Due to its inherent ability to withstand high amounts of heat,
friction, chemicals and electrical currents, asbestos has been used in
thousands of applications, ranging from building materials to fireproof
gear. However, because long-term asbestos exposure can cause a number of severe health issues, anything that contains asbestos – including asbestos thermal products – must, by law, carry a warning label identifying known asbestos risks.
Despite these asbestos warning labels, however, some people will
still develop life-threatening asbestos-related conditions, such as lung
or mesothelioma cancer.
Types of Thermal Products that Contain Asbestos
Durable, versatile asbestos thermal products can include: · fireproof clothes, blankets and gear · gas masks
insulation, including cement, pipe and wall insulation
Because many of these asbestos thermal products are
used regularly and frequently, they will naturally breakdown, releasing
toxic asbestos fibers into the air. Keep in mind that, while intact
asbestos is not particularly hazardous, disturbed asbestos fibers,
especially those that stay suspended in the air for days, are extremely
carcinogenic (cancer causing).
Unfortunately, asbestos exposure
through thermal products affects not only those who use the thermal
products but also those who manufacture them. In fact, factory workers who made asbestos thermal products and related asbestos textiles
before 1980 are among those with the highest risk of developing
asbestos diseases due to the lack of safety regulations in place prior
to this decade.
Today, despite the fact that asbestos regulations are in place,
factory workers who make asbestos thermal products can still have a
higher risk than the general public of developing asbestos diseases, particularly if employers are negligent or non-compliant with asbestos safety regulations.
Where Asbestos Thermal Products Are Found
Many of us come into contact with asbestos thermal products on a
daily basis in our homes, at work or during our leisure time. Some of
the most common places that asbestos thermal products can be found
include:
Products that contain asbestos
are all around us. In the United States, the peak years for the
manufacture of products with asbestos were from about 1940 to 1975. In
the 1960s, the toxicity of asbestos as a material finally became
acknowledged, but it wasn’t until 1970 that federal laws started to
limit the many uses of products containing asbestos.
List of Asbestos-Containing Materials
So what contains asbestos, and what kind of materials or products
should one look out for? Unfortunately, its use was so widespread that
there are many different kinds of products that contain asbestos in many
different categories. Because of the fire- and heat-resistant
properties of asbestos, it was used in many building products as a
fire-retardant insulator in plumbing, electrical, and structural
applications. This means that asbestos still has a significant presence
in our lives. The use was so widespread that entire list of products
that contain asbestos is bound to be incomplete. Below is a partial list
of products that most likely contain the cancer-causing substance.
Emergency generators (thermal insulation and exhaust manifolds)
Elevator brake shoes
This is a very basic list of what contains asbestos and where it may
be commonly found. Due to its popularity, the substance may be present
in even more materials.
Asbestos can be sprayed as a mist to make a friction-resistant and
fire-resistant coating. It can be woven and spun into textiles. And it
can be made into sheets. Its versatility and strength made it seem like a
“miracle material.” Unfortunately, the many good properties of asbestos
don’t outweigh its damaging property: It has been proven to cause
cancer in humans and animals.
Asbestos and Cancer Risks
Many commonly used products still contain asbestos, and the
carcinogenic (cancer-causing) properties of asbestos in these products
have caused an epidemic of diseases including a very severe form of
abdominal and lung cancer, mesothelioma.
If you work in certain industries, you’ve most likely been exposed. If
you’ve gotten sick due to your exposure, it may be time to contact a
lawyer; you have certain legal rights that must be held up through
litigation.
Contact Us To Learn More About Asbestos Cancer
If you would like to learn more about the resources available to victims of cancer as a result of asbestos exposure, contact Mesothelioma Treatment Centers today. An attorney can speak with you about your treatment and legal options.
Our asbestos attorneys have extensive experience helping individuals
and families throughout the state of Arizona seek and recover financial
compensation for claims involving mesothelioma and other asbestos
cancers. We work with the top attorneys in the nation to ensure our
clients get the full amount of compensation owed to them by law.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or
another asbestos-related illness, contact us for help. We will help you
connect with a top legal professional and will also help you connect
with the top mesothelioma specialists in the area to ensure you get the
highest quality care.
History of Asbestos in Arizona: Asbestos Mines
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was first discovered in
Arizona in 1872 in the town Chrysotile. Properties such as high tensile
strength and resistance to heat and fire made asbestos immediately
attractive to several industries.
Once asbestos was discovered in hundreds of sites across the state,
the mining industry and production companies rapidly took over. Indian
reservations across the state banked on the naturally occurring asbestos
and quickly began distributing it to local and national businesses.
It wasn’t until the early 1980s that most of the mining districts in
Arizona were shut down due to the dangers of asbestos exposure. So, from
the time asbestos was first discovered to the time the mines were shut
down, hundreds of Arizona workers and residents were exposed to the
dangerous mineral.
