Mesothelioma is a cancer associated with exposure to asbestos

Mesothelioma is a cancer associated with exposure to asbestos. Once a realatively obscure disease that meant little to the general public, mesothelioma is now known to be among the most aggressive and difficult to treat tumors oncologists yet have encountered.

The disease most often affects men between the ages of 50 and 70

Statistics show that, because of their work history, the disease most often affects men between the ages of 50 and 70 who were employed in an asbestos-laden environment before asbesto regulations were imposed in the late 1970s. Though women still have a much lower frequency of the disease, cases of second-hand exposure to asbestos has prompted more diagnoses among women, especially those whose male family members worked with asbestos.

Diagnosing mesothelioma

Diagnosing mesothelioma in its early stages can be a challenge even for the most experienced oncologists. Also referred to as asbestos cancer, this rare and aggressive disease is directly related to asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma affects the tissue that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdominal cavity.

Medical professionals and research scientists

Medical professionals and research scientists, however, are constantly exploring new ways to combat the disease. For example, doctors know that some combinations of chemotherapy drugs work better than others and tests developed to ascertain earlier diagnosis of the disease or to monitor those most at risk have arrived on the scene.

Medical professionals and research scientists

Medical professionals and research scientists, however, are constantly exploring new ways to combat the disease. For example, doctors know that some combinations of chemotherapy drugs work better than others and tests developed to ascertain earlier diagnosis of the disease or to monitor those most at risk have arrived on the scene.

The reason someone develops mesothelioma

The reason someone develops mesothelioma is usually the lack of proper protection offered to those who worked with asbestos. Though the dangerous properties of asbestos and asbestos products have been evident for decades, many employers neglected to protect their workers from inhaling asbestos while on the job.

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Questions To Ask Your Doctor - Allergy

Alpkarim | 13.00 | , ,

Medical Author: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Remember:

Prepare ahead of time for the "routine" questions that doctors almost always ask (for example, location, duration, severity, time of onset, and possible initiating factors for your symptoms). Prepare your own list of questions, in writing, for the doctor. Bring a copy of old pertinent medical records, if you have been seen by allergy/asthma specialists in the past. Bring a list of medications that you have tried in the past and those that you are currently using.

10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor:

What is my diagnosis and how can I learn more about it?What areas of my body can be affected by my allergy condition? How will they be affected?What tests will you do to diagnose my allergy and/or asthma problem? How safe are these tests?What is the likely course of my problem? What is the long-term outlook?What are my treatment options? Do I take treatments regularly or as needed?What can I do on my own to improve my condition?I have certain special concerns (e.g. exercise, travel, work environment, certain foods, pets, pregnancy, surgery, alternative medicines, and relatives with serious outcomes with similar disease or medications). How do these issues relate to my situation?Regarding my medications, how much do I take and for how long? What does this medication do and when will I feel/know that they are working? What are the possible side effects of the medications and how should we monitor for them (e.g. laboratory testing, blood pressure reading)? Will these medications interact with the other medication that I am taking? What happens if I forget to take it?If my symptoms worsen, what should I do on my own? When should I call your office versus going to the emergency room? What should I do late at night?If you have asthma, ask your doctor to give you an Asthma Care Plan in writing.

MedicineNet Reminder: Establishing an accurate diagnosis is a key to proper treatments. You are the most important person in this diagnostic process. An accurate description to your doctor of the character, location, duration, and time of onset of your symptoms factors heavily in determining your diagnosis. You should also inform your doctor about vitamins, herbs, and all medications you are taking because these items may be causing some symptoms. For example, long-term use of certain vitamins and non-prescription medications may be the cause of your abnormal liver tests; magnesium-containing antacids and supplements may be causing your diarrhea; certain blood pressure pills can be the reason for your constipation.

Note: We recommend you use this page as a reference for your consultation with your doctor.


Last Editorial Review: 3/22/2012

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