Senior citizens make up seventy-five percent of the victims of asbestos exposure who are fighting mesothelioma. The American Cancer Society defines mesothelioma as a cancer that attacks the mesothelial tissue, which makes up the thin protective layer of tissues that surround the heart and lungs. In America, between two and three thousand patients a year are diagnosed with mesothelioma, most of whom have worked with asbestos.
The incident rate of mesothelioma in senior citizens is high for a couple of reasons. First, asbestos was banned in the United States during the 1970s, so exposure has decreased significantly for younger generations. Second, asbestos can remain dormant as a carcinogen for more than fifty years, and the cancer itself can develop for over a year before it is discovered, which puts the highest risk age bracket at seventy years and up.
According to Senior Living Magazine the first symptoms of mesothelioma are shortness of breath, hoarseness, chest pain and other less severe complications. Because they begin to appear years after initial exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma is typically diagnosed in its last stages. It is diagnosed by taking a biopsy of the affected tissue and testing it for malignancy. Most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed during the third or fourth stage of the disease.
Even if you don't display the above symptoms but have had exposure to asbestos in a working environment at some stage of your life, particularly the 1970′s and 1980′s then it's best to see a Mesothelioma Doctor at least once a year and receive a chest x-ray at the same time. The result of pleural mesothelioma is pleural thickening which is a fluid build up between membrane layers and this will put pressure on the lungs resulting in respiratory problems.
Before choosing your mesothelioma doctor you may want to first find out their experience in dealing with Mesothelioma and how many cases they have handled and also if they take your insurance. You might be best to join a mesothelioma group first to get first hand experience of what practitioners they recommend.
Life expectancy after mesothelioma diagnosis is poor. According to Environment and Ecology, the average life expectancy after diagnosis is 8 to 14 months. Those who have a stage four diagnosis may want to seriously consider palliative care only.
A mesothelioma diagnosis is serious, scary and life changing. Senior citizens facing a terminal diagnosis should take the time to discuss their medical condition with their family, consider their opinions and make final arrangements. They should also seek the care of a medical professional who specializes in asbestos related disease and mesothelioma treatment. Understanding the progression of the disease, their individual situation and their medical options will allow them to make informed decisions about the disease.
The incident rate of mesothelioma in senior citizens is high for a couple of reasons. First, asbestos was banned in the United States during the 1970s, so exposure has decreased significantly for younger generations. Second, asbestos can remain dormant as a carcinogen for more than fifty years, and the cancer itself can develop for over a year before it is discovered, which puts the highest risk age bracket at seventy years and up.
According to Senior Living Magazine the first symptoms of mesothelioma are shortness of breath, hoarseness, chest pain and other less severe complications. Because they begin to appear years after initial exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma is typically diagnosed in its last stages. It is diagnosed by taking a biopsy of the affected tissue and testing it for malignancy. Most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed during the third or fourth stage of the disease.
Even if you don't display the above symptoms but have had exposure to asbestos in a working environment at some stage of your life, particularly the 1970′s and 1980′s then it's best to see a Mesothelioma Doctor at least once a year and receive a chest x-ray at the same time. The result of pleural mesothelioma is pleural thickening which is a fluid build up between membrane layers and this will put pressure on the lungs resulting in respiratory problems.
Before choosing your mesothelioma doctor you may want to first find out their experience in dealing with Mesothelioma and how many cases they have handled and also if they take your insurance. You might be best to join a mesothelioma group first to get first hand experience of what practitioners they recommend.
Life expectancy after mesothelioma diagnosis is poor. According to Environment and Ecology, the average life expectancy after diagnosis is 8 to 14 months. Those who have a stage four diagnosis may want to seriously consider palliative care only.
A mesothelioma diagnosis is serious, scary and life changing. Senior citizens facing a terminal diagnosis should take the time to discuss their medical condition with their family, consider their opinions and make final arrangements. They should also seek the care of a medical professional who specializes in asbestos related disease and mesothelioma treatment. Understanding the progression of the disease, their individual situation and their medical options will allow them to make informed decisions about the disease.
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