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| (Photo from James Vaughan's Flickr stream) |
The precise mechanisms by which asbestos can cause mesothelioma have yet to be fully understood by medical professionals. What is known, however, is that asbestos fibers can potentially wreak havoc on your lungs. If, say, you worked in a facility many years ago where asbestos was present, you probably didn't realize how deadly it was. Asbestos doesn't look particularly threatening; some have likened it to snow.
Over a period of about 20 to 50 years, inhaled asbestos fibers irritate and inflame your lung tissues. Over time, this irritation and inflammation progresses to scarring. Your lungs are naturally flexible- they're able to expand and contract each time you inhale and exhale. During the early stages of mesothelioma, you might frequently struggle with shortness of breath, even when doing the least physically demanding of tasks. As the disease exacerbates, your ability to breathe normally ultimately impacts your quality of life.
Because mesothelioma is so very rare (about 3,000 people are diagnosed with it yearly) medical professionals have yet to fully understand it. Treatment options that are currently available are generally considered to be palliative; they work to minimize any pain or discomfort, but they cannot cure the disease itself. If for example, you develop plural effusions (fluid buildup in and around your lung tissue) your medical professional might suggest surgery to drain the fluid and lessen the pressure on your lungs.
Unfortunately, there's no cure for mesothelioma.
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