Occupational Exposure in Arizona
Of course miners who removed raw asbestos from the ground were at the
highest risk for inhaling dangerous fibers, but the mines scattered
across the state weren’t the only source of asbestos exposure. In fact,
industry workers were exposed to the dangers of asbestos almost daily,
particularly those who worked for:
Steel mills
Copper mills
Power plants
Construction sites
Mesothelioma Lawyer Arizona
At Mesothelioma Treatment Centers, it is our mission to help persons
and families affected by asbestos achieve the highest quality medical
care. One of the ways we are able to do this is by connecting affected
persons to the top mesothelioma lawyers in the state who are focused on
obtaining significant financial recoveries for their clients.
While a financial recovery cannot reverse the damage that has been done,
it can help our clients pay for expensive therapies and treatments
necessary to achieve the highest quality of life.
If you or a loved one has a history of working or living nearby an
asbestos mine, you may be eligible for compensation. We may also be able
to help you if you worked with asbestos products in any type of
industry. To learn more and to find out of you qualify for a financial
recovery, contact us today.
Pennsylvania is referred to as a “rust belt” state because of its
history of asbestos mining and manufacturing. Pennsylvania, home to two
major asbestos industrial hubs in Philadelphia and Pittsburg, is most
commonly known for its steel production, hence the name of its football
team, the Pittsburgh “Steelers.”
In addition to its booming steel industry, Pennsylvania also thrives on other major industries including the shipbuilding, oil and power industries. Many of Pennsylvania’s power plants are still operating today, and have been so since the Industrial Revolution.
Industry and Asbestos Exposure
Pennsylvania’s thriving industries have been the culprit of serious
toxic asbestos exposure; thus, the industries that have helped this city
thrive have also led to the death of thousands of its own residents and
workers.
Asbestos was widely used in the shipbuilding, oil, power and steel
industries up until studies proved it was toxic if breathed in and
ingested. Unfortunately, however, once its effects were discovered, it
was too late for many workers who had already been exposed to the dangerous asbestos fibers.
Even worse, some companies failed to listen to the warnings and
continued to expose workers to the dangers of asbestos for months and
even years after learning about its harmful effects.
Pennsylvania Asbestos Mines
Pennsylvania is one of the few states home to asbestos mines,
which has also attributed to many asbestos cancer deaths. Those who
worked in the mines and their family members were most likely exposed to
dangerous levels of asbestos. The toxic fibers were often carried home
in workers clothes, exposing family members to the harmful effects.
Mesothelioma Attorney Pennsylvania
Because symptoms of mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses can
take up to 50 years to develop, many individuals who worked and lived in
Pennsylvania when asbestos-use was at its peak are just now
experiencing the effects. Our mesothelioma attorneys are familiar with
the history of asbestos use in the state and are helping individuals and
families recoup damages from the companies responsible for their
exposure.
Compensation may include:
Past, present and future medical bills
Lost ability to work or engage in social activities
Decreased quality of life
Loss of economic support in cases of death
Funeral and burial costs
Our lawyers also assist individuals in seeking quality medical care
and can help you get the care you need. While there currently isn’t a
cure for mesothelioma, there are several treatment options available to
help ease the pain and increase patients’ quality of life. While
advocating for your rights, we will also make sure you receive the best
care possible.
Contact a Pennsylvania Asbestos Attorney
If you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with asbestosis, mesothelioma cancer
or another fatal disease, one of the most important things you can do
is contact a Pennsylvania asbestos attorney who will assist you and your
family in recovering compensation for medical bills, long term
treatment programs, lost wages and emotional pain and suffering. To
schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney, please
contact us today.
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a devastating experience for an
entire family. Learning to cope with the challenges ahead means not only
dealing with the disease, but also preparing for the possibility that
the disease resulted from exposure to asbestos. Litigation has been
happening across the country regarding mesothelioma, so first, know
this: You’re not alone.
Our mesothelioma lawyers can help you navigate this process.
Mesothelioma litigation is a highly complex and specialized area of law
that requires guidance from an experienced attorney. Our lawyers
specialize in asbestos laws and are familiar with the history behind
exposure, the ways in which someone may be exposed, and which companies
may be responsible. We serve as advocates for patients and their
families.
Getting Answers About Your Mesothelioma
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important that
you work with an attorney who not only understands the laws but also has
access to the resources you need, such as quality medical care.
Mesothelioma lawyers can help you navigate the maze of medical bills and
insurance forms while you are awaiting a settlement or award and can
help you find answers to questions such as:
How will I continue to support my family?
Who is responsible for my illness?
How will I ever afford these costly medical bills?
Will I ever work again?
