Mesothelioma is probably the only cancer where we know the exact cause. Currently there are hundreds of class action law suits against the manufacturers of asbestos products and the companies that used them

Former defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams, Merlin Olsen, died last Thursday after a short but intense battle with cancer. He was 69. Olsen was part of the NFL's 'Fearsome Foursome' along with teammates Deacon Jones, Lamar Lundy and Rosey Grier in the 1960’s. Very early in his football career Olsen won several All-American titles, was honored with the Outland Trophy, was voted NFC defensive lineman of the year in 1973, NFL MVP in 1974, and finally voted into the Football Hall of Fame in 1982. Olsen was known as the 'Magician of the Football field'.

Olsen was considered one of the greatest tackles in the NFL said Rams general manager Billy Devaney. "Merlin Olsen is one of the best players in the history of the NFL. His passing is a tremendous loss for the Rams. He will always be remembered as an ambassador for the organization as well as the National Football League.” Fellow Hall of Famer and former teammate Jack Youngblood, said "Olsen was ferocious and fearless on the football field. When you stop and think of Merlin, he accomplished things that will never be accomplished again... We all know what a wonderful, tremendous football player he was, but he was so much more than that, he was a true gentleman."

After retiring from 15 years in the NFL Olsen went on to have an impressive career in television as well. He began as an NFL commentator for NBC then moved on to acting. Olsen is probably best known for his role on Little House on the Prairie where he played lumberman Jonathan Garvey from 1977-1981. Olsen also had small roles in movies, made numerous guest appearances in a variety of TV shows, and was a commercial spokesman for FTD florists.

Sadly, last year Olsen was diagnosed with mesothelioma a form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Olsen filed a lawsuit after his diagnosis, claiming he contracted the disease as a result of being exposed to asbestos on construction sites where he worked after school doing manual labor when he was a child and again when he hung drywall as a teen. Additionally, Olsen claims that while working at NBC and 20th Century FOX both companies negligently exposed him to asbestos. Olsen says in his lawsuit that mesothelioma "is a vicious, painful, and invariably fatal malignancy with no known cure.” According to reports Olsen passed away at the City of Hope in Los Angeles where he was undergoing treatment. Olsen is survived by his wife, Susan, and three children.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that occurs in the thin layer of cells lining the lungs and is difficult to diagnose because the early signs and symptoms of the disease can be subtle at best. In most cases, symptoms will not appear until many years after the exposure has occurred. Also, symptoms are frequently ignored or dismissed by people who typically attribute them to common every day ailments. Sometimes patients live with symptoms for up to 6 months before being diagnosed but clear symptoms are usually present for two to three months prior to diagnosis. About 60% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma experience lower back pain or side chest pain and there are frequent reports of shortness of breath. Some people may experience difficulty swallowing, or have a persistent cough, fever, weight loss, or fatigue. Less common symptoms include muscle weakness, coughing up blood, facial and arm swelling, and hoarseness

Merlin Olsen on Little House

The only known cause of mesothelioma is from exposure to asbestos fibers that are inhaled through the mouth and nose and become embedded in the lining of the lungs. These fibers cause irritation to the lining of the lungs and can result in lung cancer or the formation of scar tissue. Asbestos is almost as old as man; its usage and health hazards date as far back as the 1st century. Asbestos was widely used as a fire retardant in building materials until the early/mid 20th century and many laborers were subjected to exposure on the job.

Few workers knew of the dangers of Asbestos. However, the manufacturers were well aware of the hazards and continued to use it. Currently there are hundreds of class action law suits against the manufacturers of asbestos products and the companies that used them.

There is currently no cure for Mesothelioma. But, treatments are available based on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery - the doctor may remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it and in some cases a lung may be removed. Radiation therapy - uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors and only affects the cancer cells in the treated area. Chemotherapy – uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body and is typically administered through an IV. In some cases, a combination of treatments is used.

Stacy Matson is a health enthusiast from Southern California and regularly blogs on Celebrity Health for A Healthier World, as well as contributing to the Best of the Best.