Common Mesothelioma Misconceptions
Mesothelioma cancer is still considered a rare disease in the medical world, and although science continues to progress and teach us more about it, there is still just a relatively small amount of information available when compared to other forms of cancer. Because of this, there are a plethora of myths and misconceptions surrounding the disease and its effects.
If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, awaiting those who’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos illness. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on leading mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more.
fact or myth sign
Smoking Will Cause Mesothelioma
Smoking does not cause and is not the culprit of mesothelioma. Smokers are also not at any higher risk of developing mesothelioma when compared to non-smokers. However, lung cancer is heightened for smokers who are exposed to asbestos. This is because smoking weakens the lungs, allowing asbestos to cause lung damage more easily.
Only Older People Get Mesothelioma
The main reason for this myth stems from the fact that malignant mesothelioma is generally not detected until 30 years or more after asbestos exposure, with the average age of victims being around 60. However, people of all ages, including children, can get mesothelioma. Children are usually diagnosed much earlier because their immune systems aren’t fully developed as of yet, and the most common way they get mesothelioma is through secondary exposure.
In rare instances, children can get mesothelioma from old school buildings that were built using asbestos. They can also be exposed to asbestos by playing in attics that contain asbestos-containing insulation or around old, abandoned buildings that were built with asbestos.
Mesothelioma is Contagious
Mesothelioma has never been nor will ever be contagious. The only instance that even remotely resembles mesothelioma being contagious is secondary exposure from a family member who was exposed to asbestos while working around it.
You Must Have Prolonged Exposure to Asbestos to Get Mesothelioma
In most cases, long-term, prolonged exposure to asbestos is what typically leads to mesothelioma. However, according to recent medical studies, even limited exposure for a short amount of time can result in mesothelioma. Although rare, it can happen. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that there is no safe level of asbestos.
Mesothelioma is Just Another Word for Lung Cancer
Although a form of mesothelioma called pleural mesothelioma develops in the lungs, it is not a lung cancer. This is a common myth and mistake because pleural mesothelioma develops along the lining of the lungs, affecting the soft tissues around the lungs. However, there are several other types of mesothelioma that affect other parts of the body, such as ovarian, peritoneal, testicular, and laryngeal mesothelioma.
Only Men Get Mesothelioma
This myth perhaps started because the majority of workers in factories, plants, oil refineries, and on ships where prolonged exposure to asbestos was present were men. Yet, even though men are diagnosed four times more than women, females can certainly still develop mesothelioma as well.
If You Get Mesothelioma, You Won’t Live Much Longer
While it’s true that no cure has been developed as of yet, people can still go on to live successful lives while battling mesothelioma. With a vast array of treatment options that keep increasing as science and technology progresses, victims are living longer and managing pain efficiently. Keep in mind, however, that every case of mesothelioma is unique, and the outcome greatly depends on how advanced the stage of the disease is, how soon the symptoms of mesothelioma start to surface, and how effective the treatment works on each patient.
Exposure to Asbestos is the most typical reason for mesothelioma. Almost all cases of mesothelioma are caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is really a natural mineral and that is mined from rock found in several countries worldwide. It‘s made up of tiny fibres as strong as steel, woven like cotton and highly resistant to heat, chemicals and electricity.
The very first definite link between mesothelioma and asbestos was made inside the 1960s. At that point, asbestos was very widely used inside the manufacture of insulation materials, for example insulation board and building materials, including cement.
When asbestos is damaged or disturbed, it releases tiny fibres, almost invisible towards the naked eye, which, when airborne can breathed in, and can‘t be exhaled or coughed out. When the fibres are inside the lungs, the body’s defense mechanism tries to interrupt them down and remove them, which results in inflammation inside the lung’s tissue.
Asbestos fibres also can penetrate with the lung tissue to settle inside the pleura (the membrane all around the lung ). Over many years they could cause asbestosis, mesothelioma or any other lung diseases to develop. Asbestos fibres may also be swallowed, and many of the fibres become lodged inside the digestive system. They‘re going to then move straight into the membrane that lines the abdomen (the peritoneum ), where they cause inflammation.
Those individuals presumably to possess been exposed to asbestos will include : construction workers, boilermakers, construction workers, demolition workers, electricians, plumbers, shipbuilders etc. Relations of these who caused asbestos and unwittingly brought asbestos dust home on the clothes, may also be at risk and also have also been known to developed mesothelioma.
There will be three kinds of asbestos and these are generally : blue, brown and white. The blue and brown asbestos types are most commonly linked with mesothelioma, and therefore are now very rarely used. However, although originally, white asbestos was thought to not be dangerous, recent studies have shown that additionally it is harmful.
Although by 1999 the importation and utilize of asbestos was banned, and since mesothelioma develops so slowly, It‘s estimated that from the year 2015, approximately 3000 people will happen to be diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. After this point, the amount of people that develop mesothelioma will start to fall annually.
Mesothelioma doesn‘t typically develop for several years following the initial exposure to asbestos. Although it will take anything from 10 to 60 years, the typical time is about 30 to 40 years after asbestos exposure.
Occasionally, mesothelioma will certainly be diagnosed in people that have never had any history of asbestos exposure. Other reasons for the disease are to date not fully understood, but in rare cases mesothelioma is associated with radiation exposure.
Research has found no evidence that smoking increases an individual’s risk of developing mesothelioma. It‘s understood that exposure with other building materials, for instance fibreglass also won‘t boost the risk. Mesothelioma Isn‘t a contagious disease and hence can‘t be passed on with other individuals. Relations are only at risk when in connection with asbestos particles.
0 comments