More and more people are becoming aware of the cancer caused by asbestos called Mesothelioma. The cancer develops in individuals 20 to 30 after they have had some type of continuous exposure to material which contains asbestos fibers. Since asbestos products were more widely used just a few decades ago, those who lived in contaminated environments are just now starting to shows signs of having this cancer. The cancer forms after asbestos fibers have been inhaled over a period of time by an individual. The fibers from the asbestos become lodged in the lungs and the cancer manifests itself several years later. The most common form of this cancer is in the form of tumors in the linings of the lungs. Tumors can form and spread into the lining surrounding other major body organs called the pleura.

Who is at Risk?

Individuals who have worked with materials containing asbestos for a period of time are in the high risk category for developing Mesothelioma. Others who may be at risk for developing this cancer are those who may have continuously inhaled the fibers released in their homes. Homes where asbestos installation has not been properly installed seem to have posed the highest risk. Having close contact with those who worked around or with asbestos materials has also been known to put an individual at high risk for developing Mesothelioma. Continuous handling of the clothing worn by those at a work site where asbestos was present is also a risk of developing this cancer.

Signs of Mesothelioma

Shortness of breath, and chest pains are two common early signs of the presence of Mesothelioma. Other signs of the development of this cancer can include a constant and escalating cough. Some individuals also experience a cough accompanied by discolored mucus and even blood. If you have had exposure to asbestos in the past fifteen or more years and are experiencing possible warning signs of this cancer, you should be seen by a medical professional. Scans and blood tests have advanced over the past decade to enable physicians the ability to properly detect and diagnose this cancer.

Treatment of Mesothelioma

There is no known cure for Mesothelioma, though research is continuously being done in hopes of finding a cure for this cancer. In the meantime, many drugs have been developed for the treatment of this cancer and also to slow down its development. It is important to remember that smokers have been shown to have a higher risk of developing this cancer after asbestos exposure. Smoking after the cancer has been detected can increase the rate at which this cancer develops. While there is no cure, early detection of the disease can actually increase the life expectancy of those who have it. Since the cancer is usually not detectable until the later stages of its development, life expectancy used to be charted at being only six months after diagnosis. With the use of the drugs being used now, life expectancy can often be expanded past one year.