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Mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure, harms thousands of people every day. Below you'll find answers to some common questions about mesothelioma and its repercussions.
Who is at risk for mesothelioma?
Those who are exposed to asbestos through work are most at risk. Anyone who comes into repeated contact with airborne asbestos fibers is vulnerable to the disease. Intact asbestos is thought to not pose a problem, particularly in an unused area such as a basement crawl space; however, any fragmentation releases dangerous fibers into the air. Even minimal exposure is thought to be able to result in mesothelioma.
What products use asbestos?
Asbestos has been used for a wide variety of products, primarily for its flame-retardent properties, for a very long time. It was used in housing, flooring, industrial products, brakes, and a wide variety of other products. Workers are now required to wear protective gear when working with asbestos.
How is mesothelioma different from lung cancer?
Mesothelioma does not just affect the lungs, although lung cancer and other lung problems can certainly result. Mesothelioma primarily affects the mesothelium (the body's internal organ lining in general). Therefore, it can affect internal abdominal organs and the heart as well as the lungs.
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma's symptoms have a lot in common with other types of diseases-fatigue, abdominal pain and/or chest wall pain, weight loss, shortness of breath, and a host of other potential symptoms. Your physician will diagnose mesothelioma by evaluating your symptoms, finding out if you have a history of asbestos exposure, and conducting a CAT scan or MRI that can show fluid buildup in the body cavity, or a biopsy for further information.
What are the treatment options for mesothelioma?
If the disease is localized, a combination of surgery and radiation may help with mesothelioma treatment . Immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and drug therapy have also been used, with varying results.
How can I get help for mesothelioma?
In addition to seeking qualified medical care from a doctor who has treated cases like yours in the past, it's also possible to get legal help. An expert mesothelioma attorney can help you recoup damages against the employer or other entity who was responsible for your initial exposure to asbestos.
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