Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Asbestos Exposure leads to Mesothelioma

People may be exposed to asbestos in their workplace, their communities, or their homes. If products containing asbestos are disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air. When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they may get trapped in the lungs and remain there for a long time. 

Over time, these fibers can accumulate and cause scarring and inflammation, which can affect breathing and lead to Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells that lines many organs and body cavities. Washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos can also put a person at risk for developing mesothelioma. Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking.

These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions.

Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause these signs and symptoms:

  • Chest wall pain
  • Pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue or anemia
  • Wheezing, hoarseness, or cough
  • Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up (hemoptysis)

The treatments that are available for mesothelioma do not cure the cancer. In fact, at best they simply prolong the life of the affected individual. And, if the disease progresses too far, then it may not be treatable at all. For this reason, it’s important that individuals are checked for mesothelioma at the first sign of trouble.

If you know that you were exposed to asbestos fibers at some point in your life, then experts recommend that you go in for a yearly lung scan. This can lead to early detection of the disease, prolong lifespan, and reduce pain and suffering. Even if you simple believe that you may have been exposed to asbestos, regular checkups will be more beneficial if it gives you peace of mind.

People who are diagnosed with Mesothelioma can get a Mesothelioma Lawyer to help you in getting your financial compensation. Due to this many manufacturers of asbestos have gone bankrupt over the years.



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