Are you in danger of Mesothelioma Cancer? The short answer is yes.
Asbestos is still widely used and has been used in everything from schools and work places, to appliance lining and insulation, and anywhere a fireproof barrier is needed. Most people do not understand that asbestos is still used in manufacturing many products. The air, drinking water, and even some consumer products still contain small amounts of asbestos. Asbestos fibers are even released into the air from natural deposits in the earth.
The industry feels justified in their use of asbestos because it is only dangerous after it breaks down and is released into the air. Wear and deterioration of asbestos products is the primary way to release fibers into the air.
The industry is quick to point out that people who have had a single, high-level exposure, incident, or are exposed for a short period to lower levels of asbestos, are not likely to contract Mesothelioma Cancer.
What most people do not understand is that they do not need to be in a dangerous environment. If they know someone who works in a dangerous environment, they may have been exposed through fibers that clung to clothing, was deposited in vehicles, and released into the environment through their clothing.
How to Be Tested
People at risk from exposure to asbestos from work or at home need to inform a doctor of their exposure history and symptoms. Asbestos fibers can be measured in urine, feces, mucus (fluid coming out of the body), or material rinsed out of the lungs. This may make it possible to test for asbestos long before serious symptoms occur - a vital factor in life expectancy.
A physical exam and chest x-ray may be recommended, but this is not an adequate. A chest x-ray cannot reveal fibers, just changes in the lungs. The x-ray must be sent to an experienced specialist who understands how to look for asbestos-related diseases.
The body must also be tested for fibers.
Mesothelioma cancer is rare, but the incidences of it are on the rise. Currently, it affects 2 000 Americans a year. It is caused by an inflammation in the sac-like lining around many of the body's internal organs. The most common type of this cancer is pleural mesothelioma. This cancer in the lung's linking causes up about 60% of all cases.
Peritoneum Mesothelioma is cancer in the lining of the abdomen and is found in 40% of all cases.
Pericardium Mesothelioma, is found in the lining of the heart and is the rarest form, accounting for a very small percentage of all cases.
Currently, exposure to asbestos fibers is the only cause of mesothelioma Mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related diseases. The problem in diagnosis is caused because asbestos remains dormant in the body from 10-50 years before scarring the tissue and causing cancer.
The optimistic news is that not all Mesothelioma is cancerous.
There are two forms: benign and malignant. Benign mesothelioma is non-cancerous and is removed and cured through surgery.
Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer. The life expectancy for patients ranges from 4-30. This quickly spreading cancer is difficult to treat. Early detection and treatment is lengthening the life expectancy of people diagnosed with this type of cancer.
This makes it vitally important for people exposed to asbestos to seek help immediately, even if there are no obvious symptoms. It may be too late to help them when symptoms appear. People who feel they may be at risk for Petritoneum, or Pericardium Mesothelioma should start medical and legal proceeding before becoming ill.
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