Asbestos Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a fibrous material that was often used for it's
 great insulating properties. When intact, the fibers perform effectively and
 provide no danger to humans. However, the fibrous material breaks down
 tremendously with age, and when the individual fibers are inhaled into the
 lungs, asbestosis may occur in exposed individuals. Asbestosis is a condition
 where the lungs develop scar tissue.
This scarring can and in most cases does result in the
 onset of Asbestos Mesothelioma. One of the most dangerous cancers known to the
 medical community, this condition has been the reason for controversy
 surrounding the use of asbestos at all. Generally, buildings with asbestos
 require complete removal and quarantine of all materials until inspections are
 performed.
In this type of cancer, the lining of the lungs becomes
 inflamed, cells grow abnormally and the condition is extremely painful for the
 patient. The condition can be either benign or malignant, both requiring
 treatment although only the malignant variety is known to spread to surrounding
 tissues and organs in the body.
The incubation period for this type of cancer can range
 from twenty to fifty years from the time of exposure. Many new cases are being
 discovered every day, however the number of new cases is anticipated to heavily
 decline as a result of removal and regulatory efforts regarding the use of
 asbestos.


Shortness of breath and chest pain are the two most
 commonly reported signs of asbestos Mesothelioma, however other symptoms may
 include rapid weight loss, abdominal pain and swelling, anemia, bowel
 obstruction and unexplained fevers. If you were ever exposed to asbestos and
 you experience these symptoms it is imperative to get to a doctor as soon as
 possible for testing.
If the cancer has spread, you may also experience trouble
 swallowing or facial swelling and pain.
Treatment for this type of cancer will vary on the patient,
 their general health and the stage of the disease. Commonly used treatment
 options are chemotherapy, radiation and in some cases surgery. Prognosis will be
 determined after complete testing, and will depend on the severity of the
 cancer.
Mesothelioma - for terms page
Mesothelioma is cancer within the lining cells of the
 lungs, and the chest cavity (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart
 (pericardium). Generally, patients diagnosed with Mesothelioma have at some
 point in their lives come in contact with asbestos, either at home or at their
 jobs. Unfortunately, it takes many years for cancer to develop in these cases
 and people who were exposed as long as 50 years ago are just now being
 diagnosed. This is a very controversial cancer, resulting in many legislation
 changes regarding the use of asbestos and many lawsuits against the companies
 that continued to use the substance knowing it presented a potential serious
 hazard.