many patients because this type of treatment can produce unpleasant side effects. It is important, therefore, that those individuals with mesothelioma for whom chemotherapy is recommended for palliative reasons, carefully consider all of the side effects before agreeing to the treatment. The results of weighing the positive and negative factors of the treatment against the impact on overall quality of life will vary from patient to patient; this process is necessary, however, to ensure that the best treatment decision is made.

Receiving Treatment

Chemotherapy is generally given intravenously or it may also be administered in pill form. This type of chemo is called “systemic” chemotherapy—it travels through the blood stream and reaches the entire body. Systemic chemotherapy carries the most side effects because it not only does the job it is meant to do—kill fast-growing cancer cells—but, unfortunately, it also kills other kinds of fast-growing cells such as hair and blood cells. Hence, many people undergoing chemotherapy treatment will lose their hair and suffer low white or red blood cell counts.

Some pleural mesothelioma patients may be candidates for a different kind of chemotherapy that more closely targets the tumor and causes fewer side effects. Known as intrapleural chemotherapy, this method involves infusing drugs via a catheter into the chest area—the site of the primary tumor. This intracavitary chemotherapy treatment has proven to be most successful in treating cancers that are still limited to just the pleural surface. A similar procedure is available for those who suffer from peritoneal mesothelioma.

Common Mesothelioma Cancer Chemo Drugs

A number of different chemotherapy drugs can be used to treat mesothelioma. Currently, the most widely used drug and the one with which doctors have had the most success is Alimta®. This drug is usually used in tandem with a platinum agent like Cisplatin and has been shown to add several months to the patient's mesothelioma life expectancy in many cases.

Alimta®

Alimta is a systemic drug and is injected into the vein. It is normally given once every 21 days. Patients who are prescribed a course of treatment with Alimta will also be expected to take folic acid and Vitamin B12 to lower the chance of developing harmful side effects. This is essential! Patients will also be given a round of corticosteroids, usually for 3 days, in conjunction with each Alimta injection in order to avoid certain adverse skin reactions.

Cisplatin

Cisplatin is administered through an IV and is frequently used in combination with other drugs like Alimta. Doctors will treat mesothelioma patients with Cisplatin when surgery is not an option..

Carboplatin

Carboplatin was introduced to the market in the late 1980’s and was derived from an older drug known as Cisplatin. It has fewer and milder side effects than Cisplatin but can inhibit the body’s production of blood cells.

Gemcitabine

Gemcitabine, a chemotherapy drug brought to market by Eli Lilly and Company is often used in combination with Carboplatin. Patients treated with the drug report fewer and milder side effects.

Onconase

Onconase is a promising new chemotherapy drug for treating mesothelioma that is still being evaluated in clinical trials. One of the key advantages of the drug is that it kills cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue.

Navelbine

Navelbine is often used in combination with Cisplatin in treating mesothelioma. It can be administered orally or through an IV and has been successful in reducing the size of tumors.


Other chemo drugs used to treat mesothelioma patients include vinorelbine, mitomycin and raltitrexed. These are generally used in combinations but may be used alone if the patient is unable to tolerate two drugs.

The recommended chemotherapy drug will vary with each patient. Oncologists choose the drugs they believe will most benefit the patient while also taking into consideration side effects and other important issues surrounding the use of chemotherapy. It may take more than one try to discover which drugs will be best suited to the patient.

Side Effects

Chemo brings with it many side effects though, as previously mentioned, newer drugs prompt fewer negative reactions. Most side effects are short term and will indeed go away shortly after treatment ceases. Others will last a little longer. Nonetheless, any and all side effects should be reported to the patient’s medical team, even if they are deemed “common” side effects of chemotherapy. This is especially important after the first treatment when it is particularly difficult to predict how the patient will react to certain drugs. Prompt treatment of certain side effects may help lessen them or stop them all together.

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The most common side effects of mesothelioma-related chemotherapy include:

Chemo Brain - Chemo Brain is a condition that is reported in a large number of patients who receive chemotherapy and other types of cancer treatment. While there is currently no “cure” for chemo brain there are a variety of habits that can be adopted to help manage it.

