Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma

Although asbestos is no longer a commonly used material for building there has been a rise in the number of diseases caused by asbestos exposure. This is because the fibers that cause the problem take about 20 to 30 years to manifest. Thus, after a long period of dormancy the symptoms show up dramatically. What is even more dangerous is the fact that many of the symptoms are similar to other diseases, and so it is all the more difficult to find the real cause.

Asbestos is a material that was very popular as an insulator. It insulates very well, and it is fire retardant. As a result, it has been used in many buildings. Because asbestos is not a problem as long as it is not stirred up, many building that were built using it as insulation have not replaced the asbestos. But, exposure to this substance years ago may only now be manifesting itself in the form of cancer or even asbetosis (which cannot be cured).

People who work around old construction sites that involve demolition or remodeling are exposed to asbestos, as they inhale the small fibers. These microscopic fibers, inhaled through the mouth or nose are breathed into the body and come to rest in the lining of the lungs.

Since the illness takes decades to manifest, the damage is not immediately apparent. This can explain the rise in the number of poisoning cases today. Initially, the poisoning is likely to be diagnosed as lung disease since the symptoms are common.

The symptoms of diseases caused by asbestos fibers include increased shortness of breath over time and coughing. These symptoms come with other diseases, and are mistaken for less deadly illnesses. Since the symptoms do not appear to be too serious, they are often ignored. That is dangerous! So, when you experience a persistent cough or shortness of breath, get it checked at once.

Other symptoms related to asbestos disease include chest pain, hoarseness, and coughing up blood. These symptoms can be considered more dangerous if persisting, although their cause not often construed to be asbestos. It is important to have proper tests run if you experience these symptoms and know that you have probably been exposed to asbestos at some point in your life.

If you suspect asbestos exposure in your line of work, you must share your concerns with your doctor who can then refer you to a specialist. A specialist will help you figure out whether your problem is asbestos related or not. It is crucial to catch the signs and symptoms of asbestos early and start addressing the problem.

Although there is no cure for asbestos related illness the symptoms can certainly be treated. However, if it develops into lung cancer, you may have to go in for surgery. In other cases chemotherapy can be tried. Essentially, a healthy lifestyle is crucial in controlling asbestos symptoms.

David Neelhy is a respected contributing author for "Mesothelioma Free Help" You'll find all the latest Mesothelioma news there. Get all David's latest Mesothelioma articles by going to http://MesotheliomaFreeHelp.com/articles

Symptoms Of Mesothelioma ? Know More; Suffer Less

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma can be defined as a rare form of cancer that affects mesothelium, the protective sac that covers most of the internal organs of the body. In this disease, the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and they start dividing randomly. Mostly, the preliminary attack of Mesothelioma takes place in pleura or peritoneum and it is seen that majority of the Mesothelioma patients have a history of exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma?s nexus with asbestos

Mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer with a rate of about 2000 new cases per year in the US. Though there is no specific age or sex for Mesothelioma, aged men seem to be more prone to catch the disease. As 70% to 80% of the case histories of patients reveal, Mesothelioma has a strong connection with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a group of minerals, which occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers. It is required in several industries namely cement, flooring products, textiles, etc. When the tiny particles of asbestos are inhaled or swallowed, they pose severe health related threats like increased risk of lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma, etc. The combination of asbestos exposure and smoking habit often aggravates the risk.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

One peculiarity of Mesothelioma is that it has a long latency period of about 15-50 years, which means that the symptoms of the disease may start appearing 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Moreover, Mesothelioma symptoms are often not specific i.e. they are same in case of several other diseases. This is why Mesothelioma tests are very important to dispel the incidence of the disease if relevant symptoms crop up.

Speaking of symptoms, there are three prominent symptoms of Mesothelioma that cannot be overlooked. These involve pain while breathing or coughing, gasping for breath and a persistent cough that may result in sputum streaked with blood. Besides, exhaustion, weight loss and appetite loss are some of the other contributing symptoms. Other very rare symptoms are hoarse voice, swelling of the face or the neck, problem in swallowing and pain around the rib area.

However, depending upon the location of the cancerous tumors (pleura or peritoneum) the symptoms vary in case of pleural and peritoneal Mesothelioma. In pleural Mesothelioma, the fluid gets accumulated in the pleura and leads to shortness of breath, persistent coughing, pain in the chest, difficulty in sleeping, pain in the lower back and side of chest, husky voice, nausea, difficulty in swallowing and fever.

Cancer in the lining of the abdomen is what we know as peritoneal Mesothelioma. Because of the fluid retention in the abdominal cavity there is a subsequent abdominal pain and swelling.

