Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that attacks cells within the mesothelium, which line the lungs, heart and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos is the leading cause of this deadly form of cancer, with extensive research documenting the connection. In the U.S. there are 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. Statistical projections indicate this number will continue to climb in the future. Abroad the cancer’s numbers vary according to the population and product bans and regulations. The United States and Canada remain two of the last countries to implement a ban of the substance.
There is currently no known cure for mesothelioma and treatments are usually palliative in nature. Those patients diagnosed in the beginning stages of cancer have undergone aggressive surgical procedures and multimodal treatments with varied success rates. Clinical trials and other forms of medical study are a means of hope for patients with rare diseases such as mesothelioma. Patients also sometimes investigate alternative and complementary forms of treatment as a way of improving their quality of life and overall well-being.
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