You have probably come across memes making fun of Mesothelioma on the internet. This might have led you to think that mesothelioma is a joke however this is not the case. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the lungs linings. It’s so rare that there are very few specialists who can manage this condition. To give you a better understanding, let’s look at 5 things you should know about mesothelioma.
- It is caused by asbestos exposure
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. In fact, in most medical journals, it is defined as an asbestos related lung cancer. There is no other medically known cause of mesothelioma. That’s because, the condition in itself develops when asbestos fiber are lounged on the lung walls. This makes it quite different from lung cancer which has a varied causes and affects different lung cells, not just the lung fiber.
- You have a right to reparation if diagnosed with Mesothelioma
If you or somebody you know is diagnosed with this condition, you should not worry about the medical bills. You are legally entitled to compensation. That’s because the condition you or your loved one are suffering from is not due to a personal mistake or negligence, but rather due to exposure to a dangerous mineral, which the government is yet to ban. As such, it is up to the government to ensure that people who develop this cancer due to asbestos exposure are fully taken care of.
- There is a genetic element to Mesothelioma
While exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of this condition, there is a genetic element to it, which makes some people more vulnerable to this condition than others. People whose genetic makeup does not pre-expose them to this condition may not develop it, even if they are exposed to asbestos. Therefore, if there is no one in your family who has developed this condition even after being exposed to asbestos in the past, then you have nothing to worry about, even when you fear that you may have been exposed to asbestos. People whose genetic makeup predisposes them to Mesothelioma can get this cancer even by washing clothes of someone who has had contact with asbestos.
- This condition has a long dormancy period
It can take a long time before someone who is exposed to Asbestos gets to know that they are suffering from Mesothelioma. In fact, it can take up to 50 years before a person who is exposed to asbestos gets to know that they are suffering from Mesothelioma.
- Diet can help a mesothelioma patient feel better
While a good diet may not do much towards curing Mesothelioma, it can go a long way in helping the patient feel better. For instance, a diet of fruits and vegetables can help slow down the progression of this cancer, hence reducing the level of pain that the patient has to endure. Besides, diet improves the patient’s immune system, which helps minimize the effects of cancer medicine.