Mesothelioma a cancer caused by asbestos

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The internal organs of the human body are incorporated into a protective bag called mesothelium. Examples of mesothelilial membranes are the peritoneal (abdominal organs), the weeping (lungs) and the pericardium (heart).

Under specific conditions, protective membrane cells divide uncontrollably and become cancerous. This disease is called mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos dust.

The disease is among those working in shipyards, asbestos mines and factories, industries that produce asbestos-based products, and heating and construction companies. About 3 000 cases occur each year in the United States, and most patients are aged between 50-70 years and older. Statistics show that males are commonly affected and among them whites more than African-Americans.

First studied at the end of the years 1700 in depth studies were made only in the years 60. Mesothelioma tumors can be benign or malignant. Malignant mesothelioma is categorized into three types:

1. Epithelioid, which represents 50-70% of mesotheliomas.
2. Sarcomatoid, representing 7-20%.
3. Mixed or bi-progressive, representing 20-35%.

When the asbestos fibers are inhaled into the lungs, they travel through large passages of air to reach the smaller passages and from them weeps. In weeping they damage: mesothelial cells that lead to cancer; Lung tissue causing lung cancer and the development of scar tissue in the lungs known as asbestosis. When asbestos fibres are ingested, they reach the abdominal cavity and cause peritoneal mesothelioma.

Research reveals that the disease manifests itself only 20-50 years after being exposed to asbestos dust. The symptoms are not specific to the disease, but a patient can develop:

1. Dyspnea.
2. Chest pain accompanied by oppression that is supposed to be caused by the accumulation of fluid in the weeping.
3. Pain.
4. Swelling of the face and arms.
5. Sensory loss.
6. Muscle weakness. 
7. Nausea.
8. Vomiting.
9. Weight loss that is unexplainable.
10. Persistent dry cough.
11. sore throat.
12. Anemia.
13. Fever.
14. Constipation.
15. blood clotting problems.

Since the above is common to minor ailments, patients often do not know the symptoms. It is advisable to consult a doctor if any of the above symptoms persist or if you feel that you have been exposed to the knowledge of asbestos or ignorance.A doctor:

1. Take a detailed medical history and try to determine the symptoms and risk factors.
2. Perform a thorough physical examination and check the signs of:
3. pleural effusion, fluid accumulated in the thoracic cavity.
4. Fluid in the abdominal cavity.
5. pericardial effusion, fluid in the heart wall. 
6. Take an X-ray of the chest and check for thickening of weak weeping, calcifications and lung cracks. 
7. Ask for a CT scan to clearly determine the location, size and magnitude of the problem if you suspect it.
8. We recommend testing tissue samples and pleural fluids.

Other risk factors are smoking cigarettes or cigars, exposure to radiation, exposure to zeolite a compound similar to asbestos, exposure or infections caused by SV40, a simian virus.

Those who work in a risk environment must wear protective clothing, have the environment regularly tested for asbestos-suspended particles, and make sure that they have regular medical tests and inform the Doctor of all the ailments that persist.Being aware of the disease and its problems helps.

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