Personal stories from real people who survived their disease … And how they did it!

personal stories from people who successfully battled their disease and how they did it

More about Mesothelioma (Asbestos)

There is a direct link between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos, a combination of six minerals comprising long, thin fibers. Asbestos refers to a group of minerals that exist as fibers or bundles. These fibers occur naturally in the soil or rocks in many parts of the world. Asbestos consists of silicon, oxygen, and some other elements. Products that contain asbestos include: Building materials, including siding, floor tiles, ceiling materials, and roof shingles, Friction products, such as brake parts, Heat resistant fabrics, packaging, coatings, and gaskets. In the past, builders often used asbestos to insulate products and buildings and make them soundproof or fireproof. When a person installs, repairs, or demolishes asbestos products, the fibers can become airborne. People can then inhale or swallow them, and they become permanently lodged in the lungs or gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, they may remain there for decades. The particles can also affect other organs. In time, mesothelioma can develop from these fibers..

Types

Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer, meaning that it progresses and spreads quickly. There are three types: Pleural mesothelioma: This is the most common form. It affects the pleura, the lining around the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma: This is the second most common form. It attacks the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum. Pericardial mesothelioma: This is the rarest form. It affects the protective layer of the heart, called the pericardium. After diagnosis, 55% of people will survive for at least another 6 months, 35% for a year, and 9% for another 5 years or longer. The survival rates vary, however, between types.

Symptoms

On average, mesothelioma takes 30–45 years to appear. Some people experience symptoms after 10 years, while others remain asymptomatic for 50 years. The length of time will depend, to some extent, on the intensity of the asbestos exposure. Genetic and other individual factors may also play a role. The average age at diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is 72 years. Symptoms vary, depending on which part of the body the disease affects.