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Mesothelioma: Your Health In Jeopardy
Are you at risk of Mesothelioma?
If you are above 40 and have ever been exposed to asbestos
continuously for more than 2 months in last 15-40 years, then
you are at risk of Mesothelioma. It is a rare but deadly cancer
of membrane cells, which covers some vital parts of our body
like lungs, abdominal cavity and heart, called mesothelium.
Like in other cancers, in mesothelioma the membrane cells
divide ruthlessly causing abnormal growth, which ultimately
damage the lining of vital organ such as lungs and abdomen.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Asbestos a mineral, used in different processes including
building, shipyard and manufacturing in the days of World War
II and for a few more decades, is the main cause of
Mesothelioma. Researches have proved that those who have worked
in asbestos related industries are mostly at risk of
Mesothelioma. The minute asbestos particles go into human body
through nose or mouth during inhalation, talking or any other
reason. They reach lungs or abdomen and damage the lining,
causing Mesothelioma. Due to its long latency period,
mesothelioma can attack you even 15 – 40 years after the
inhalation of asbestos particles. Even the family members of
person working in asbestos related industries could be
vulnerable to mesothelioma.
Treatments for Mesothelioma
Because Mesothelioma is a newly found disease, many doctors may
not be able to diagnose it. However, if you have a known history
of asbestos exposure you should ask your doctor to look for the
symptoms of this disease. The good news is that there is a
treatment for mesothelioma in the early stages. Some treatment
options for mesothelioma cancers are surgical removal of the
effected tissues; chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, the
prognosis of later stage mesothelioma patients is bleak and the
average survival time after diagnosis is 12-24 months.
Mesothelioma Compensations
The owners of Asbestos related industries were quite aware of
the health hazards of asbestos. However, they persisted with
its use without issuing any warnings or taking steps for
avoiding the health hazards. This is the reason why US courts
have awarded huge sums as compensations to the Mesothelioma
patients/families by the companies/persons responsible for
causing asbestos exposure.
About The Author: Kirsten Hawkins is a asbestos and
mesothelioma specialist from Nashville, TN. Visit
http://www.asbestosblog.org/ for information on asbestos
reform, mesothelioma lawsuit news, and more.
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