Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form
of cancer that attacks cells, called mesothelial cells, which make up
membrane lining in the chest and abdominal cavity. The tissue called
mesothelium, which is formed by the mesothelial cells, help protects the
organs by producing a lubricating fluid that allows the organs to move
without irritating nerves.
Mesothelioma is also one of
the most deadly cancers that can be contracted with an average life span of
around six months from the time of diagnosis. This being said, it is
also almost completely preventable as the only know cause is from exposure
to asbestos.
American Cancer
Society Recommendations
The best way to prevent this
disease is to avoid contact with asbestos in homes, public buildings, and at
work. People who could be exposed to asbestos at work include miners,
factory workers, insulation workers, railroad workers, ship builders, makers
of gas masks, and construction workers.
If there is a chance of exposure,
say, in fixing up old buildings, then workers should take special measures
to protect themselves. If you live in an older home, there may be asbestos
in the insulation or in other materials. An expert can check your home to
see if there is any danger. If so, you might decide to have the asbestos
removed. You should hire a qualified person to do this job. You should not
attempt to do it yourself.
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The
American Cancer Society has created a list suggested for those with mesothelioma to ask
their doctor. The questions include:
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What type of mesothelioma
do I have?
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What are the stages of
mesothelioma?
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Has the mesothelioma
spread beyond its original site?
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What options of treatment
for mesothelioma do I have?
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What is my prognosis?
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What risks or side effects
are there to the treatments for mesothelioma?
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What are the chances that
my cancer will recur with these mesothelioma treatment plans?
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What should I do to be
ready for mesothelioma treatment?
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Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring,
fibrous mineral that can only be identified under a microscope. Asbestos is
found in the ground and is mined all over the world. In the past, asbestos
was added to different products as insulation and for fire resistance.
Asbestos exposure can cause ailments like mesothelioma and other problems.
Extended asbestos exposure usually develops into serious problems.
Asbestos is the most dangerous
when it is airborne. The lightness of the asbestos fibers allows them to
stay airborne for long periods of time and to travel a far distance. There
are professional abatement services that will remove asbestos. Attempting to
remove the asbestos without professionals is not safe and should not be
considered.
About Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure affects an
estimated 1.3 million employees in construction and general industry today.
The highly toxic, fibrous mineral causes serious problems like mesothelioma
and asbestosis. The deadly conditions have put the spotlight on asbestos
companies because they were thought to have known the dangers of asbestos
exposure many years before warning the public of the risks. Since asbestos
fibers cannot be seen, years of asbestos exposure passed without the workers
ever knowing they were surrounded by it, but the air they were breathing in
every day was full of the asbestos fibers. Once inside the body, the
asbestos hooks themselves into the lining of the lungs or other parts of the
respiratory tract and remains there forever. Despite these dangers, asbestos
is still found in more than 3,000 products today.
Asbestos and Mesothelioma News
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