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| Making Sense of Health, Safety and Related Issues. | ||
Making Sense of ... Mesothelioma | |
What is mesothelioma?Malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer, is characterized by malignant cells found in the pleura, the peritoneum or the pericardium. How common is mesothelioma?Between 1973 and 1999, 5266 cases were recorded in the USA. The incidence rate for mesothelioma was 0.97 per 100,000. This incidence rate was age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard. The incidence rates by sex showed a much higher incidence for men than for women, with 1.8 versus 0.4 per 100,000. [1] How is mesothelioma transmitted?Malignant mesothelioma is primarily an industrial disease, aquired by inhaling asbestos fibres. However, others have acquired the disease in the home - family members inhaling fibres brought home on clothing, for example. Can mesothelioma be spread from person-to-person?No. Who is most at risk?People working with asbestos or materials contaminated by asbestos. What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?Early symptoms are often non-specific, which may lead to a delay in diagnosis. Mesothelioma may resemble viral pneumonia, with shortness of breath, chest pain and/or persistent cough. Occasional symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include fever, night sweats and weight loss. Peritoneal mesothelioma may include pain or swelling in the abdomen due to a build-up of fluid, nausea, weight loss, bowel obstruction, anemia or swelling of the feet. How soon after contamination will symptoms show?Mesothelioma has a latency period of up to 50 years, 35-40 years being common in construction workers. Periods of less than 20 years have been reported. How is mesothelioma diagnosed?Clinical and radiological findings may suggest the diagnosis, and a review of the medical and occupational history is taken. A physical examination, x-rays of the chest or abdomen, and lung function tests are routine; a CT scan or MRI may also be requested. A biopsy or examination of exudate from the affected area will be necessary to confirm this diagnosis. How is the stage established?The standard staging system is the the TNM System, used in most cancers; variables of T (tumor), N (lymph nodes), M (metastasis)
Is there a treatment for mesothelioma?The long latency of the disease, often without any knowledge of asbestos exposure, means that the disease may be quite advanced by the time the diagnosis is confirmed. This can limit the options available; treatment should be commenced as soon as possible, for best results. There are three
treatment options, Surgery, Chemotherapy and
What is the prognosis for mesothelioma?Historically, mesothelioma has had an appalling prognosis; but in recent years, with better and earlier diagnosis, this has improved. Patients whose disease is caught early can expect effective treatment, while many patients who cannot be offered curative therapy can hope for an extended period of palliative care, with effective symptom control. What is the mortality rate for mesothelioma?Between 1973 and 1999, 5266 cases were recorded. The median age at diagnosis was between 65 and 69 years old for males and females. The 5-year average age-adjusted relative survival rate over these 27 years was 8% overall, 5% for men, 17% for women. The percentages of mesothelioma per anatomical sites were for men, pleura, 90.2%; abdominal cavity, 8.3%; genital area, 0.7% and 0.4% for heart and other, and for women, pleura, 71.1%; abdominal cavity, 24.3%; heart, 1.6%; and 1.5% for genital system and other. [1] Is there a way to prevent infection?Avoidance of contact. In practice, this means total body protection for asbestos workers, and careful decontamination of items found to contain asbestos (eg buildings, trains and aircraft, mostly 40+ years old). Can mesothelioma be controlled environmentally?The dangers of asbestos were not understood until the material had become widespread in building, particularly for heat insulation. It's use has been discontinued in most countries, and is removed and disposed of safely when discovered. There is a lot of it about. In the UK, for example, the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association is a non-for-profit trade association committed to "... working with enforcing authorities and member companies to strive for continuous improvement in standards, quality, safety and efficiency." Is there legal protection for workers and others?Most countries recognize asbestos as a hazardous material, and have lawsy to protect workers and others who may be at risk. Employers have a duty of care to employees and to third parties who may not be aware of the dangers faced on contaminated sites. There is legal precedent for compensation payments to those involved, running into millions. But as the disease has such a poor prognosis, prevention and avoidance is a better choice, where possible. If you think you have been contaminated with asbestos, get both medical and legal advice - but see the doctor before the lawyer. Where can I get more information about mesothelioma?1. Mesothelioma: Incidence and survival rates in the United States See Also:
I regret I cannot assist with individual cases or essays and school projects, but if it's something I've missed, I'll be happy to try and help. © Andrew Heenan January 2006 | |
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12 May 2008 | 
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