It is no secret that the senior population is at an increased risk for many health related issues. One disease that almost exclusively affects seniors is mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is caused from exposure to asbestos and because of its long latency period, between 20 and 50 years, about 80% of those diagnosed are senior citizens. Hawaii has its own history of widespread asbestos use and with its aging population (around 17.1%), it doesn’t hurt to know the risk factors and some basic knowledge on this form of cancer.
The four main types of mesothelioma are:
- Pleural : This is the most common form and accounts for about 75% of all mesothelioma cases. This form surrounds the lining of the lungs and symptoms may not appear until the later stages..
- Peritoneal: this is the 2nd most common form of mesothelioma and affects the abdomen, causing swelling and excess fluid in that area.
- Pericardial: A very rare form that surrounds the lining of the lungs. The prognosis is usually poor with a life expectancy of only about 6 months
- Testicular: Forms on the lining of the testes and is quite rare.
It is also important to understand the early warning signs of this type of mesothelioma. However, depending on the type you have the symptoms vary. The most common symptoms of mesothelioma include
- Dry coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fever or night sweats
- Fatigue
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, doctors have started to understand how to help manage the symptoms and stop the spread of this disease. Doctors use a variety of methods to treat mesothelioma in order to make sure the patient is feeling minimal effects of this violent cancer. Whether it is radiation, chemotherapy, surgical procedures, or a multimodal approach that combines multiple treatment options, doctors will decide on a case-by-case basis what is best for you. There are even new and emerging treatments that are being evaluated via clinical trials that may interest some patients.
If you experience any of these symptoms or know someone who is, check out The Mesothelioma Center where they offer 100% free information and resources regarding everything surrounding this disease. Not only do they have the most information on everything asbestos and mesothelioma, they also constantly update their site as new developments come out. Some of the other services they offer include knowledgeable Patient Advocates who can assist you step-by-step during the process and can use their connections with those in the field to find you the best treatment and doctors for your needs. If you would like to speak to someone or have questions please feel free to reach out at (855) 247-1049 or patientadvocates@asbestos.com.