More
Mesothelioma Facts
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
