What Is Mesothelioma? How Common Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare and serious form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue that covers most of the body's internal organs. The most common form, pleural mesothelioma, affects the lining of the lungs. Other forms can develop in the lining of the abdomen, the heart, or the testicles. The disease is almost always linked to past exposure to asbestos, a group of naturally occurring minerals once widely used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries.
What Is Mesothelioma?
When asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they can become lodged in the mesothelium. Over many years, often two to five decades, these fibers can cause irritation and scarring that may eventually lead to the development of cancer cells. Because the latency period is so long, a person exposed to asbestos in the 1970s or 1980s may not receive a diagnosis until much later in life.
Mesothelioma symptoms vary depending on where the disease forms. Pleural mesothelioma often causes chest pain, shortness of breath, a persistent cough, and fluid buildup around the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the abdominal lining, may cause abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms are not specific to mesothelioma, which can make the disease difficult to diagnose in its early stages.
How Common Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is considered a rare cancer. In the United States, it is diagnosed in a few thousand people each year, a small fraction of the number of new cancer cases reported annually. Men are affected more often than women, largely because asbestos exposure was more common in male-dominated industrial jobs. The disease is most frequently diagnosed in people over the age of 65, reflecting the long delay between exposure and the appearance of symptoms.
Although the use of asbestos has declined sharply since the 1970s, cases continue to appear because of the disease's long latency period. People who worked with asbestos decades ago are still being diagnosed today. In addition, some older buildings and products still contain asbestos, so the risk of exposure has not entirely disappeared.
Mesothelioma in Missouri
Missouri has its own history with asbestos. The state's industrial centers, including St. Louis and Kansas City, were home to factories, power plants, refineries, and other facilities where asbestos-containing materials were used for insulation, fireproofing, and construction. Shipyards along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers also employed workers who handled asbestos products. As a result, some Missouri residents who worked in these industries, or who lived with workers who brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, have developed mesothelioma.
Older homes, schools, and commercial buildings in Missouri may still contain asbestos in insulation, floor tiles, ceiling materials, and pipe coverings. As long as these materials remain intact and undisturbed, they generally pose little risk. However, during renovations or demolitions, asbestos fibers can be released into the air.
Who Is at Risk?
People most at risk for mesothelioma include:
- Workers in construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and automotive repair
- Electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, and insulation workers
- Family members of workers who were exposed to asbestos at work
- People who lived or worked in older buildings with deteriorating asbestos materials
What to Do If You Have Concerns
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to asbestos should talk with a doctor about their history and any symptoms. There is no routine screening test for mesothelioma in the general population, but a physician can order imaging tests and other evaluations if there is reason for concern. Early detection, while difficult, can make a difference in treatment options.
For Missouri residents, understanding the link between asbestos and mesothelioma is the first step in protecting their health and the health of their families. If you live in an older home or work in an older building, it is wise to have a professional assess any suspected asbestos materials before beginning renovation work.
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a licensed attorney or physician about your specific situation.
