Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the covering that protects many of the internal organs of the body. In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium.
Pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma are the two most common forms of this rare cancer. It is often found in the outer lining of the lungs, the inside lining of the abdominal cavity and the sac surrounding the heart.
The Risk Factors
Working in an industry that has exposed a person to asbestos dust and fiber puts them at risk for developing mesothelioma. There is also evidence that family members living with asbestos workers are potentially at risk due to second-hand exposure to asbestos.
Workers can bring home the asbestos dust/fiber on their hair and clothes. About 2,000 new cases are diagnosed in the US every year. In the past 20 years, the incidence rates have increased. The disease occurs more often in men than in women; but may appear in both men and women at any age.
Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural mineral composed of durable and fire-resistant fibers used commercially in industries including: shipbuilding, textiles, insulation, heating and construction, roofing and flooring, automotive repair, and many more. Asbestos was used as ceiling tiles in old school buildings. Since the late 1800s, asbestos was mined continuously and widely used on Navy ships. It was only in 1970s that the government started regulating use of asbestos.
Symptoms and Treatment Options
Symptoms of mesothelioma typically appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos occurred. They often resemble signs of other ailments so mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose without knowing the history of patient and several medical tests (such as CT scan, x-ray, biopsy, MRI, and so on). Common symptoms may include: chest pain, weight loss, fever, shortness of breath, swelling, and pain.
Common treatment options include: chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
Pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma are the two most common forms of this rare cancer. It is often found in the outer lining of the lungs, the inside lining of the abdominal cavity and the sac surrounding the heart.
The Risk Factors
Working in an industry that has exposed a person to asbestos dust and fiber puts them at risk for developing mesothelioma. There is also evidence that family members living with asbestos workers are potentially at risk due to second-hand exposure to asbestos.
Workers can bring home the asbestos dust/fiber on their hair and clothes. About 2,000 new cases are diagnosed in the US every year. In the past 20 years, the incidence rates have increased. The disease occurs more often in men than in women; but may appear in both men and women at any age.
Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural mineral composed of durable and fire-resistant fibers used commercially in industries including: shipbuilding, textiles, insulation, heating and construction, roofing and flooring, automotive repair, and many more. Asbestos was used as ceiling tiles in old school buildings. Since the late 1800s, asbestos was mined continuously and widely used on Navy ships. It was only in 1970s that the government started regulating use of asbestos.
Symptoms and Treatment Options
Symptoms of mesothelioma typically appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos occurred. They often resemble signs of other ailments so mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose without knowing the history of patient and several medical tests (such as CT scan, x-ray, biopsy, MRI, and so on). Common symptoms may include: chest pain, weight loss, fever, shortness of breath, swelling, and pain.
Common treatment options include: chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
About the Author:
When you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma and need more information, you can find answers through the articles and videos on the New Jersey Mesothelioma Lawyer Blog.
