Mesothelioma Latency Period
Typically, there is a great deal of time between an individual's exposure to asbestos and the development of asbestos-related health complications. Mesothelioma is associated with a long-latency period (often 20-50 years) after exposure. Over a long period of time, lodged asbestos fibers slowly inflame the lung's external tissue, often serving as a pre-cursor to the development of malignant mesothelioma.
Adult Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most common in adults. Adults who have asbestos exposure history are typically those most at risk for the development of malignant mesothelioma. It can take many years for those exposed to asbestos exposure to exhibit the effects of exposure and, as such, mesothelioma is most often diagnosed in older individuals, often up to 40 years following exposure.
Child Mesothelioma
Childhood diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma is extremely rare, although it has been documented. Mesothelioma is known only to be caused by exposure to asbestos and takes many years following exposure to asbestos to manifest in adults. Generally speaking, childhood mesothelioma is considered to be unrelated to asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma and Women
Many women that have been diagnosed with mesothelioma had no direct exposure to asbestos from working in industrial job settings. Instead they discover that they are victims of second-hand asbestos exposure that occurred while washing their husband's clothes that came home from work with asbestos fibers on them.
Mesothelioma Prevention
Mesothelioma is known only to be caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was used for many years as an industrial insulation component. As such, the best mesothelioma prevention is the avoidance of exposure to asbestos. However, in recent years, physicians and cancer specialists have been developing a mesothelioma vaccine that will arm the body's immune system with cancer fighting anti-bodies and antigens in those who are at risk for the development of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Vaccine
Recent studies by researchers in the Netherlands have found promising results in preventative therapies for mesothelioma. Using cancer-fighting antigens within the body's immune system, mesothelioma patients have responded positively in most cases when treated with the mesothelioma vaccine. The hope is now that this therapy can be applied to those who may be at risk of developing mesothelioma in the future, particularly those who have been exposed to asbestos but have yet to develop asbestos disease.
Medical Timeline
Medical Timeline Historical timeline containing important facts and developments related to the manufacture and use of asbestos and documented cases of mesothelioma cancer and other asbestos related diseases.
Mesothelioma Misspellings
The word “mesothelioma” is often misspelled by people searching on the internet for information about this asbestos cancer. In this section we list some of the most common misspellings that we have seen individuals use in their internet searches for mesot
Mesothelioma Misconceptions
There are several common myths and misconceptions about mesothelioma. Learn more about what the true facts are about this asbestos-related disease.
Mesothelioma Disease
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare disease that attacks the cells of the tissue that lines the body cavity called the mesothelium. It’s only known cause is exposure to asbestos fibers.
Where Can I Find More Information?
We urge those seeking more mesothelioma information to complete the brief form on this page. The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance will rush you a comprehensive mesothelioma and asbestos exposure information packet. In our packet you’ll find information about cutting-edge treatments, leading mesothelioma cancer center programs, and legal options you may have if you were exposed to asbestos. Act now and find out more today!
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