Understanding Mesothelioma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Understanding the global impact of occupational asbestos exposure is critical. Data is important for implementing effective prevention and control measures.
A recent study assessed the burden of diseases caused by occupational asbestos exposure from 1990 to 2019, with a prediction for 2035. The study was published in BMC Public Health. Researchers show the trends in deaths and the years of life lost to disability from asbestos exposure. It highlights the need for continued efforts to address this occupational health risk.
Understanding the Impact of Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma. Asbestos is a mineral that was once commonly used in construction and manufacturing. While mesothelioma is rare, it is important to understand its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Asbestos exposure is the cause of mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become trapped in the body and cause inflammation and scarring over time. This can lead to the development of mesothelioma, often several decades after exposure. While the use of asbestos has declined in recent years, cases of mesothelioma continue to occur due to past exposure.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the location of the cancer. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs. Its symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, and a persistent cough.
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen. It can cause abdominal pain, swelling, and weight loss. And pericardial mesothelioma affects the heart’s lining. It can cause chest pain, palpitations, and trouble breathing.
Diagnosing mesothelioma can be hard. Its symptoms are like those of other conditions. But, if mesothelioma is suspected, doctors may do imaging tests, like X-rays or CT scans. They may also biopsy affected tissue for examination.
The options for treating mesothelioma depend on the cancer’s stage and the patient’s health. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are commonly used to treat mesothelioma. Surgeons may remove the cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation shrink and kill tumors and cancer cells. In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be used to improve outcomes.
Mesothelioma is a serious disease. It is often fatal. But, treatment advances have improved survival rates in recent years. But, finding the disease early is key to better outcomes. So, it is crucial for people who have been exposed to asbestos to watch their health. They should see a doctor if they have any symptoms of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare but serious cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. It is important to understand its causes, symptoms, and treatments. This is key for finding it early and improving outcomes.
Source:
Miao, Xinlu, Teng Yao, Chenxian Dong, Zuhai Chen, Wanting Wei, Zhengyang Shi, Tongtong Xu, et al. “Global, Regional, and National Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases Attributable to Occupational Asbestos Exposure 1990-2019 and Prediction to 2035: Worsening or Improving?” BMC Public Health 24, no. 1 (March 18, 2024): 832. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18099-4.
