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Mesothelioma Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the study of factors that affect the health and illness of populations, basically being a summary of who, where, when and why the disease is contracted. An epidemiology summary usually specifies trends in age and time, sex and geographic differences, mortality and prevalence, as well as the natural history of the disease.

Mesothelioma Incidence

Naturally occurring deposits of asbestos often coincide with geographic trends in mesothelioma epidemiology. Malignant mesothelioma cases are usually reported in the area of asbestos mining or dense industrial and commercial areas where asbestos was processed and made into products. Some of the industries commonly associated with using such products include the shipyard, construction, automotive, electrical and power plant industry. As a result, the incidence rate for those who worked in these locations is much higher due to the increased occurrence of asbestos exposure.

Each year approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people in the United States pass away from mesothelioma. Men are more likely to contract the disease than women, primarily because of their employment in areas known for asbestos exposure. Due to the long latency period associated with mesothelioma, patients are routinely diagnosed in their 60s and 70s.

Pleural Mesothelioma Etiology

Research in pleural mesothelioma etiology, the causation of the disease, shows that asbestos exposure accounts for approximately 80 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Although asbestos exposure is the primary cause of the cancer, risk factors that may increase someone’s chance of developing mesothelioma include chronic inflammation, genetics, chest injuries, organic chemicals, radiation, nonasbestos mineral fibers and simian virus 40. Pleural mesothelioma is typically caused by inhaling airborne asbestos fibers.

Treatment and Prevention

Due to the long latency period associated with the onset of symptoms, mesothelioma tends to be diagnosed in the late stages of development. Because of this, treatment options are less curative and are more palliative. Pleural mesothelioma treatments tend to include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery depending upon what stage of cancer development the patient is in and whether the cancer has metastasized. Many patients decide to pursue alternative therapies rather than the conventional treatments normally established with pleural mesothelioma. Such treatments include massage, acupuncture and yoga.

The safest way to prevent the development of mesothelioma is to avoid being exposed to asbestos. If you think there has ever been a time when you were exposed, either at work or during a do it yourself project at home, you should regularly schedule checkups with a doctor familiar with asbestos –related diseases. One important way to prevent the onset of pleural mesothelioma is to avoid smoking.

Sources

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11836665
2. http://www.erj.ersjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/9/9/1932
3. Chahinian, A., Robinson, B. Mesothelioma. Martin Dunitz: London. 2002.
4. Pass, I., Vogelzang, N., Carbone, M. Malignant Mesothelioma: Advances in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Transitional Therapies. Springer: New York. 2005.