Asbestos cancer, which is commonly known as mesothelioma cancer, is an extremely aggressive cancer for which there is currently no cure. Even aggressive treatment is unable to do more than improve quality of life for most patients suffering from mesothelioma asbestos cancer. As the name suggests, asbestos cancers are caused by exposure to asbestos. In the twentieth century, people working in many diverse professions were repeatedly exposed to asbestos both before and after the negative effects associated with such exposure were recognized. Asbestos cancers have a long latency period, meaning that several decades elapse between asbestos exposure and the appearance of the first symptoms of cancer. Because of this, the incidence rate of asbestos cancer is likely to increase for the next two or three decades before it begins to taper off.
Asbestos Cancer Symptoms
As with most types of cancer, asbestos mesothelioma and all asbestos-related cancers should be diagnosed as soon as possible. Unfortunately this does not typically happen, due to the late onset of mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer symptoms. In addition, any early symptoms of asbestos cancers are often indistinguishable from a simple viral infection, which makes the condition very difficult to diagnose in the early stages. Some of the symptoms associated with asbestos cancers may include:
- Chest or abdominal pain.
- Shortness of breath.
- A persistent cough.
- Weight loss.
- Night sweats and fever.
- Nausea.
- Anemia.
Asbestos Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis
A diagnosis of mesothelioma asbestos cancer is based on a combination of symptoms and a physical examination performed by a physician. This examination may also include chest x-rays and CT scans or MRI scans that will determine not only the specific type of cancer that is present, but also how far it has advanced. A Mesothelioma diagnosis is typically confirmed with a blood test or biopsy.
For most individuals with asbestos cancer, the prognosis is poor. As previously noted, early and accurate diagnosis is essential but problematic, due to the
Asbestos Cancer Treatment
Asbestos cancer treatments vary according to the stage of the cancer. Common treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgical treatments are carried out to remove tumors, while chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used to remove any remaining cancer cells or to improve the quality of life for patients. All other forms of treatment, such as gene therapy and immunotherapy, are presently experimental. Both of these treatments involve the manipulation of the body’s immune system in a way that causes it to kill cancer cells. Unfortunately these treatments only show limited promise in the treatment of patients with asbestos cancer. Asbestos mesothelioma has no cure, nor is there a treatment that can slow its progression significantly.
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos cancer and would like to learn more about medical treatments, asbestos, and mesothelioma, we can help. Contact Mesothelioma Treatment Centers today and we’ll help you arrange a consultation with a qualified asbestos cancer attorney. By hiring a lawyer you can discover what your legal options are for financial compensation.
