Mesothelioma, a rare, aggressive cancer brought about by asbestos exposure, forms on the protective tissue lining of the lungs or abdomen. However, there’s a lot of true and false information surrounding this disease, resulting in misinformation and confusion. Separating the truth from the lies about mesothelioma can equip you with the information you require to make informed decisions regarding the treatments. Discussed below are five myths and misconceptions about mesothelioma.
1. Mesothelioma only affects seniors
Most mesothelioma cases are diagnosed in older adults. The disease occurs most in the elderly due to the long latency period (how long it takes for mesothelioma to grow and develop) it’s associated with. Symptoms don’t start showing until decades after the first asbestos exposure. Those who experience asbestos exposure as young adults can learn that they have mesothelioma many years later as seniors.
The long latency period is the main reason the disease is common among seniors. This doesn’t mean that young adults, children, and teens cannot be diagnosed with mesothelioma. The disease can be found in the younger generation, though the cases are very few. Caring for people with mesothelioma isn’t easy. However, organizations such as Mesothelioma Hope provide personalized guidance, support, and care tailored to everyone fighting mesothelioma as a caregiver, family member, or patient.
2. Mesothelioma is contagious
Mesothelioma isn’t contagious, meaning spending time or interacting with mesothelioma patients won’t increase your chances of getting the disease. Additionally, exposure to a mesothelioma patient’s bodily fluids or blood doesn’t transmit the illness.
Nonetheless, asbestos fibers can be passed from one individual to another. Those who come across asbestos at work might not know they’ve been exposed to these fibers, resulting in them going home without decontaminating themselves and their clothes. If someone exposed to asbestos carries the fibers home, other family members may experience secondary exposure.
3. Mesothelioma is lung cancer
Lung cancer and mesothelioma share similar characteristics and can develop in the same body parts: the lungs. However, mesothelioma isn’t the same as lung cancer. Mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs, heart, abdomen, or testes. However, lung cancer grows inside the lungs. When it comes to mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the only confirmed cause. While asbestos exposure can cause lung cancer, radon gas exposure, smoking, and secondhand smoke can also lead to this disease.
4. Smoking can cause mesothelioma
Smoking has not been directly connected to mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of malignant mesothelioma. If you’ve been exposed to asbestos, you have a high chance of developing mesothelioma. Smoking doesn’t cause mesothelioma. Nevertheless, it increases the possibility of getting asbestos-related lung cancer and influences how your body responds to asbestos fibers. Note that smoking can negatively affect mesothelioma treatment and recovery.
5. Only those working directly with asbestos are at risk of mesothelioma
Occupational asbestos exposure is the most possible way to catch mesothelioma. Nonetheless, you can inhale or ingest asbestos through other avenues. Living close to asbestos processing plants or mines can expose you to this mesothelioma-causing mineral.
You may also have consistent interactions with people who work with asbestos. For instance, if your spouse or other family members come home with asbestos fibers on their body or clothes, you and the other people you live with may unknowingly inhale these fibers and get mesothelioma years later.
Endnote
While mesothelioma is a rare cancer, there’s a lot of information available about it, some of which is untrue. Understanding the myths and misconceptions about mesothelioma can help avoid misinformation and confusion, enabling you to make wise decisions.
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