Mesothelioma is a relatively uncommon illness. Because of this, it is not unusual for people diagnosed with mesothelioma and their families to have misconceptions about the condition, what caused it and what the future holds.
Correcting these can help you assess your options and situation more accurately if you or your loved one has mesothelioma.
Misconception: There is no treatment
The truth is there is no cure for mesothelioma yet. But there are treatments. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, treatments can effectively extend a person’s life and improve their quality of life.
Some possible treatments for mesothelioma include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Surgery
- Immunotherapy
- Using electrical currents to inhibit growth
- Procedures to remove fluid buildup
These treatments can help patients in many ways, and there are also several clinical trials and ongoing research happening every day that improve treatments and move us closer to a cure.
Misconception: I’m not at risk if I didn’t work with asbestos
Direct asbestos exposure can increase someone’s likelihood of developing mesothelioma. However, it is inaccurate to assume that you are not at risk if you did not work with asbestos.
Many people with mesothelioma are victims of secondary exposure. For instance, spouses and children of workers can be exposed indirectly. For decades, workers came home to their families covered in asbestos fibers because of a lack of protective gear and decontamination practices.
These fibers can come in on workers’ boots, clothes and bodies, posing a threat to others in the home.
Misconception: A single exposure is not a big deal
The more frequent a person’s exposure to asbestos, the higher their risk for getting sick. However, there is no safe level of asbestos.
Even occasional exposure or small amounts of asbestos can be cause for concern because the fibers can still lodge themselves in a person’s lungs (usually) and develop into cancer.
These and other misconceptions about mesothelioma might be rooted in some amount of truth, but they can be misleading and dangerous. Thus, getting accurate information that applies to your specific situation from doctors, attorneys and other professionals can be crucial.