The Maune Raichle Law Firm

Mesothelioma Resource

Mesothelioma is a cancer which has been misunderstood and misrepresented for a number of years. Because of the many conflicting sources that exist, many people are not sure about what information is correct and what is out of date and no longer current. The best way to weed through what is good and what isn't is to consult a current mesothelioma resource book or consult an oncologist who is experienced in the treatment and diagnosis of mesothelioma. Speaking with another individual who is currently undergoing treatment of mesothelioma can also be an immensely powerful resource.

To help determine the validity of any one mesothelioma resource, it is important that the resource has the first major facts correct. Sources that do are most likely current and written by individuals who can provide you with quality information. First of all, mesothelioma is not a lung cancer, instead it is a cancer of the mesothelium, which is a layer of tissue which both compartmentalizes body cavities and provides the lubricating fluid allowing for the movement of the internal organs within the body. Also commonly misrepresented in the link between asbestos and mesothelioma, mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure in most cases but not in every case. Asbestos exposure causes an estimated 90% of all mesothelioma cases and mesothelioma does not prove asbestos exposure.

A quality current resource most likely mentions treatments, survival rates, and accounts for the many factors which negatively impact patients' survival rates. Mesothelioma is treated with some combination of surgical removal, chemotherapy, and radiation. Although all three treatments may not be used on every patient, it is common for all three treatments to be necessary. Survival rates for advanced stages of mesothelioma are low, but when diagnosed early, survival rates are drastically improved to about a 40% 5-year survival rate when aggressively treated. The major omitted factor in the diagnosing and treatment of mesothelioma is that those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are often older with other unrelated illnesses; these other illnesses and the individual's age can negatively affect survival rates and create misleading figures.