What is Mesothelioma.

Mesothelium cells form a lining around the organs of the human body, when this lining is affected, this can manifest itself in several ways, the main one being the loss of elasticity of the tissue, and therefore the lack of mobility and flow In the organ it protects. The main cause of this malady is an uncommon type of cancer called Mesothelioma or Mesothelioma (Malignant Mesothelioma).

Symptoms of mesothelioma include difficulty breathing, mainly due to pleural effusion that occurs when there are micro-ruptures of the mesothelium wall, allowing fluid to enter the lungs and the chest wall, this is accompanied by chest wall pain, loss Unexplained weight, fever and others.

The most frequent cause is exposure to asbestos, however, exposure to a derivative of this (asbestos) or other similar materials can also cause this type of lung damage, rather, asbestosis, due to the molecular variation of asbestos Which asbestos includes, is known to cause this cancer with the ability to cause metastases more easily than variations in local or targeted contamination.

The process of contamination occurs by coming into contact with dust and airborne fibers of asbestos, people working in mining related to these materials, people working in the construction sector, people who clean or wash clothes Of these people are also very exposed to this contamination.

The initial sign is usually a cough and depending on the degree of contamination, can affect only the lungs or other organs such as heart, testicles, or abdominal lining.

It is sometimes difficult to recognize the difference between malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer. The prior diagnosis may be based on chest X-ray, then it should be confirmed either by examining the serous cytology effusion or by a biopsy (Removal of a sample of suspicious tissue).

In general terms, after the diagnosis, the prognosis is not encouraging. At present research on screening tests for the early detection of mesothelioma are in progress and represent a hope for process arrest in patients diagnosed early..

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Mesothelioma Diagnosis | Methods of Testing for Mesothelioma

Diagnosis Mesothelioma

Like all forms of cancer, mesothelioma needs to be diagnosed as early as possible in order to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment. Unfortunately, many people with this disease face a number of obstacles on their way to diagnosis. One problem is the long latent period of mesothelioma; Can develop for years or decades before a sudden onset of symptoms. There is also the medical challenge of distinguishing between mesothelioma and other diseases with similar symptoms.

The good news is that researchers are working every day to develop more efficient and reliable methods for diagnosing mesothelioma. If your doctor suspects that you may be suffering from peritoneal, pleural or pericardial mesothelioma, he or she may be able to recommend some or all of the tests described in the section below. If you have a history of exposure to asbestos, it is vital that you tell him or her about this fact.

Methods of Testing for Mesothelioma

It has often been said that diagnosing mesothelioma is more like an art than a science. To make an accurate diagnosis, doctors usually need to have a series of medical tests, each providing a different piece of the puzzle. This is especially true for complex diseases such as cancer, including mesothelioma.

Blood tests: Blood tests are a relatively new way to diagnose mesothelioma. Doctors have found that cases of mesothelioma cause unique proteins, known as molecular markers, to enter the bloodstream. These markers can be used to diagnose mesothelioma and track your progress.

• X-Rays: Diagnosing a tumor of almost any type usually involves a series of X-rays. These let doctors evaluate your chest or abdomen to see if a mass has begun to grow. X-rays are usually only preliminary examinations, requiring more complex examination methods to follow.
• CT: Computerized axial tomography (CT) is similar to an X-ray, but generates a more detailed image in three dimensions. A CT scan can be used initially to find cancerous growth, or to monitor a patient about the course of their treatment.
• PET: Positron emission tomography is an imaging technique that involves injecting a slightly radioactive tracer into the bloodstream. This tracer is monitored as it moves through the body, allowing doctors to observe internal functions. For mesothelioma patients, this process is often used to distinguish between cancerous and healthy cells.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is a very common procedure in the diagnosis of cancer. It involves removing a portion of the body growth so that the tissue can be examined closely. This procedure is used to determine if the masses in the body are cancerous or have other causes.
• New Techniques: Mesothelioma diagnosis methods are constantly updated and refined. New methods for conducting blood tests, biopsies, and other procedures are letting doctors have more reliable and faster results.

If your doctor has recommended mesothelioma screenings, do not panic. Most of these tests are completely painless or have only minimal discomfort. If you are worried about the side effects of a certain procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to minimize them.

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Exposure to Asbestos, How to Respond to Asbestos.

Exposure to Asbestos

Dangerous diseases asbestosis and mesothelioma have only one known cause: long-term exposure to asbestos mineral. In the United States, most of these exposures occurred between the late 20th century, when asbestos use became very popular, and the 1970's, when government regulations on asbestos were finally established. Unfortunately, asbestos was used - and can still be found - in more places than people realize.

Mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer can take years or even decades to develop before victims begin to feel symptoms. Please take the time to review the following articles on common asbestos exposure sites. If you have lived or worked in any of these settings, especially if it was before 1980, you should consider talking to your doctor about your chances of developing lung disease.

Locations of Exposure to Asbestos

Follow the links below for important information on a variety of locations in which asbestos has been found, and may still be found today in some cases:

• At Work / Occupational Exposure
• Asbestos in the Shipyards
• Asbestos in the Mines
• Asbestos in Metallurgy
• Asbestos in Construction
• Asbestos in Chemical Plants
• Asbestos in Consumer Products
• Asbestos in the House
• Asbestos in Nature
• Asbestos in Energy Plants
• Asbestos in School
• Other places

Exposure to asbestos does not necessarily cause immediate symptoms. In addition, many businesses have hidden information about asbestos exposure from their employees, customers, and surrounding communities. Consequently, it is very easy to be exposed to toxic levels of asbestos without knowing it until it is too late.

