Mesothelioma and Seniors: What you need to know

Mesothelioma is a tumor that affects the mesothelium.  Mesothelium is the tissue that lines the lungs, heart, stomach and other organs.  The Mesothelioma tumor is usually detected in the lungs, though it can be present in other organs.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is anything that may increase a person’s risk for cancer.  A risk factor in itself does not cause cancer, however risk factors can influence the development of cancer.  A common example of a risk factor is smoking.  Smoking is a risk factor for such cancers as lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and oral cancers.  Talk to your doctor about your risk factors.  A person who knows their risk factors can make informed choices about their lifestyle and healthcare options.

Risk Factors for Mesothelioma

With Mesothelioma and Seniors, asbestos exposure is the number one risk factor.  Other factors may include smoking, radiation exposure and genetics.  Asbestos is a mineral fiber Found in rocks and soil. Manufacturers used this flexible, heat and chemical resistant material for years in products that were all around us.  Asbestos was used for auto parts, construction materials, and even textiles.  It was often used in buildings as insulation, vinyl flooring, and roofing shingles. Asbestos fibers can separate into tiny particles that can be breathed into the lungs and cause health problems.

Who is affected by Mesothelioma?

According to cancer.net about 3,000 people per year are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United States. Mesothelioma occurs most often in men. The average age for diagnosis is 69 years.

United States military veterans have historically worked around and with asbestos.  For more information please check out  mesotheliomabook.com/us-veterans-compensation-benefits.html.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Symptoms of Mesothelioma and seniors may include coughing, shortness of breath, chest or abdominal pain, fluid around the lungs, fatigue, fever and night sweats, and weakness.  As always, it’s best to talk to your doctor about your health concerns.

Resources

There are many resources for those with questions about Mesothelioma and its’ symptomology, both on a national level and at local levels.  For questions regarding home care for seniors, ela home care serves much of Chicagoland and is available 24/7 with organically kind people to help you find the answers and care you need. elahomecare.com  Other great resources include:

Asbestos.com

Cancer.net

WebMD

Mesotheliomagroup.com

elahomecare.com