How can I meet my other financial responsibilities, such as paying my mortgage?
Will I be able to afford in-home care?
What will happen to my family after I am gone?
This is an emotional time, and we believe that you and your loved
ones should spend as much time together as possible. Let us focus on the
medical bills and other financial responsibilities while you focus on
getting care for your cancer.
Is Asbestos Litigation Really an Option?
Yes. You should contact a mesothelioma law firm if you or someone you
love is diagnosed. In most cases, people who are diagnosed with
mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos decades ago, most often in the
workplace. Our mesothelioma attorneys will work with you to determine
when and where you were exposed and will make sure that you are
compensated for your suffering.
Our mesothelioma attorneys represent individuals from all walks of
life. We represent Army, Air Force, Marine, Navy, and Coast Guard
veterans and their family members who develop mesothelioma years after
service. We also represent workers such as electricians, construction
workers, boilermakers, sheet metal workers, mechanics, and others who
were exposed to high levels of asbestos while on the job.
We have brought claims against large companies and are not afraid to
stand up to any corporation, no matter the size. It is believed that
companies knew of the dangers of asbestos as far back as the 1930s but
failed to protect the millions of workers and individuals who were being
exposed in order to protect their bottom lines. As a result, countless
people have suffered.
How to Prepare for a Consultation
When you are planning to meet with a knowledgeable asbestos lawyer
for the first time, it is important to be prepared with notes about your
case, such as:
When you were diagnosed
What symptoms you are dealing with
List of medical procedures/treatments you have received
History of asbestos exposure
If you are a veteran, when did you serve, and were you exposed to asbestos during service?
If you believe your asbestos exposure is occupational, list where you worked and what dates.
If you are unsure about how you were exposed, make a list of where
you worked, lived, and enjoyed social activities. A skilled asbestos
lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation and will work with top
experts to determine how and when you were exposed. The source of
exposure will be important to determining who is liable; sometimes,
there may be more than one person/company that can be named as
defendants in your case.
After evaluating the facts, your lawyer will discuss your options and
will help you make the right decision on what is best for you and your
family.
Contact a Mesothelioma Law Firm for Help
Individuals who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and the
surviving spouses and dependents of those who have died from the deadly
cancer have access to a range of legal options depending upon the
circumstances of their case. Our mesothelioma lawyers have an in-depth
understanding of the legal issues surrounding asbestos exposure as well
as the unique challenges our affected clients face. We provide our
clients with detailed information about their legal options and the
other resources available as they learn to cope with the challenges
ahead.
Individuals that have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and the
surviving spouses and dependents of those who have died from the deadly
cancer have a range of legal options, depending upon the circumstances
of their case. Our asbestos lawyers have an in depth understanding of
the legal issues surrounding asbestos exposure as well as the unique
challenges our affected clients face. We provide our clients with
detailed information about their legal options and other resources
available as they learn to cope with the challenges ahead.
Knowing Your Legal Options
Asbestos litigation is a highly complex and specialized area of law
that requires guidance from an attorney who is familiar with asbestos
laws as well as the history behind exposure, the ways in which someone
may be exposed and which companies may be responsible. If you have been
diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important that you work an attorney
who not only understands the laws, but also who has access to the
resources you need such as quality medical care and support groups.
Our asbestos lawyers can help you navigate the maze of medical bills,
insurance forms and other aspects of a mesothelioma diagnosis while you
are awaiting a settlement or award and can help you find answers to
questions such as:
How will I continue to support my family?
How will I ever afford these medical bills?
Will I ever work again?
Will I lose my home?
How can I possibly meet my financial responsibilities such as paying my mortgage?
Who is responsible for my illness?
Who will take care of my family when I am gone?
Dealing with the illness is overwhelming enough as it is. We don’t
want you to have to go through a long, intense and stressful legal
battle with questions of how you are going to move forward. We will
serve as your advocates throughout the entire legal process and beyond
and will make sure that you have peace of mind that you and your family
will be well taken care of. We will educate you on your options and make
sure that you make well informed decisions on how you should proceed.
Putting Your Interests First
Because there are so many legal options available to you, it is
important to work with an attorney who will fight for your best
interests and do whatever it takes to get you a maximum financial
recovery rather than settling for less than what you deserve. But, how
will you know you are choosing the right lawyer? When you choose a
lawyer, you should go with your gut. You are going to be working closely
with your attorney, so you will want to make sure it is someone you
feel comfortable with. You should also do your homework and ask a lot of
questions. Make sure that your lawyer has a proven record of success
and has a clear legal strategy laid out for you.
How to Prepare for a Consultation
When you are planning to meet with an asbestos lawyer for the first
time, it is important to be prepared so you don’t waste your time or
his/hers. You should be prepared with notes about your case, such as:
When you were diagnosed
What symptoms you are dealing with
List of medical procedures/treatments you have received
History of asbestos exposure
If you are a veteran, when did you serve and were you exposed to asbestos during service?