Hair loss - Loss of hair occurs because hair cells are fast-growing like cancer cells. Chemo drugs are unable to distinguish one from the other and, as a result, these cells suffer death at the hands of the drugs and the patient’s hair falls out.

Mouth sores - Mouth sores - or mucositis - are an inflammatory reaction of the mucous lining of the upper gastrointestinal tract, affecting the mouth, lips, throat and surrounding tissues. These are one of the most painful side effects of chemo and can also interfere with nutrition as the sores make it difficult to chew and swallow and can also affect taste. In general, they cannot be prevented but they can be managed. The patient will need to keep the mouth and lips moist and will want to ask their doctor about ways to treat discomfort and pain associated with mucositis.

Nausea and vomiting - Though newer drugs cause far less nausea than older ones, the patient is generally given an anti-emetic drug before chemo to lessen the chance of stomach distress. Inform your doctor if nausea gets out of hand and lasts more than a day or two, interfering with eating.

Increased chance of infection - This is due to low white blood cell counts. Those undergoing chemotherapy should avoid contact with sick individuals.

Bruising or bleeding - This is due to low platelet counts caused by the drugs.

Fatigue - When the red blood cell count is lowered due to chemo drugs, severe fatigue sets in. Chemo patients should strive to get as much rest as possible.



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Mesothelioma Surgery

Mesothelioma Surgery

When an individual is diagnosed with cancer, treatment options will be one of the first topics discussed with the oncologist. Available treatment options will vary from patient to patient depending on the type of mesothelioma diagnosed and the stage that the disease has progressed to at the time of diagnosis. Mesothelioma, in particular, is a very serious and aggressive form of cancer for which treatment options have traditionally been quite limited.

When a recently-diagnosed mesothelioma patient is presented with options for treatment, surgery may be recommended. There are different forms of mesothelioma surgery and some are proposed as a curative measure, while others are designed to relieve symptoms of the disease that can be quite debilitating and interfere with the patient's quality of life.

Curative Surgeries

Due to the nature of mesothelioma and the fact that by the time a diagnosis is made the disease has usually reached an advanced stage, a surgical cure is not a likely option. However, in some cases, surgery is suggested in order to remove as much of the cancer as possible and is often followed by other mesothelioma treatments such as chemotherapy and/or radiation.

Ideally, candidates for these surgeries will be in the early stages of the disease where the tumor is still fairly localized and metastasis has not occurred. In addition, the patient will need to be in overall good health and free of other medical issues that can complicate these procedures and lengthen the recovery period. Extant medical issues—heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes—are often an issue with older mesothelioma patients. These issues can further limit treatment options and make aggressive surgical procedures a less favorable choice.

However, if the doctor determines that the patient is strong enough, the following surgeries may be recommended:

Pneumonectomy

A pneumonectomy is a radical surgery that involves the removal of the diseased lung. Candidates for this procedure have mesothelioma that is limited to just one lung. Performed under general anesthesia, this is quite a complicated surgery that can take up to three hours to perform. During the surgery, the diseased lung will be deflated and after several steps to prevent bleeding into the chest cavity, the lung is removed through a fairly large incision. At times, part of the fifth rib must be removed as well to provide better access to the lung. A drainage tube will then be inserted and the incision closed. The patient will remain in surgical intensive care for about 48 hours and then in a regular hospital room for one to two weeks, depending on complications, which are very common with this procedure and occur in some 50 percent of patients. It can also take up to six months for the healthy lung to learn to do the job of both lungs; hence, shortness of breath is a considerable problem for pneumonectomy patients and many take several months to resume their normal activity.

Extrapleural Pneumonectomy

Recommended only in rare cases, this surgery involves the removal of the affected lung as well as the areas surrounding it. It is a very risky surgery and carries with it a long list of complications including heart failure and serious gastrointestinal problems. The procedure is similar to that of the pneumonectomy and candidates are those who are in the earlier stages of mesothelioma, which has not spread to the lymph nodes. Candidates should also be in otherwise good health. The recovery period can last for up to a half-year or longer.

Top Mesothelioma Surgeons in the Country
David Sugarbaker, M.D.
David Sugarbaker, M.D.

