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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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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