Mesothelioma

     The National Cancer Institute defines malignant mesothelioma as "as a rare form of cancer in which cancer cells are found in the sac lining the chest, the lining of the abdominal cavity or the lining around the heart." The medical names for these areas are the pleura, the peritoneum and the pericardium respectively and the lining around these organs is called the "mesothelium".

     Malignant Peural mesothelioma therefore, is cancer which is found in the lining of the chest.  If Mesothelioma is found in the abdominal cavity it is known as peritoneum mesothelioma. Mesothelioma which is found in the lining of the heart is known as pericardium mesothelioma.

     When mesothelioma cancer spreads, the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal. These malignant cells begin to divide and spread without order and can begin to affect organs and tissues in the immediate area. This often leads to complications in the surrounding organs.

     The membrane that surrounds and protects most of the body's internal organs is known as the mesothelium. It is made up of two separate layers of cells. The first is that closest to the organ itself. The second layer is what actually forms the sac around the organ. This membrane is responsible for producing a special lubricating fluid. It is this fluid that allows the organ to move around in the body un-hurt. As noted, the mesothelium has different names depending on which organ it surrounds. The peritoneum is found in the abdominal cavity and the pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity.

     According to the The National Cancer Institute "[m]ost people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles."

     Asbestos has been mined and used commercially in North America since the late 1800s, but its use increased greatly during World War II. Since then, asbestos has been used in many industries. For example, the building and construction industry uses asbestos for strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation, fireproofing, and sound absorption. The shipbuilding industry has used asbestos to insulate boilers, steampipes, and hot water pipes. The automotive industry uses asbestos in vehicle brakeshoes and clutch pads. More than 5,000 products contain or have contained asbestos inlcuding the following:

• cement sheet and pipe products used for water supply and sewage piping
• roofing and siding
• casings for electrical wires
• fire protection material
• electrical switchboards and components
• clutch facings
• brake linings for automobiles
• gaskets
• heat-protective mats
• heat and electrical wire insulation
• industrial filters for beverages
• material for sheet flooring;
• roofing materials
• heat- and fire-resistant fabrics (including blankets and curtains)
• ceiling and floor tile

     In the late 1970s, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of asbestos in wallboard patching compounds and gas fireplaces because these products released excessive amounts of asbestos fibers into the environment. Additionally, asbestos was voluntarily withdrawn by manufacturers of electric hair dryers. In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of asbestos; uses established prior to 1989 are still allowed. The EPA has established regulations that require school systems to inspect for damaged asbestos and to eliminate or reduce the exposure by removing the asbestos or by covering it up.

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
     Malignant Pleural mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which cancer cells are found in the sac lining the chest, the lining of the abdominal cavity or the lining around the heart.

     The National Institute of Cancer cites working with asbestos as the major risk factor for pleural mesothelioma. While almost 80 percent of those that have mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos, there are still reported cases where there is no known exposure. Smoking alone has not been shown to increase the risk of mesothelioma but smoking in conjunction with asbestos exposure does increase risk. The heavier the exposure to asbestos, the greater the chance of pleural mesothelioma, although not everyone exposed is afflicted with the cancer.

     Not all workers exposed to asbestos will develop diseases related to their asbestos exposure. In fact, many will experience no ill effects. Asbestos that is bonded into finished products such as walls, tiles, and pipes poses no risk to health as long as it is not damaged or disturbed (for example, by sawing or drilling) in such a way as to release fibers into the air.

     Mesothelioma research shows that when asbestos particles are set free and inhaled, exposed individuals are at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. Once these fibers work their way into body tissues, they may stay there indefinitely. The risk of developing asbestos-related diseases varies with the type of industry in which the exposure occurred and with the extent of the exposure. In addition, different types of asbestos fibers may be associated with different health risks.

     Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos (or suspect they have been exposed) dust on the job or at home via a family contact should inform their physician of their exposure history and any symptoms. Asbestos fibers can be measured in urine, feces, mucus, or material rinsed out of the lungs. A thorough physical examination, including a chest x-ray and lung function tests, may be recommended.

     It is important to note that chest x-rays cannot detect asbestos fibers in the lungs, but they can help identify any lung changes resulting from asbestos exposure. Interpretation of the chest x-ray may require the help of a specialist who is experienced in reading x-rays for asbestos-related diseases. Other tests also may be necessary.

     The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases may not become apparent for many decades after exposure. If any of the following symptoms develop, a physical examination should be scheduled without delay:

• Shortness of breath;
• A cough or a change in cough pattern;
• Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up from the lungs;
• Pain in the chest or abdomen;
• Difficulty in swallowing or prolonged hoarseness; and/or
• Significant weight loss.

     If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or believe that you may have been exposed to asbestos, you maybe entitled to monetary compensation.  For a free review of your case please click the link provided below.

>>CLICK HERE FOR A FREE MESOTHELIOMA CASE EVALUATION

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