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Cause of Mesothelioma

by Krebs Mather

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.

Mesothelioma is a metastatic cancer, meaning it can spread to other areas of the body from where it began. The number of cases in the past 20 years have increased, although it's still considered rare. On average, 2,000 new diagnoses are made each year. Patients are more often men than women, although risks go up for both genders as they age.

Studies show that 80% of mesothelioma patients worked with or near asbestos, leaving the remaining 20% with no known exposure. Asbestos is made up of mineral fibers, woven into the fabric, and then separated into threads. We generally find asbestos in industry, in such products as roofing shingles, insulation for commercial and private use, and brake linings.

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 used starting in the early 19th century, and during the second World War it became common. That has left millions of US workers exposed to this dangerously unhealthy product. We all have a higher risk of contracting mesothelioma if we've ever inhaled asbestos. Anyone working in heating or construction, asbestos mines or mills, and shipyards in the 1940s are the most susceptible.

Since asbestos is not used much today and even then in very carefully monitored applications, the risk is rare. If you have worked with asbestos and have concern, you would notice symptoms of mesothelioma to include shortness of breath, chest pain (because of fluid accumulation), weight loss, abdominal swelling and pain, anemia, fever, abnormalities in blood clotting, bowel obstruction, pain in the neck and face, and difficulty swallowing.

Keep in mind that these symptoms do not appear for 30 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. If you have concerns, you should seek medical advice but remember mesothelioma is extremely rare.

About the Author:

Krebs Mather. - http://www.symptomsmesothelioma.com

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