| Asbestosis is a non-cancerous, chronic lung illness caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is a malignant cancerous disease of the cells lining the patient's body cavities such as chest, abdominal region or the area surrounding the heart. | |
| Heavy exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma and non-malignant lung and pleural disorders. | |
| Risks depend on length, frequency, concentration, & type of asbestos fibers. | |
Diseases from asbestos exposure take a long time to develop. Most cases of asbestosis occur in asbestos workers 15 or more years after initial exposure to asbestos. Smoking greatly increases the likelihood of lung cancer in workers exposed to asbestos (although smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma). |
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Mesothelioma (asbestos cancer)
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer which may affect the lining of the lungs (pleura)
and the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
Asbestos cancer or mesothelioma is very difficult to assess and diagnose consistently.
The time between exposure and the onset of the disease, and the rate of progression
of malignant mesothelioma, make diagnosis very difficult.
It is believed that even insignificant exposure to asbestos in environments
such as asbestos mills, mines, shipping yards, some older Navy ships or even
patient's homes can result in mesothelioma.
Most mesotheliomas are caused by exposure to asbestos.
Most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed 30 years or more after the first exposure
to asbestos. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women. Risk increases
with age.
2000-3000 cases of mesothelioma per year are currently being diagnosed. Family
members of workers exposed to asbestos can also contract this disease through
exposure to the worker's clothing. Like many other cancers, smoking greatly
increases the risk of contracting mesothelioma.
Symptoms &
Signs |
|
| Shortness of breath (this is the primary symptom) | A persistent and productive cough |
| Chest tightness | Chest pain |
| Loss of appetite/weight loss | A crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling. |
Diagnosis
History of asbestos exposure.
Chest X-rays are the most common method of detecting asbestos-related disorders.
Other tests: |
|
| Physical Examination | |
| Pulmonary Function Tests | |
| Biiopsy/Bronchoscopy | |
| CT scan | |
Treatment
Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage
of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Standard treatment
options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these
treatments are combined.
In Summary:
Mesothelioma, or asbestos cancer, is a horrible disease. The amount of time
between exposure and the onset of the symptoms hangs over the heads of many
people like a life sentence. Personal injury lawyers and attorneys are often
derided and condemned, however for the victims of Mesothelioma they may represent
the only means of securing the funds to treat the disease or cope with the disabling
impact of malignant mesothelioma.