Mesothelioma Doctors
Thousands of workers in various industries were exposed to the hazardous cancer-causing asbestos throughout the 20th century. As a result, many of the individuals that were exposed eventually developed the rare and highly aggressive cancer called mesothelioma. To this date, there is no known cure for mesothelioma; however, oncologists (physicians specializing in diagnosing and treating cancer) and other researchers and scientists have worked on creating a number of treatments. The treatments that have been developed help put patients at ease and have pushed mesothelioma research forward.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is caused almost entirely by the exposure to asbestos. Personnel in the construction, energy, shipbuilding and other industries before the 1970s when its use was banned were likely exposed to asbestos. If asbestos is damaged or disturbed, it becomes friable and releases miniscule, airborne fibers into the air that can be ingested or inhaled. Since asbestos is highly resistant to fire as well as toxic chemicals, it was used for a number of purposes including the insulation of pipes and boilers and was even woven into the fabric of protective gear. Once asbestos fibers are inhaled, they lodge themselves in the lining of vital organs including the heart, abdomen and lungs. Repeated exposure and years without diagnosis or treatment allows the fibers to embed themselves in the body and ultimately turn cancerous, developing into mesothelioma. For more information see our page on Mesothelioma Causes.
How Doctors Can Help
Through extensive research conducted over the last couple of decades, oncologists and researchers have been able to develop treatments for patients suffering from mesothelioma. In order for these breakthrough treatments to be the most effective, early examination and diagnosis are absolutely necessary. It is important that you inform your physician that you have been, or may have been, exposed to asbestos so that the correct diagnosis can be made. The symptoms for mesothelioma are often not apparent for decades after exposure, so you may not even know you are sick. Your physician can then recommend you to an experienced oncologist who has worked with mesothelioma patients.
What Type of Treatments Are Available?
Oftentimes, people do not seek medical examinations to check for mesothelioma until the cancer has progressed in the body. At this point, there may not be much a doctor can do. However, there are still treatments available that may relieve the pain associated with mesothelioma and may even give you a better mesothleioma life expectancy.
The most effective treatment, especially if diagnosed early enough, is surgery. Doctors will go in and remove the tumor from the organ or remove the organ entirely to rid the body of the cancer. Chemotherapy, radiation and other typical cancer treatments will follow surgery in order to ensure that cancer cells are attacked, isolated and hopefully eradicated. Other treatments and clinical trials may be available depending on your diagnosis and overall health.
There are specialists that have worked directly with mesothelioma patients all over the country. These oncologists can suggest the best treatments available for you or a loved one. Contact us for more information on mesothelioma.
The information provided by Mesothelioma-doctors.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.