Protect Against Mesothelioma by Avoiding Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that attacks the body's mesothelial cells around the organs. The mesothelium provides a protective membranous lining for the internal market organs and allows moving organs (ie heart and lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures. The names of the three regions of mesothelial cells provide protective coating are 1) pleura, a membrane surrounding the lungs, 2) pericardium, and 3), the peritoneum, the lining which protects the abdominal cavity sac surrounding the heart. Three different types of mesothelioma cancer attack these three different regions.

Pleural mesothelioma: A type of lung cancer which attacks the pleura surrounding lungs, this is the most common type of  mesothelioma, affecting approximately two thirds of all patients with mesothelioma. Horseness Symptoms include fever, blood in sputum, swollen arms and face, coughing, weight loss, difficulty breathing, chest pain, muscle weakness, and reduced tactile sensitivity.

Peritoneal mesothelioma: cancer of the abdomen which attacks the peritoneum that lines the abdominal cavity. This affects approximately one third of all mesothelioma patients. Symptoms include abdominal bloating, impaired bowl function, fever, swollen feet, and nausea.

Pericardial mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma which attacks the pericardium that surrounds the heart is extremely rare. Symptoms include chest pain, dyspnea, coughing and palpitations.

Mesothelioma has been linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a type of building material used in thermal insulation products and ceiling tiles. In the United States, the use of asbestos peaked in the years 1950 to 1970. During the 1960 is concerned, on the health consequences of asbestos exposure began to arise, which decrease the amount of asbestos manufactured over the next two decades. By 1980, a new industry of asbestos abatement began to flourish. But according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to 733,000 schools and public buildings still contain asbestos.

Small asbestos fibers that enter the air do not evaporate and can remain suspended n the air for long. These fibers, when breathed into the body, are toxic. There are three types of exposure to asbestos.

Occupational asbestos exposure: People working in factories manufacure Asbestos is likely to have high exposure to asbestos and are at higher risk of developing asbestosis or mesothelioma.

Para-occupational asbestos exposure: Family members of workers exposed to asbestos in the workplace are susceptible to exposure from asbestos dust brought home by the worker on his clothes or skin.

Neighborhood asbestos exposure: Those who live in the vicinity of an asbestos plant are also at risk.

Mesothelioma is still a relatively rare form of cancer. There are an estimated 2,000 - 3,000 new cases per year in the United States. Approximately 13.7 per million male patients with a history of mesothelioma asbestos exposure contract. Diagnosis usually occurs 20-40 years after the first exposure to asbestos.

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