Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the cells lining the pleura, found in the lungs and abdomen. Mesothelioma affects individuals exposed to asbestos, but several misconceptions about how this disease can contract an individual are in trend these days. The following blog post will discuss Mesothelioma myths versus facts, so you know what you need to worry about!
Did you know that the average life span of such patients is 4-18 months after the diagnosis? Hence, the prognosis is better if it is detected earlier.
It is a rare disease with about 3,000 new diagnoses each year. With such low prevalence rates, it can be easy to fall into the trap of believing misinformation surrounding mesothelioma and asbestos. By dispelling these myths, we hope to educate people on how dangerous this mineral really is and go over treatment options for those affected by mesothelioma to provide more help when they need it most!
How is mesothelioma caused?
Etiology suggests asbestos! It can expose an individual in one of three ways:
– Direct contact with the mineral. It can contract through breathing in asbestos fibers, which may lead to irritation of the lining of the lungs, causing inflammation.
– Indirect contact with the mineral can contract when asbestos fibers are released into the air and enter a person’s body through inhalation.
– It can also affect an individual if there is contact with someone who has mesothelioma, such as a family member or friend.
What are the chances of developing mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is very rare, with only about three in one million people developing the disease each year. You can learn more by exploring this informative guide.
Common Myths:
-If I had exposure to asbestos in the past, I’ll surely get mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a disease with a latency period of 20-50 years. It means that it usually takes 30-40 years after being exposed for mesothelioma to show up. Mesothelioma occurs by combining several factors, including age, the severity of asbestos exposure, and genetics.
– Mesothelioma is always fatal
It is manageable, and there are many success stories of people who have beaten mesothelioma.
– I’ll definitely get mesothelioma if my father or grandfather had it
Mesothelioma’s genetics are not fully understood, but it seems to depend on environmental and genetic factors. However, it does often occur in people who are genetically predisposed to mesothelioma. It has a connection to family members who had mesothelioma, but this link doesn’t always happen.
– Mesothelioma is contagious
It isn’t transmittable from person to person, nor can it spread. However, asbestos exposure is a leading cause found in many homes and buildings.
– Mesothelioma only affects older people
Mesothelioma is most common in people between the ages of 50-70. It has also been found in younger people and is more likely to be found in men than women.
– Mesothelioma only affects the lungs
It is a type of cancer that appears in body tissues. It can be found anywhere in the body but most commonly found in the lining of lung tissue or mesothelium.
– Mesothelioma will never affect me
Mesothelioma is not an easy disease to avoid. It is the number one cause of death due to workplace cancer. It is available in many products, including insulation and floor tiles.
– Mesothelioma only affects people who work in the construction industry
It is a rare type of cancer found anywhere. Unfortunately, it affects people from all walks of life. People who have mesothelioma are not always construction workers or laborers.
– Smoking does not increase the risk of mesothelioma
Smoking is not only terrible on its own because it increases the likelihood of getting cancer. Some researchers report that patients who previously had exposure to asbestos and smoke may be at greater risk of developing many cancers, including those in their lungs. But by decreasing treatment efficacy too– there’s no wonder why they say “don’t take up cigarettes.”
Smoking and asbestos exposure may increase the risk of developing cancer. But did you know that these two factors can also make surgeries riskier? During or after a procedure, patients who continue smoking before are at an increased risk for complications like heart problems from general anesthesia and lung issues due to smoke inhalation. So talk about it with your doctor!