Mesothelioma
Information
What
is 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.
Almost
always mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos
but some researchers believe the virus SV40 can also be a
factor. While mesothelioma affects the lungs, it is not a
lung cancer. Smokers are at risk for lung cancer, which in
effect could lead to contracting other asbestos-related diseases.
Lung cancer is more common and arises in the lungas inner
tissues opposed to mesothelioma that develops in the tissue
that covers the lung.
Mesothelioma is most commonly located in the pleural
and peritoneal regions of asbestos exposed workers.
Pleural mesothelioma is cancer of the pleura, the membrane
that lines the lungs and chest cavity. Peritoneal mesothelioma
is cancer of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen. Pleural
mesothelioma can usually be diagnosed earlier than peritoneal
mesothelioma. Both pleural and peritoneal cancer involves
serosal membranes, which are delicate membranes composed of
connective tissue. Mesothelioma normally begins in the lungs
and spread to the abdominal lining, which worsens the condition.
The invasive nature of the tumor on heart and lungs are usually
the ending factor in the patient.
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What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that is extremely toxic when
it is inhaled, absorbed, or ingested. It is found in the ground
and is mined all over the world. Asbestos used to be used
as an insulation material. When asbestos fibers are
taken into the body it can cause ailments like mesothelioma
and many other problems, such as asbestosis and a number of
cancers. Usually extended exposure to asbestos is needed to
develop a problem.
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How
Long Does It Take To Develop Asbestos Exposure Diseases?
There is a latency period between the time of exposure to
asbestos and the manifestation of asbestos diseases that usually
varies between several years and several decades. Many asbestos
cancers will not appear in a victim until 20 years or more
after their first exposure to asbestos. Typically, asbestosis
or pleural plaques will not occur until at least ten to twenty
years after first exposure. The time will vary depending on
the extent of exposure and the individual's susceptibility.
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What
Is the Difference Between Tobacco Related Cancer and Mesothelioma?
While mesothelioma affects the lungs, it is not a lung cancer.
Smokers are at risk for lung cancer, which in effect could
lead to contracting other asbestos-related diseases. Lung
cancer is more common and arises in the lungas inner tissues
opposed to mesothelioma, which develops in the tissue that
covers the lung.
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Who
Is Most At Risk For Mesothelioma?
The people who have been exposed to asbestos and work in the
building, construction, shipbuilding, railroad, and automotive
industries have a very high risk for developing mesothelioma.
Because the
industries involved consist mainly of men, over 80% of patients
with mesothelioma are male. Any type of exposure to
the toxic mineral will increase a person's chance for developing
mesothelioma.
What
Symptoms Are Common For Mesothelioma?
Early symptoms of mesothelioma are very non-specific and can
lead to a delay in a diagnosis. Symptoms may resemble viral
pneumonia, pleural mesothelioma patients may have a shortness
of breath, chest pain, persistent cough. Some patients will
have no visible symptoms. There can also be a build-up of
fluid or pleural effusion, which can be show through a chest
x-ray. Sixty percent on the time the right lung is affected,
and just 5% of the time both lungs are involved. Other symptoms
may include fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Pain or
swelling in the abdomen due to a build-up of fluid, nausea,
bowel obstruction, anemia, and swelling of the feet may also
be present.
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What
Type of Treatment Is Available For Mesothelioma?
There is no standard treatment regimen for treating mesothelioma.
The FDA has not articulated a treatment regimen for the disease.
How and why the disease develops is not known. Early diagnosis
of mesothelioma allows a greater number of treatment options
including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, experimental therapies
and drugs, complementary medicine and therapies, and lifestyle
modifications.
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Where
Can I Get More Information About Mesothelioma and My Legal
Rights?
If you have any questions about your legal rights involving
exposure to asbestos, please contact
a Mesothelioma Lawyer. A number of asbestos companies
have
gone bankrupt due to legal issues. Some of these bankruptcies
involved improper transfers of their assets before filing
for bankruptcy to avoid payments for the deaths and disease
caused by asbestos. Legal compensation is still available,
despite these developments, for victims of mesothelioma that
were improperly and intentionally harmed.
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