How to Respond to Asbestos

Although asbestos is regulated, it can still be found today in older buildings and consumer products. If you think you might have found asbestos in your home or place of employment, it is very important that you respond correctly. Remember, there is no way you can only distinguish between asbestos and other harmless minerals; Requires laboratory analysis.

If you suspect that you have found asbestos in a building, take the following steps:

·         Do not touch it. Asbestos is only dangerous when its fibers are separated and transported through the air.

·         Call a professional. He or she will have the equipment and training necessary to remove a part of the asbestos to take a test. While the sample is taken, make sure no one is in the area unless they need to be there and have the necessary safety equipment.

·         If the substance is asbestos, you will again have to let the professionals handle it. They may decide to remove asbestos from the building, or seal it behind metal or concrete to prevent fibers from escaping into the air.

When you are looking for a professional to handle the risk in your home or work, make sure that the company you contact is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

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Types of Asbestos

Asbestos Types

Asbestos (also called Asbestosis) is often thought of as a single product, but the term actually refers to six different minerals with similar properties. These properties include fire resistance, durability, flexibility, and low electrical conductivity. Unfortunately, all 6 types of asbestos are also formed of thin fibers that can be separated and ingested by people. Although some types are considered more dangerous than others, asbestos does not exist without danger.

If you have been exposed to asbestos at work or at home, knowing the type of asbestos involved may have medical and legal implications. It is important that anyone who has their life affected by exposure to asbestos knows it’s different forms and the risks of each.

The Six Types of Asbestos

Although there are more than 100 minerals that have similar properties to asbestos, the United States government has only officially recognized six. These six types of asbestos are:

Chrysotile Asbestos.

The fibers that make up most types of asbestos have small, straight and strong forms, often described as "needle-like." Chrysotile asbestos (or "white asbestos") is the exception; Its fibers have a curly shape, like a spiral. This form makes them less likely to be inhaled, and for that reason they are less likely to cause health problems. Chrysotile asbestos is viewed as relatively safe and is still used in certain capacities in the United States; however, long-term exposure can cause serious health problems.

Asbestos Amosite.

Amosite asbestos fibers are straight and almost always brown or gray. By this characteristic, the common nickname of Amosita is "coffee asbestos." After Chrysotile asbestos, coffee asbestos was the second most common used in commercial products. Commercial use of this substance has been greatly diminished since the dangers were demonstrated in recent decades. Several countries have completely banned asbestos from coffee; In the United States, its use is strictly regulated.

Asbestos Crocidolite.

Known as the "blue asbestos," Crocidolite asbestos is composed of very sharp and very fine fibers. Compared to other forms of asbestos fibers, Crocidolite fibers are very easily broken and inhaled. Fortunately, blue asbestos was the least used type in the United States, because it is more brittle and less fire resistant than other types. It is the most dangerous type of asbestos.

Asbestos Tremolite.

Asbestos Tremolite naturally forms in large masses in many parts of the world, including Canada and certain parts of the United States. Although it was never one of the most frequently used forms of asbestos, it is one of the most dangerous. Tremolite has been found in various household products, including talc and even children's toys.

Asbestos Anthophyllite.

Asphalt Anthophylliteis not as durable as other forms, meaning it does not have as many industrial uses in the United States. However, it has been used as a component in certain products like paint and sealants. Miners, painters and shipyard workers are especially vulnerable to diseases related to Anthophyllite.

Asbestos Actinolite.

Asbestos Actinolite is similar to Tremolite: the two extend in colors from white to green, the two forms in certain types of stones, and none of them have a long history of industrial use. Actinolite comes in two forms: one that is composed of long, thin fibers, and one that is not. Fibrous actinolite is extremely dangerous, just like all forms of asbestos. Actinolite that is not fibrous does not have the same risk.

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What is Asbestos?

What is Asbestosis?

Most people have heard of asbestos and know it is a dangerous substance, but detailed information is less widespread. Asbestos is a fire-resistant and naturally occurring mineral that people have been using in a variety of ways for thousands of years. Its name is derived from the Greek word meaning inextinguishable. The Stability of asbestos is all the more because of its previous popularity, although its dangers outweigh its benefits.

Asbestos Dangers 
Asbestos is composed of many long, thin crystalline fibers. The danger lies in the fact that these fibers can be broken and carried by the wind when asbestos is handled or displaced. Some of these fragments can be very small to detect without modern technology, which means that people may be in danger of inhaling them without knowing it.

Although very small, these fibers are strong, sharp, and very harmful to human tissue. When inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs, causing irritation that over time can become much more serious health problems. Victims of asbestos exposure may develop a chronic lung disease known as asbestosis, or malignant cancers such as Mesothelioma or Lung Cancer.

Asbestos Uses
The versatility of asbestos and its ability to resist fire, chemicals, and wear has made it popular for many uses over the years. A few examples of the history of asbestos include:

• The creation of clothing, tablecloths and other textiles
• The insulation of buildings
• Mechanical parts, including brake pads and clutch discs
• Filters for cigarettes
• The lining of pipes and engine parts

The asbestos bond to the deadly lung cancer was observed by researchers for many years, dating to Pliny the Elder of ancient Greece. Tragically, the evidence was largely ignored until the 1970s, when US lawmakers (Mesothelioma Lawyer) finally began to address the problem of Asbestos Related Diseases. By then, millions of people had already been exposed to the toxic substance, often if they knew the dangers.

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