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Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a group of durable fibers that occurs naturally and is resistant to heat, fire and chemicals. Asbestos does not conduct electricity. These properties make it ideal for use in a wide range of industrial applications. Asbestos was first used in the 1800's, in a multitude of materials. Asbestos gives off dust particles as it degrades. These tiny particles of dust are known to cause cancer in those who are repeatedly exposed to the dust and those who come in contact with a large quantity of the material. Often, symptoms of asbestos related cancers do not begin until 20-40 years after exposure to the carcinogen.
Materials That May Contain Asbestos
Today, manufacturers use asbestos sparingly because of the increased awareness of asbestos related cancers. You may be surprised at the variety of items that can contain asbestos.
cement
plastics
roofing
siding
sound proofing products
fire proofing products
insulation
brake shoes
clutch pads
ceiling tiles
floor tiles
paint
adhesives
potting soil and other vermiculate containing gardening products
crayons made with talc
Types Of Asbestos Related Cancers
There are three types of known asbestos related cancers: pleural, peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma. The symptoms can vary for each type.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is an asbestos related cancer that is found in the lungs. It is the most common type of asbestos related cancer caused by the inhalation of dust containing asbestos particles. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma are:
shortness of breath
chest pain
persistent cough
blood in the sputum
weight loss
swelling of the neck and face
raspy voice
difficulty swallowing
or no symptoms at all
Most of the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are caused by the accumulation of fluid between the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity. This is called a pleural effusion. Since pleural effusions can be caused by many things, pleural mesothelioma may not be accurately diagnosed at the onset of symptoms.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal refers to the peritoneal cavity, common called the abdomen. The symptoms can mimic many other health conditions and a mistaken diagnosis may delay proper treatment. Common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are:
abdominal pain
abdominal swelling
bowel obstruction
abnormal blood clotting
difficulty breathing
nausea
vomiting
chest pain
anemia
decreased appetite
weight loss
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is an asbestos related cancer that results in malignant tumors around the heart. It often spreads quickly to other areas of the body. In fact, most people with any type of asbestos related cancer have a prognosis of death within twenty four months of the diagnosis. Common symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are:
chest pain
irregular heart rate
palpitations
shortness of breath
persistent cough
An asbestos related cancer can be found with some common diagnostic procedures. Chest x-rays, CT scans, biopsies and even urine tests can detect cancer and levels of asbestos in the body. Early diagnosis and treatment of any cancer improves the chance for survival.
Inform your doctor if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. Even those who handle clothing contaminated with asbestos particles are at risk for developing mesothelioma.
This preventable type of cancer affects over 3,000 US citizens a year. If you are at risk for developing an asbestos related cancer, regular medical check ups and a healthy lifestyle may help you escape mesothelioma.
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