Professor of Surgery, Chief of General Thoracic Surgery, Director of the Lung Institute  Map Marker Baylor College of Medicine
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Raphael Bueno, M.D.
Raphael Bueno, M.D.

Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery; Vice Chair of Surgery for Cancer and Translational Research  Map Marker Brigham and Women's Hospital
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Pleurectomy

A pleurectomy involves the removal of the visceral and parietal pleura, which is the lining of the lungs. This may be used as a potential curative procedure but also may be performed to address pleural effusion, the build-up of fluid in the lungs. This surgery is performed under general anesthesia. To perform a pleurectomy, an incision is made in the affected area, which has been numbed with a local anesthesia. Through this incision, both the inner and outer linings of the lungs are removed. The surgeon may also opt to remove the lung tissue beneath the pleura. The procedure is sometimes followed by chemo or radiation to remove any remaining cancerous tissue. The post-surgery stay for the pleurectomy is generally about a week but may be longer if complications arise during or after surgery, including bleeding or infection.


Palliative Surgeries

Surgeries that relieve mesothelioma symptoms like pain and other problems associated with mesothelioma disease are as follows:

Pleurocentesis

This procedure is used to address pleural effusion, the build-up of fluid in the pleural area surrounding the lungs. The fluid can make it very painful and difficult for a mesothelioma patient to breathe. The procedure is performed in an outpatient area by means of a long, thin needle that is inserted into the pleural space to withdraw fluid. The patient may return home a few hours after the procedure is complete and when the doctor is satisfied that no adverse reactions will occur.

Paracentesis

Essentially the same procedure as pleurocentesis, a paracentesis is performed to remove fluid that has collected in the abdominal area to provide more comfort to patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.

Pleurodesis

This more serious surgery is used to halt the build-up of fluid for a longer amount of time and involves inserting talc into the pleural space. The talc causes inflammation and stops the fluid from collecting, often for as long as a few years. It is an inpatient procedure performed under general anesthetic, requiring a hospital stay of at least 72 hours, during which time a chest tube may remain in place to drain any additional fluids. Recovery time is 6 to 8 weeks for most patients.

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Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos Exposure

Many American workers, across a variety of industries, were exposed to asbestos on the job. As a result, they are now at risk to develop mesothelioma.

Long considered a miracle material, asbestos boasts excellent fire- and heat- resistant properties. This naturally-occurring mineral, now known to be a human carcinogen (cancer-causing agent), has a history that dates back to ancient Greece. Asbestos was used as a building material, even as far back as during the Roman Empire. Asbestos was a component of fabric that would be used in clothing and a variety of other textiles.

During the Industrial Revolution, asbestos use grew in factories and other heavy industries throughout the United States. Asbestos was used not only in factories, but also in oil refineries, chemical plants, on railroad cars, and in shipyards. Asbestos materials were used to insulate pipes and boilers in steam locomotives, to line tanks and ovens in refineries, and could be found literally everywhere aboard the nation’s ships, from engine rooms to galleys. As the twentieth century progressed, more uses for asbestos were found. It was used in the brakes and clutches of automobiles, insulated America’s new skyscrapers, and was used extensively in the construction industry, where it was used in asbestos products like joint compounds, cements, roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, siding, stucco, plaster, and much more. Those workers at risk included any that worked in an asbestos-heavy industry or frequently handled asbestos products.

By the middle of the twentieth century, it became apparent that asbestos was causing health problems. Asbestos exposure is now known to cause mesothelioma. This asbestos-related cancer can occur when asbestos is inhaled and the microscopic fibers become lodged within the outer lung tissue layer known as the mesothelium. This thin layer of cells protects and lubricates the chest cavity. Asbestos causes a sustained inflammation of these cells resulting in harmful scar tissue forming on the surface. This scar tissue lays the foundation for cancerous cells to develop.

Despite knowledge of the health risks posed by asbestos, historical records indicate that many companies who used asbestos in their facilities knew that the material was dangerous, yet continued to allow its use. Over time, as stories of sick employees became commonplace, the American government began to consider imposing laws about regulating the use of asbestos.

If you worked at a jobsite where asbestos or asbestos containing products were used, you may be at risk to develop mesothelioma.

