Mesothelioma Misconceptions
There are many misconceptions about mesothelioma, mostly because the disease is so rare and that so little information is readily available. We put together a list of the most common misconceptions. Hopefully these will answers your questions about treatment, diagnosis and mesothelioma development.
Myths about Developing Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a lung cancer: Although mesothelioma can develop in the area of the lungs, it is not considered a lung cancer. Pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs, is sometimes mistaken for lung cancer.
Smoking causes mesothelioma: Smoking does not cause mesothelioma cancer. Nor does smoking increase your risk of developing mesothelioma if you've been exposed to asbestos. However, smokers have a much higher chance of developing lung cancer if they have also been exposed to asbestos. Smoking degrades the functions of the lungs and may allow asbestos fibers to cause cellular changes that can lead to lung cancer.
Mesothelioma is only a concern for those extensively exposed to asbestos: Medical studies have proven that even an extremely small amount of asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma. More frequently, patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma experienced heavy, short-term exposure.
Mesothelioma is hereditary and contagious: In no shape or form is mesothelioma contagious. In some cases, family members develop mesothelioma as the result of secondary exposure, which typically occurs when a loved one brings home asbestos fibers on their skin and clothes after working around asbestos.
Mesothelioma only develops in the elderly: Although the average age of a mesothelioma patient is 60, younger adults and even kids can develop the cancer. Research has indicated that the average age at diagnosis is dropping due to an increase of secondary exposure incidences. For example, children who experienced secondary exposure are much more likely to develop mesothelioma at an earlier age because their susceptibility levels to exposure are not as strong.
Misconceptions Surrounding Diagnosis
Mesothelioma only develops in men: When asbestos exposure was at its highest during the mid-20th century, men made up the majority of the industrial working class. At the time, a lot of jobs existed in industrial settings where physical labor was required and asbestos exposure was prevalent.Because a large portion of mesothelioma cases are the result of exposure in industrial settings, men are the predominant gender that is diagnosed. On average, four men for every woman are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma cannot be diagnosed early: Due to the long latency period associated with mesothelioma, many patients do not experience symptoms until at least 20 years have passed since their initial exposure to asbestos. Researchers continually develop new diagnostic methods involving blood and genetic tests that lengthen patient survival rates through early diagnosis.
Treatment Misconceptions
Patients cannot expect to live long: While there is no definitive cure for mesothelioma, doctors and researchers have pushed to establish treatment procedures that reduce symptoms and work towards an eventual cure. Survival rates have increased in recent years. In one study, as many as 30 percent of patients diagnosed early experienced a life span of more than five years after initial diagnosis. Early detection can play a vital role in improving prognosis.
Mesothelioma is untreatable: A number of different treatment options are available to patients who wish to combat mesothelioma. Doctors continually develop and improve existing treatments in order to make them more effective against the disease. Clinical trials also explore new treatment options that search for a cure and ways to improve the quality of life for mesothelioma patients. Select from the following links to navigate to some of the top treatment options for mesothelioma.
Helpful Resources for Mesothelioma Patients and Their Loved Ones
If you have more questions or concerns about mesothelioma, our Patient and Family Advocates are free to discuss them with you. Call (800) 615-2270 or fill out the form on this page to receive a free informational packet and talk with a Patient and Family Advocate.
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Last Modified Thursday, May 10th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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