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Mesothelioma (asbestos lung cancer).
"Mesothelioma" is an extremely deadly type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a product used for the insulation of homes, however, in the mid-1970's its use was stopped once its dangers were identified. While asbestos is only hazardous when it is exposed to open air, and it is used much less frequently than before, some companies continue to use this product regardless of its risk. One of the most frightening aspects of "Mesothelioma" is that the symptoms for this illness may not occur for decades after the exposure to asbestos because it has a long latency period. Once a person is diagnosed they are not expected to live for more than 2 years. In fact, only about 20% of victims will survive 5 years after diagnosis. This cancerous tumor affects the cells that serve as the defensive lining of the heart, lungs and abdominal organs. There are roughly 3,000 cases of "Mesothelioma" a year, mostly in men over the age of 40 who have worked in factories. "Mesothelioma" is often diagnosed by a chest CT-scan following symptoms such as constant chest pain and difficulty breathing. There are four stages to "Mesothelioma" which concludes with the cancer spreading throughout the body. Most patients choose radiation, chemotherapy and surgery as their method of treatment. New types of treatments are being tried by those suffering from this cancer which has helped prolong the lives of some of these patients. Luckily, there are lawyers who specialize in fighting for the victims of "Mesothelioma". Asbestosis Asbestos was a product used for insulation and fireproofing houses. In the mid 1970's builders stopped using it because they realized it was a dangerous carcinogen. Breathing in the asbestos particles was hazardous and prolonged exposure could result in a respiratory illness called "Asbestosis". "Asbestosis" is caused by inhaling asbestos particles that cause scar tissue to form in the lungs. Asbestos is only dangerous when the particles are exposed to open air. However today people have asbestos removed from their homes to reduce the risk of "Asbestosis". After a natural disaster like an earthquake it is important to have properties known to have asbestos checked to make sure that nothing leaked. This is because the movement may have caused asbestos to become exposed. It is extremely important that professional asbestos removal teams be used in such situations. They wear special suits and masks to reduce their risk. They also know how to seal off the affected areas to stop the spread of the particles. Like most respiratory diseases "Asbestosis" victims have trouble breathing, cough and often have chest pain. The degree of the illness is closely related to the amount of asbestos particles inhaled. The number of "Asbestosis" patients should decrease over time, because asbestos has not been used in the construction industry for decades. However, if you have reason to believe that you were exposed to asbestos and find it difficult to breath, or have any of the other symptoms related to "Asbestosis", it is important to be checked for this disease. |
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