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Mesothelioma Center  Asbestos.com

 

Asbestos Awareness

The majority of people know asbestos is a very dangerous substance, but many do not understand what it is or why the mineral is bad for the body. Understanding asbestos is important because the illnesses associated with the substance can cause serious medical problems and even death. The Mesothelioma  Center is an up-to-date resource for all issues ranging from asbestos exposure to mesothelioma clinical trials.

Mesothelioma Awareness

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. It is a rare condition that has a very long latency period in terms of symptoms arising from the time of exposure. In most cases, mesothelioma symptoms can take as long as 20 to 50 years to arise. Unfortunately for many patients, mesothelioma is often diagnosed during the latest stages of development and at a time when treatment options are limited.

Detecting Mesothelioma Cancer

Early detection of mesothelioma is the most assuring way to improve a person’s life expectancy. Those diagnosed when the disease has already reached the advanced stages of development often receive palliative care to relieve symptoms, but such treatments do not look to cure the cancer. If mesothelioma is detected during the first stage of development, a patient may be eligible to receive treatments aimed to remove the cancer altogether. However, such procedures do not guarantee that the cancer will not return later in life.

An X-ray is typically the first diagnostic tool that a doctor will use if mesothelioma is suspected. If signs of mesothelioma or asbestos exposure are found, additional tests may be ordered to confirm a diagnosis. Such tests may include a CT scan, PET scan or MRI scan. A biopsy, also known as a fluid and tissue test, may also be requested to collect a sample of fluid to test for cancerous cells. After a diagnosis has been made, a team of doctors will design the best treatment regimen for the patient’s needs.