Noticeable symptoms of peritoneal Mesothelioma are listed as follows:

- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Build up of fluid in the abdomen
- Bowel obstruction
- Abnormal blood clotting
- Abdominal mass and fever

Mesothelioma?s treatment depends upon several factors like location of the cancer, stage of the disease, patient's age and general health. Standard treatments that are carried out to cure the disease include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined to achieve better results.

Thus it is worthwhile to mention, as all doctors say that to fight a disease we need to find the symptoms first. So be aware of the symptoms of Mesothelioma and consult the doctor at the very onset for an immediate treatment.

Fred Lindell is a successful writer and publisher of health related issues, for more informative articles go to http://www.mesotheliomaplaza.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma

Many people have never heard of Mesothelioma and are unaware of its symptoms. Although considered a rare form of cancer, each year the number of cases grows. With the prevalence of this disease on the rise, it is critical to understand why and how Mesothelioma develops and what courses of action can be taken in the event of diagnosis. The following is a list of frequently asked questions and answers that will provide you with some information on Mesothelioma, and the legal issues surrounding it.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor found in the mesothelial cells of an organ. The organs where this form of cancer is most commonly found are the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. Pleural Mesothelioma is cancer of the lung lining and is the most common form of Mesothelioma.

What causes Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is often found in building materials used before the mid 1970's. In addition, materials such as pipes, boiler insulation, floor, ceiling and roof tiles may contain asbestos.

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Mesothelioma a cancer caused by asbestos

The internal organs of the human body are encased in a protective sac called the mesothelium. Examples of mesothelilial membranes are the peritoneum (abdominal organs), pleura (lungs), and pericardium (heart).

Under specific conditions, the cells of the protective membrane divide uncontrolled and become cancerous. This disease is termed as Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer which is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos dust.

The disease is found to occur among those who work in shipyards, asbestos mines and factories, industries that produce asbestos based products, and the heating and construction businesses. Approximately 3,000 cases occur each year in the US, and most patients are between 50-70 years old. Statistics show that males are commonly affected and among them whites more than African Americans.

First studied in the late 1700s in depth studies were only done in the 1960s. Tumors of the Mesothelioma can be benign or malignant. The malignant Mesothelioma are categorized into three types:

* Epithelioid, accounting for 50-70% of mesotheliomas.

* Sarcomatoid, accounting for 7-20%.

* Mixed or bi-phasic, accounting for 20-35%.

When asbestos fibers are breathed into the lungs they travel through large air passages to reach the smaller passages and from them the pleura. In the pleura they damage: the mesothelial cells leading to cancer; lung tissue causing lung cancer; and the development of scar tissue within the lungs known as asbestosis. When asbestos fibers are swallowed they reach the abdominal cavity and cause peritoneal mesothelioma.

Research reveals that the disease only manifests 20-50 years after being exposed to asbestos dust. The symptoms are not specific to the disease but a patient may develop:

* Breathlessness.

* Chest pain accompanied by tightness believed to be caused by accumulation of fluid in the pleura.

* Low back pain.

* Swelling of face and arms.

* Sensory loss.

* Muscle weakness.

* Nausea.

* Vomiting.

* Weight loss that is unexplained.

* Persistent dry cough.

* Sore throat.

* Anemia.

* Fever.

* Constipation.

* Problems with blood clotting.

Since the above are common to minor ailments, patients often ignore the symptoms. It is advisable to consult a doctor if any of the above symptoms persist or if you feel you have been knowingly or unknowingly exposed to asbestos.

A doctor will:

* Take down a detailed medical history and try and determine the symptoms and risk factors.

* Do a thorough physical examination and check for signs of:

o Pleural effusion, fluid accumulated in the chest cavity.

o Fluid in the abdominal cavity.

o Pericardial effusion, fluid in the lining of the heart.

* Take a chest x-ray and check for thickening of the pleura, calcifications, and lowered lung fissures.

* Ask for a CT scan to determine clearly the location, size, and extent of the problem if any is suspected.

* Recommend tests of tissue samples and pleural fluids.

Other risk factors are cigarette or cigar smoking, exposure to radiation, exposure to zeolite a compound that is similar to asbestos, exposure to or infections caused by SV40, a Simian virus.

Those who work in a risky environment should wear protective clothing, have the surroundings tested regularly for suspended asbestos particles, and ensure that they have regular medical tests and report to the doctor any ailments that persist.

Being aware of the disease and its problems helps.

