Mesothelioma doesn~t strike often, but when it does it~s always life-threatening. The mesothelium is a lining that protects most of our major organs. Mesothelioma strikes this sac and the cells don~t develop normally; instead they are out of control, invading organs and tissue. It~s interesting, and sad to note that many patients have inhaled asbestos fibers in their work.
Unfortunately, with mesothelioma, the cells can metastasize, meaning they spread into other portions of the body. In the past 20 years, the number of reported cases of mesothelioma has actually increased. Even so, doctors still state this form of cancer is rare, with only about 2,000 cases diagnosed annually. Interestingly, people that develop this type of cancer are most often men, with the risk in both genders increasing with age.
The most known cause of mesothelioma is working around asbestos, being reported in as high as 80% of all cases.
However, keep in mind that the other 20% of people diagnosed have never been around asbestos. Asbestos is fibers that contain minerals in a woven material that is then separated into thin threads. Primarily, asbestos is used in industrial products such as roof shingles, insulation, brake linings, etc.
Asbestos causes trouble when tiny particles become airborne. They are then easily ingested by inhalation or swallowing, and in time health problems appear.
Mesothelioma and lung cancer are two of the worst manifestations. Technically asbestos is legal, but many companies are using other materials in construction. Some are even hiring technicians to remove existing asbestos.
Asbestos was first used in the early 19th century and became widely used during World War II. For this reason a lot of American workers worked with it. The highest number of workers at severe risk worked in heating, construction, asbestos mills and mines, and shipyards during the 1940s.
The risk of mesothelioma is much less today since little asbestos is used. When it is, it~s closely controlled, to mitigate the risks. If you have cause to be alarmed, symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath, fluid in the chest causing pain, abnormal weight loss, pain and swelling in the abdomen, blood clotting problems, bowel obstruction, neck and face pain, and trouble swallowing.
It takes anywhere from 30 to 50 years to become symptomatic once you~ve been exposed to asbestos. Be sure to see your doctor if you are worried, but do keep in mind that mesothelioma is a rare disease.
