Featured Image Caption: Microscope
Jump to read...
Chest pain, persistent cough, swollen fingertips, and unexplained weight loss are symptoms of mesothelioma cancer. If you are experiencing these symptoms along with fatigue and high temperatures, consult your doctor for a diagnosis. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you may have mesothelioma cancer. The majority of people (8 out of 10) who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos.
Mesothelioma is an incurable, aggressive, and rare cancer that usually affects the lining of the lungs. Unfortunately, there is no cure for mesothelioma, but treatment can control its symptoms. Exposure to asbestos, which is a known human carcinogen, usually results in this type of cancer. In this article, we will discuss the causes and the impact of mesothelioma cancer.
What is Mesothelioma Cancer?
Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer. It is caused by the growth of malignant cells in the mesothelium. In most cases, symptoms of mesothelioma appear between 10 and 50 years after the disease develops. Early symptoms include persistent coughing, fatigue, fever, and weight loss. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the advanced stages will vary depending on the type.
Although mesothelioma can develop anywhere asbestos fibers are present, it most commonly affects the pleura, which is a layer of tissue surrounding the lung. Doctors differentiate types of mesothelioma according to which part of the mesothelium, which is the thin layer covering the internal organs, is affected. This mesothelium lining covers the pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial cavities.
Pleural mesothelioma:
This cancer affects the lining covering the lungs and is where mesothelioma usually develops. Pleural mesothelioma can cause swallowing problems, chest pain, facial swelling, or lower back pain.
Peritoneal mesothelioma:
This illness affects the protective layer covering the abdominal cavity. It can also develop malignant tumors that cause peritoneal mesothelioma. This cancer can lead to stomach pain, constipation, and vomiting.
Pericardial mesothelioma:
This type of cancer is an extremely rare illness that damages the heart membrane, resulting in chest pain, irregular heartbeats, and shortness of breath. In rare cases, cancer can also occur in the abdominal cavity or the sac around the heart.
About Asbestos
Mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of cancer worldwide that is caused exclusively by asbestos exposure. Asbestos occurs naturally in rocks and soil. It is a mineral that is heat resistant and is comprised of tiny fibers. These fibers were once widely used in many products and industries, such as brake pads, insulation materials, tiles, shingles, cement pipes, and other vehicle parts.
If these materials are disturbed or damaged, they release the fibers into the air, where they can be inhaled or ingested. In time, they may lodge in the lining of organs, such as the stomach or lungs. When asbestos fibers enter the lungs, they travel to the end of tiny air passages and enter the pleura, causing scarring and inflammation.
This could damage your DNA, the genetic material in every cell. DNA impacts more than just our appearance. Some genes determine when the body’s cells die, grow, and divide. A change in these genes may lead to cells multiplying uncontrollably, leading to cancer.
Asbestos particles can be inhaled through hair, clothing, equipment, or items previously exposed to asbestos. Fibers in asbestos can become permanently entrapped in the body without causing symptoms immediately.
Mesothelioma Cancer: How Can You Protect Yourself?
While anyone can develop mesothelioma, those who have worked with asbestos-containing materials for prolonged periods of time are at the greatest risk. This includes people who work in textiles, construction, demolition, shipbuilding, and insulation manufacturing among others.
In recent decades, asbestos exposure has been linked to mesothelioma due to occupational exposure. Despite the dangers of asbestos, large companies continue to produce and sell asbestos-containing products. In addition to putting workers at risk, this has led to an increased presence of asbestos in workplaces, homes, and schools.
According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), asbestos exposure is prevalent at 1.3 million workplaces in the United States.
If you have been exposed to asbestos-containing material, it is crucial to get the proper treatment. Seeing your doctor for regular check-ups is important, especially since stage one mesothelioma symptoms can be benign for years after diagnosis.
For example, if you are suffering or know someone who suffers from mesothelioma in Kentucky, you need an experienced law firm with a reputation for success in Kentucky. Most law firms interested in your case are located outside of Kentucky, so they lack an understanding of Kentucky laws, juries, workplaces, and employers. Fortunately, there are Mesothelioma attorneys in Louisville, KY who can assist you.
Conclusion
Mesothelioma is an extremely rare type of cancer caused by direct exposure to asbestos
Most people exposed to asbestos, regardless of the amount, will not develop mesothelioma cancer. However, if you work in the construction, shipbuilding, or insulation setting, wearing protective gear is one of the best ways to minimize asbestos exposure. However, if you find yourself with the diagnosis, protect your rights by reaching out to an attorney.
By Hannah Boothe
– is a freelance writer native to Northern California who spends her free time developing herself. Hannah enjoys the outdoors, she goes hiking whenever the weather permits and enjoys practicing yoga. She carves out time to journal and read whenever she can. She loves adventure and connecting with those around her.
Member since August, 2022
View all the articles of Hannah Boothe.
Leave a Reply