Exposure usually occurred at major construction jobsites, in shipyards, aboard navy vessels, and during construction or renovation of commercial buildings. People working in the vicinity of boilers and insulated piping often are at risk. In addition, teachers, students, and other staff members who work in older school buildings may be at risk of exposure to asbestos products, such as ceiling or floor tiles. Equally at risk are families of these workers, as asbestos often was carried home on clothing.

Military Exposure

Asbestos was used across all branches of the military for many years. Navy veterans were exposed to high levels of asbestos while serving on ships (aircraft carriers, destroyers, submarines, battleships, warships, etc.) in the naval fleet as well as in naval shipyards across the country. Army veterans were exposed to asbestos in buildings on military installations and while working on military vehicles. Air Force veterans were exposed while working with military aircraft. Marine Corps veterans that spent time at sea aboard Navy ships were exposed to asbestos. All veterans exposed to asbestos have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.


Commercial and Industrial Exposure

Many workers and maintenance contractors at industrial and commercial job sites were subjected to dangerous levels of asbestos on the job. Asbestos is a known carcinogen and the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer. The types of jobsites where asbestos exposure occurred include oil refineries, power plants, steel mills and chemical plants to name a few. They all have “high heat” environments where the use of fire and heat resistant materials was required, be it in the construction of the plants or machinery or in the protective clothing that workers were required to wear in designated areas (i.e. fire-proof gloves and aprons). Today, even though the use of asbestos has been banned in the United States, many existing industrial and commercial structures may still contain a certain level of asbestos. It is important that appropriate safety precautions be taken, where necessary, to prevent harmful exposure and to mitigate the risk of developing mesothelioma.

Commercial Product Exposure

Do-it-yourself home renovation enthusiasts, as well as those who worked in the construction trade, may have been exposed to asbestos while working with popular building and construction products. Many of these products were made with asbestos through the late 1970’s as the projects they were to be used in required that they be heat and fire resistant. They included insulation, roofing material, siding, joint compound, ceiling tiles, flooring and more. Unfortunately when any of these products were cut, sawed filed, or sanded, asbestos fibers were released into the air. In the majority of cases, those working with the products did not use appropriate safety precautions because asbestos companies withheld information about the health hazards of asbestos for many years. Today, as a result, construction workers and do-it-yourselfers are at risk for developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.

Second Hand Exposure

Direct, on-the-job asbestos exposure did not affect American workers alone. Their family members were also at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease as a result of second hand asbestos exposure. This type of exposure occurred when workers brought asbestos fibers home on their hair, clothing or shoes at the end of the work day. Those responsible for laundering their work clothes, day in and day out, were most commonly affected, but even small children who spent time with their parent before they had a chance to “clean up” from work were unknowingly placed at risk of developing an asbestos-related illness.

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Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma Treatment

Once an individual has been diagnosed by a qualified mesothelioma doctor and the disease has been appropriately staged, the next step is to discuss mesothelioma treatment options and to develop a treatment plan. Although no cure for mesothelioma exists, several standard therapies are available. In some cases, these treatments can improve the patient’s prognosis, extending their lives significantly.

For late-stage mesothelioma patients, these treatments may be used palliatively to reduce pain and discomfort caused by the symptoms of mesothelioma.


Surgery

For patients with an early-stage mesothelioma diagnosis, surgery can be used remove all or most of the tumor(s). Depending on the tumor location, surgery may include removing the mesothelial lining, one or more lymph nodes, or part or all of a lung or other organ.


Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs work by attacking fast-growing cells, such as cancer cells. Often used in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy can kill any remaining mesothelioma cells that the surgeon was unable to remove physically.


Radiation Therapy

Through the use of targeted radiation, mesothelioma tumors can often be shrunk, making them easier to be removed through surgery. Depending on the tumor location, the radiation can be delivered using an external or an internal source.

Many treatment plans use an approach known as multimodal therapy, which employs two or more of these treatment methods in combination.


Clinical Trials and Emerging Treatments

Depending on various factors such as the patient’s age, tumor location, cell type, staging, and other considerations, some patients may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial. These trials test new and emerging treatments that could ultimately lead to much better therapy options – and potentially even a cure.

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