After thousands of years of documentation pointing out the link between asbestos exposure and health issues, such as lung disease, the United States finally banned most forms of asbestos starting in 1988. However, because asbestos-related diseases may take years to manifest, they are still showing up 20 years later. Mesothelioma is one such problem.

Mesothelioma is a specific type of cancer caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos. It was first recognized in a South African chest and infectious disease hospital near an asbestos mine in the mid-1950s. While tuberculosis responded to treatment, doctors realized that there existed another lung disease out there that was not cured by tuberculosis treatment.

Finally, Chris Wagner, a medical researcher, began to study the unknown disease. He and two other researchers figured out the link between mesothelioma and asbestos. In 1959, they presented their findings at an international conference, and they submitted their article to a British medical journal. They reported that in 33 of the mesothelioma cases they studied, 32 of them were definitively linked to asbestos exposure.

This material becomes dangerous when it breaks off into microscopic shards that can be inhaled or ingested. Thus, it can easily cause mesothelioma, a particular type of cancer that attacks the lining of the abdominal cavity as well as the individual liners of our bodies' organs. Due to its close contact with such important parts of our bodies, mesothelioma can be very deadly.

Thankfully, though, further research into this disease has given us more options for treatment. Mostly, the method of treatment that a doctor will recommend depends on several things, including:

Type of mesothelioma
Tumor size and location
Degree/stage of the cancer
Age and physical health of the patient

Once doctors figure out the above information, they may outline a treatment plan based on the following:

Surgery - this option is exercised to either cure the cancer or make the patient more comfortable. Thus, it is often used very early in mesothelioma or very late.

Chemotherapy - this is not a cure for the cancer, but it can help stop the spread of the tumors. It can help provide relief from the painful symptoms associated with mesothelioma.

Radiation - radiative treatment is often exercised as an alternative to chemotherapy. It is better for more fragile people because it has less harsh side effects than chemo.

Clinical trials - up-and-coming treatment options can be tried in clinical trials. They are experimental and not yet approved by the FDA, so you must choose for yourself if it is worth the risk.

Alternative therapy - if you do not want to pursue a traditional treatment, you can try things like massage, acupuncture, or hypnosis, as well as a special diet or supplements to help you.



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