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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

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.

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Sara Reisness

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.