Asbestos Mesothelioma- A
Deadly Disease
by Kirsten Hawkins
Asbestos- the Main Culprit
behind Asbestos Mesothelioma
Asbestos mesothelioma is a
rare but dangerous cancer caused by exposure to asbestos
particles suspended in the air. Asbestos is a group of
naturally occurring silicate minerals. It is made up of strong
and durable fibers that are resistant to heat and fire. Thin
long and flexible structure of asbestos fibers allows you to
weave them even into cloth. These
inherent qualities of asbestos prompted the manufacturers of
industrial, automotive, maritime, scientific, building and
consumer products to use it widely during 1890-1970.
Different Types of Mesothelioma and Their Symptoms
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Asbestos Cancer Disease
Sara Reisness
The history of the Asbestos
Cancer disease ‘Mesothelioma’
dates back to the early 1960s.
The use of the silicate
Asbestos can be traced back as
early as World War II. However,
the risks involved with
Asbestos exposure were unknown
at that time. With the passage
of time, studies revealed that
the cancerous disease was
common in people of South
African origin. Majority of
them were mine workers. It was
in 1962 that Dr. Mc Nulty made
the first diagnosis of the
Cancer related disease.
Mesothelioma is a cancerous
disease that occurs in
individuals who are exposed for
short or prolonged periods to
asbestos dust. As a
consequence, the disease can
cause severe disfigurement and
impairment of the lungs.
Individuals suffering from the
fatal disease, suffer from
breathing problems, abnormal
blood clotting, unbearable
abdominal pain, significant
weight loss and high
fevers.
Today, the dangers of the
asbestos fibres have raised a
growing concern among health
professionals. To help prevent
mineworkers and shipyard
workers from transitory
exposures to asbestos, the US
Occupational Safety and Health
Administration has devised
rules and regulations to help
win the race in defeating this
gruesome disease, which has
robbed the precious lives of
many of Americans.
Mineworkers working in
hazardous asbestos environments
are urged to wear protective
clothing at their workplaces.
To help prevent inflicting
their loved ones with the
cancerous effects of the
asbestos fibers, the OSHA urged
asbestos exposed workers to
make it a regular habit of
showering daily to remove any
trace of the cancerous silicate
like fiber. Families of
asbestos affected workers
should be tested for any trace
of this cancer-causing
material.
For more Articles about
Mesothelioma Cancer please
click here http://www.mesotheliomaresourceonline.com/articles/Mesothelioma_Asbestos.htm
Web Mistress
Sara Reisness
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Asbestos mesothelioma affects the lining of lungs, abdominal
organs or heart. Asbestos mesothelioma affecting lining of
lungs or pleural membrane is called pleural mesothelioma.
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of abdominal organs
or peritoneum. When this disease shows its effect in the lining
of heart or pericardium, it is known as pericardial
mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are pain and
swelling in abdomen, weakness, loss of weight, loss of appetite
and nausea. In most of the cases, fluid accumulates in the
peritoneal space. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are
persistent cough, difficulty in breathing, weakness, loss of
weight, loss of appetite, chest pain, lower back pain and
difficulty in swallowing. In most of the cases, a fluid
accumulates in pleural space.
Asbestos Mesothelioma Kills Silently
Most unfortunate thing about the asbestos mesothelioma is
its long latency period. Any individual, who had asbestos
exposure even 20 to 50 years back, may have asbestos
mesothelioma lying dormant in his body without any appearance
of aforementioned symptoms. By the time, symptoms become
noticeable, it is already too late. The average survival time
of all types of mesothelioma patients is not more than 24
months.
Diagnosis of Asbestos Mesothelioma
Diagnosis of asbestos mesothelioma involves x-ray, CT-scan,
peritoneoscopy and bronchoscopy. After finding any abnormality
doctor may suggest biopsy. In biopsy, we send a tissue sample
for pathological examination. After examining tissue sample an
expert pathologist can confirm about the development of
disease.
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are some
treatment options available for the patients suffering from
asbestos mesothelioma. People suffering form asbestos
mesothelioma can filer lawsuits to recover damages for the
persons or industries responsible for their asbestos
exposure.
About the Author
Kirsten Hawkins is a asbestos and mesothelioma specialist
from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.asbestosblog.org/
for information on asbestos reform, mesothelioma lawsuit news,
and more.
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