Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is not only difficult to diagnose, but difficult to treat as well, as it does not respond as well as other cancers to conventional treatments. It is found more often in men than women, and as age increases, the risk increases – but it may be found in any gender at any age.

Asbestos exposure has been linked to the development of mesothelioma, and those who work around it are at increased risk. This includes, but are not limited to, shipyard workers, electricians, plumbers, construction workers, and those who demolish older buildings. The vast majority of cases are in those who have had exposure years before, as symptoms can take twenty to fifty years later. A history at any time, no matter how brief or long, should arouse clinical suspicion of the disease if symptoms are present.

As with anything else, diagnosis begins with a taking of the medical history, including any asbestos exposure. If mesothelioma is suspected, a chest X-ray and CT scan will be performed, and final diagnosis is confirmed with a tissue sample, or biopsy. Unfortunately, positive diagnosis of the disease increased threefold during the years of 1973 and 1984, and many more diagnosis have been made in the years since. Life expectancy is bleak in victims – averaging a year after diagnosis. This varies, however, by things such as the person’s age, general health, stage of disease, and how aggressive the treatment.

Treatment options will be discussed between the patient and their doctor upon diagnosis. There are a number of new drugs, like Alimta and Cisplatin, in addition to more conventional treatments, like radiation and chemotherapy. These all have side effects though. We have all heard about if not seen firsthand the adverse effects of chemo and radiation: weight loss, nauseousness and vomiting, hair loss, and pain. Clinical studies have recently found that chemotherapy also may not be providing the benefits to mesothelioma patients as it was once thought to. Of all things, caffeine may be beneficial in the treatment regimen.

Also, if the cancer is found early enough, there are more aggressive treatments. Surgical resection of the cancer and surrounding affected tissue is one of these options.

One way or another, the patient must decide along with their doctor’s help what their best individual option(s) are. Everyone is different, and so is the way the individual is affected by the disease and treatment thereof.

Some notable people in history have been affected by this disease, so if you or your loved one is suffering, know that you are not alone:

• Hamilton Jordan, Chief of Staff for United States President Jimmy Carter
• Steve McQueen, a popular actor who may have been exposed as a young Marine
• Bernie Banton, and Australian worker’s rights activist
• Terrence McCann, Olympic Gold Medalist
• Paul Gleason, American film and television actor

…and many more. Others who lived with it include Stephen Jay Gould, who lived for over twenty years after his diagnosis, and author Paul Kraus, who was diagnosed and given only a year to live back in 1997, and continues to live with it, so there is hope.