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888Discuss.com/health/ , the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Health Forum including topics on health care, Children's Health Issues, addiction, Cancer, fitness equipment, Burns & Injuries and more. His article profile can be found at the premier Health Article Submission Directory http://www.1888Articles.com/health-articles-8.html

Mesothelioma: Treatments For Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma cancer is currently treated through three treatments, depending on the cancer location, the disease stage, and the patient's general health and age. These treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which sometimes are combined to fight the disease in so far as possible.

In a surgery, one of the most common treatments for mesothelioma, the doctor removes part of the lining of the abdomen or the chest and some tissue around it. In a pneumonectomy, the doctor may also remove one lung when the patient has pleural mesothelioma or cancer of the pleura. In other surgical procedure, the doctor may also remove part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing.

Through these procedures, the medical specialist shall try to excise tumourous tissue arising from this cancer disease. As these operations will reduce the patient's respiratory capacity, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's ability to function after a lung tissue removal, before performing a pneumonectomy.

Another method to fight Mesothelioma is chemotherapy or the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. These drugs are given to the patient by an intravenous procedure, an injection into a vein. Currently, experts are studying the effectiveness of intracavitary chemotherapy or the possibility of giving chemotherapy straight to the chest or abdomen.

Radiotherapy or radiation therapy is the use of high-energy rays to destroy malignant cells and shrink tumors. It is important to know that this medical procedure attacks the cancer cells only in the treated area. There are two ways of giving this therapy. One, external radiation, in which the radiation comes from a machine, and other, internal radiation, where the cancer cells are found after putting materials that produce radiation into the affected area.

Doctor's way to relieve patient's pain is to use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in the abdominal or chest cavities through a procedure called thoracentesis, when it is from the chest, and paracentesis, when the removal is from the abdomen. The specialists may also give the drugs through a tube in the chest to prevent the accumulation of more liquid. Article written by the staff of mesothelioma -10.com a website edited by Hector Milla, if you want to read more articles about mesothelioma cancer information, feel free to visit http://www.mesothelioma-10.com, or http://www.asbestos-10.com by swib asbestos information, you can reprint this article in your website or ezine, always mentioning the author above and keeping a live link.

What is Mesothelioma Lung Cancer?

 Mesothelioma Lung Cancer, also known as Pleural Mesothelioma Cancer, is caused by a change in the Mesothelioma cells that normally provide a protective coating around the Lungs. When the Mesothelioma cells become cancerous, they begin to change and form white nodules and later form into tumor clumps.

In the later stages of Mesothelioma Lung Cancer, the Cancer can invade the lungs and other organs contained within upper body area. The results of Mesothelioma Lung Cancer can lead to shortness of breath, chest pain, fever and other conditional illnesses.

The medical profession has documented that Mesothelioma Lung Cancer is a direct result of exposure to Asbestos related substances. Asbestos usually consists of fibers that can enter the body through the mouth, or the skin, and, subsequently, enter the lungs, or blood stream.

It is thought that these fibers then lodge in the protective lining around the lungs and after 10, or so years begin to change the Mesothelioma cells that the lining is made up from. Although, initially, the Mesothelioma cells effectively do their job, the Asbestos fibers are inherently a foreign substance within the body and often, eventually, they can no longer hold up the fight.

Although Mesothelioma Cancer can also develop in the abdominal area and around the heart, Mesthelioma Lung Cancer has been found to be the most common form of Mesothelioma Cancer.

However, unlike the other two forms of Mesothelioma Cancer, Mesothelioma Lung Cancer can be detected through the results of a CT Scan. It is this fact that allows doctors the possibility of detecting Mesothelioma Lung Cancer earlier than the other two forms of Mesothelioma Cancer.

Mesothelioma Lung Cancer should not be confused with Lung Cancer, as the two are entirely different. Where as Mesothelioma Lung Cancer develops in the lining surrounding the Lung, Lung Cancer develops within the Lung itself.

Also, Mesothelioma Lung Cancer is non-malignant, whereas, Lung Cancer tends to be Malignant in nature. Although some of the treatment methods that are used for both Cancers are the same, such as Radiation therapy and Chemotherapy.

Essentially, there are two pleural layers that surround the Lungs, with a gap in the middle, known as the pleural space, which contains a special liquid. These two pleural layers, plus the liquid, help to cushion the Lungs as the move within the chest.

It is the pleural that consists of the Mesothelioma cells, which are essentially where the Mesothelioma Cancer begins. Early detection of Mesothelioma Lung Cancer and appropriate treatment can often ensure extended life for the Mesothelioma Lung Cancer patient.

Learn more about mesothelioma treatment and asbestos litigation go here: http://www.mesothelioma-treatment-center.com/mesothelioma-lung-cancer.htm