Mesothelioma and Asbestos Blog

Mesothelioma is a life altering and sometimes fatal cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. Unfortunately, most people who develop the disease worked jobs where they unknowingly inhaled asbestos particles and aren’t aware of their faltering health until later on in life.
If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma it is important to get the support and guidance you and those around you need in order to maintain a healthy existence.
A good way to sort out the necessary steps you need to take is to make a check sheet like the one below so you can act effectively.
· Find a Doctor- The initial step is to find a trustworthy doctor who has experience in dealing with mesothelioma. Finding a doctor that you can depend on will make all the difference in your care, treatment, and overall health.
· Treatment Options- Researching the different treatments and care options that are available will educate you and your loved ones on the disease, and will assure you that there is support available to you.
· Financial Security- Although there have been advancements in treating mesothelioma, researchers have yet to find a cure. Thankfully, there are financial advisors available who will assist you and your loved ones in dealing with any financial and trust issues that may need to be secured.
· Exposure- It is extremely important to talk with your friends and family about how the disease was contracted. After determining where the exposure occurred, you and your loved one can present your case to an experienced asbestos attorney.
· Hire an Asbestos Attorney- Exposure to asbestos is preventable and under law should not occur. Therefore, hiring an asbestos attorney will help your legal rights to be protected and get you and your loved ones the compensation you deserve.

Source: Mesothelioma and Awareness Center

5 Questions Regarding Mesothelioma Answered

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that often forms as the result of asbestos exposure over an extended period of time.

It is important to be informed about mesothelioma to prevent this oftentimes fatal cancer from affecting you and your loved ones.

The following 5 questions are ones that everyone should ask in regards to mesothelioma, and answers that are beneficial to read.

What is Mesothelium?

The mesothelium is the membrane that covers the internal organs of the body and protects them from becoming harmed in any way.

The mesothelium contains two layers; the first one surrounds the organ while the other forms a sac around it. A fluid is released by the mesothelium between the layers, which enables organs, like the heart and lungs, to move easily around nearby structures in the body.

What Risks are Associated with Mesothelioma?

About 70 to 80 percent of mesothelioma cases are due to the exposure of asbestos in humans.

Asbestos is a group of minerals that forms into fibers and is often found in industrial products like cement, brake linings, flooring products and insulation.

Inhaling or swallowing asbestos particles, which typically float in the air, can increase lung cancer risks and other cancers, as well as be detrimental to the mesothelioma.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, (OSHA), has set limits for asbestos in the workplace because of its severe health risks.

What are Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma can oftentimes not develop until 30 to 50 years after exposure but there are some obvious signs that those at risk should be aware of, including:
· Shortness of breath and chest pain
· Weight loss
· Abdominal pain
· Fever
· Trouble swallowing and swelling around the neck

How is Mesothelioma Treated?

Depending on the stage of the cancer and area in which its located, different treatments can be initiated, such as:
· Surgery- Doctors can remove the part of the lining in the chest or abdomen that is effected by the cancerous cells
· Radiation Therapy- High-energy rays can kill cancer and shrink any tumors that have formed
· Chemotherapy- This treatment can help to kill and reduce the amount of cancerous cells in the body

Are There New Treatments to Cure Mesothelioma Being Studied?

Although Mesothelioma is difficult to control, the National Cancer Institute, (NC), is constantly holding clinical trials that help in designing new treatments and are beneficial to research.

Participation in these trials is important for patients suffering from this unique cancer.