Introduction
Greetings, readers!
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue covering the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and automotive industries in the US from the 1930s to the 1970s.
Despite asbestos being banned in the US since 2003, the legacy of past exposure continues to haunt workers and their families. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed overview of mesothelioma deaths per year in the US, its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and ways to prevent it from happening to you.
Let’s dive in!
The Facts About Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Basics
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that covers most of our internal organs. There are three types of mesothelioma:
| Type | Location | Prevalence |
|---|---|---|
| Pleural | Lungs | 70-90% |
| Peritoneal | Abdomen | 10-30% |
| Pericardial | Heart | Rare |
Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed in people over the age of 65, and men are more likely to develop it than women. The disease has a long latency period, meaning that it can take 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos for symptoms to develop.
The Connection Between Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction, insulation, and manufacturing industries in the US from the 1930s to the 1970s. It was prized for its heat-resistant, durable, and inexpensive qualities, and it was used in everything from floor tiles to car brakes.
However, asbestos is also a carcinogen, meaning that it can cause cancer in people who are exposed to it. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the mesothelium, causing inflammation and scarring. Over time, this can lead to the development of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Deaths per Year in the US
Mesothelioma is a relatively rare cancer, but it is still responsible for thousands of deaths in the US each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 2,500 mesothelioma deaths in 2015, the most recent year for which data is available.
However, this number does not reflect the full extent of the damage caused by asbestos exposure. Experts estimate that there will be around 80,000 mesothelioma deaths in the US by 2030, with the peak occurring between 2015 and 2020.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Early Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer. In the early stages of mesothelioma, symptoms may be mild or nonexistent. Common early symptoms of mesothelioma include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Fever
Advanced Symptoms of Mesothelioma
As mesothelioma progresses, symptoms become more severe and may include:
- Bowel obstruction
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Anemia
- Blood clotting disorders
Mesothelioma Treatment Options
Surgery
Surgery is often used to remove mesothelioma tumors, but it may not be an option for all patients. There are two types of surgery commonly used to treat mesothelioma:
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP): Removes the lung, surrounding tissue, and affected lymph nodes.
- Pleurectomy with decortication (P/D): Removes the pleural lining of the lung and any visible tumors.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often used in conjunction with surgery or radiation therapy. Common chemotherapy drugs used to treat mesothelioma include:
- Cisplatin
- Carboplatin
- Pemetrexed
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It is often used in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy. There are two common types of radiation therapy used to treat mesothelioma:
- External beam radiation therapy: Uses a machine outside the body to deliver radiation to the cancer.
- Brachytherapy: Places a radioactive source inside the body to deliver radiation directly to the tumor.
Preventing Mesothelioma
Avoiding Asbestos Exposure
The best way to prevent mesothelioma is to avoid exposure to asbestos. If you work in an industry that uses asbestos, follow proper safety procedures and wear protective gear. If you live in an older home, be sure to have it inspected for asbestos before doing any renovations.
Smoking
Smoking can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma in people who have been exposed to asbestos. If you are a smoker, quitting can lower your risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of cancer.
FAQs
What is the prognosis for mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma has a poor prognosis, with most patients surviving less than a year after diagnosis. However, early detection and treatment can improve the chances of survival.
Is mesothelioma curable?
Currently, there is no cure for mesothelioma. However, treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for patients.
What are the long-term effects of asbestos exposure?
Asbestos exposure can lead to a variety of long-term health effects, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other respiratory diseases.
Can mesothelioma be caused by secondhand exposure to asbestos?
Yes, mesothelioma can be caused by secondhand exposure to asbestos. For example, family members of construction workers who were exposed to asbestos at work have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.
How long does it take for mesothelioma to develop?
Mesothelioma has a long latency period, meaning that it can take 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos for symptoms to develop.
What are the survival rates for mesothelioma?
The survival rates for mesothelioma vary depending on the stage of the cancer, the type of treatment received, and other factors. On average, patients survive less than a year after diagnosis.
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
Mesothelioma is diagnosed through a series of tests, including imaging tests, biopsies, and blood tests.
What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Other factors that may increase the risk of developing mesothelioma include age, gender, and genetics.
How is mesothelioma staged?
Mesothelioma is staged based on the size of the tumor, whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. The stages of mesothelioma are:
- Stage 1: The cancer is localized and has not spread to other parts of the body.
- Stage 2: The cancer has spread to nearby tissues and lymph nodes.
- Stage 3: The cancer has spread to nearby organs and lymph nodes.
- Stage 4: The cancer has spread to distant organs and lymph nodes.
What is the difference between mesothelioma and lung cancer?
While mesothelioma and lung cancer are both types of cancer that affect the respiratory system, they are different in several key ways. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, while lung cancer can be caused by a variety of factors, including smoking. Mesothelioma is also more difficult to treat than lung cancer.
Is mesothelioma covered by workers’ compensation?
Yes, mesothelioma is typically covered by workers’ compensation if it can be shown that the cancer was caused by on-the-job exposure to asbestos.
What is the cost of mesothelioma treatment?
The cost of mesothelioma treatment can vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the location and type of treatment received. Treatment costs can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Are there any clinical trials for mesothelioma?
Yes, there are a number of clinical trials underway to develop new and more effective treatments for mesothelioma.
Conclusion
Mesothelioma is a devastating disease that affects thousands of people in the US each year. While there is no cure for mesothelioma, early detection and treatment can improve survival rates and quality of life for patients.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to seek the help of a qualified medical professional. Additionally, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries if you were exposed to asbestos on the job.
By following proper safety procedures and avoiding exposure to asbestos, we can work together to prevent mesothelioma and other serious health problems caused by this dangerous substance.
Closing/Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified medical professional if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Additionally, the information provided in this article is accurate as of the date of publication, but may be subject to change over time.