If you believe your asbestos exposure is occupational, list where you worked and what dates
If you are unsure how you were diagnosed, make a list of where you
worked, lived and enjoyed social activities. A skilled asbestos lawyer
will conduct a thorough investigation and will work with top experts to
determine how and when you were exposed. The source of exposure will be
important to determining who is liable — sometimes there may be more
than one person/company that can be named as defendants in your case.
The facts of your case are important and will determine what legal
route you should take. After evaluating the facts, your lawyer will
discuss your options and will help you make the right decision on what
is best for you and your family. To learn more about your legal options
as well the other resources available to you and your family, contact us
today.
In recent years, tens of thousands of former Army, Air Force, Marine,
Navy, and Coast Guard personnel and their spouses have begun to develop
mesothelioma. Decades after their military service in World War II,
Korea, and other conflicts, these veterans are getting hit with the
devastating news that their service to their country is the source of
their cancer. The association between veterans and mesothelioma cancer is especially strong among men who served in the Navy during World War II.
Mesothelioma Develops Years after Asbestos Exposure
Essentially every case of mesothelioma (whether in a veteran or
civilian) is due to the individual’s exposure to asbestos, a carcinogen
that was once very widely used in building materials, Navy ships, and
thousands of other products. After asbestos fibers are inhaled, the
lungs or other internal organs can eventually develop mesothelioma
cancer cells.
The symptoms of mesothelioma take from 10 to 50 years to develop, but
the mesothelioma–asbestos link can be identified and confirmed even
when the patient hasn’t had any contact with asbestos for decades. The
increasing numbers of veterans with mesothelioma diagnoses continue to
confirm the causal link between asbestos and mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma Cancer
Some soldiers, sailors, Marines and other veterans with mesothelioma
are already being treated. Other veterans are experiencing the first
symptoms and signs of mesothelioma but are not yet aware that cancer is
causing the symptoms. If you’re a veteran and you’re experiencing mesothelioma symptoms such as chest or abdominal pain and shortness of breath or wheezing, get examined immediately by a physician.
Asbestos Exposure in Veterans
The veterans (and civilian contractors) who worked with asbestos in years past include:
Insulation installers
Boiler room workers and others who worked below deck
Shipyard workers
Construction workers
Machinery repairmen
Machinists’ mates
Other individuals at risk for mesothelioma are those who worked with asbestos-containing products such as:
Adhesives
Brake pads and clutches
Cables
Gaskets
Insulation
Plumbing
The spouses of these workers were often exposed to toxic levels of
asbestos when the workers came home wearing their work clothes — which
were full of asbestos fibers, ready to be laundered time after time.
Mesothelioma does not require an intensive workplace filled with
asbestos; veterans who have developed mesothelioma may have been exposed to asbestos cancer
during the time they spent in sleeping quarters, mess halls, and
navigation rooms that had asbestos components. Many shipyards were also
full of asbestos, especially during the 1930s and 1940s.
Do You Know a Veteran with Mesothelioma?
If you would like to learn more about medical, financial, and other mesothelioma resources available to you or your loved one, contact mesothelioma treatment centers today.
We have compiled a list of some of the top treatment centers across
the nation that specialize in caring for people with mesothelioma cancer
with in house doctors, surgeons and other healthcare providers. The
research teams and medical experts that work at these centers specialize
in the rare form of cancer and work exclusively on finding and
providing effective pleural mesothelioma treatments and other
therapies, as well as support services and education for patients and
their families. We hope this list will help you in your search for the
right team of specialists to care for you or loved one.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer. Because the symptoms
can be similar to other illnesses, many patients are treated for other
illnesses before a mesothelioma diagnoses is made. And, by the time
mesothelioma is discovered, it is often at an advanced stage. Although
there is no cure for mesothelioma, there are several treatment options
and mesothelioma centers designed to help combat the symptoms and
provide patients with the highest quality of life.
Finding the right mesothelioma treatment center is crucial to a
patient’s prognosis; although the disease can’t be cured, a patient’s
life may be extended with certain treatments.
Mesothelioma Treatments & Specialists
Medical professionals at mesothelioma treatment centers include
doctors, oncologists, radiologists, palliative care specialists, nurses,
and more. Patients will benefit from a team of top mesothelioma
specialists who will design an individualized strategy tailored to his
or her specific needs. When determining a patient’s “needs,” the team
may look at factors such as a patient’s:
Age
Overall heath
Medical history
Family history of cancer and other illnesses
Level of cancer
There are a number of researchers at these mesothelioma centers who
are constantly developing and testing cutting edge treatment options for
people with mesothelioma and other progressive cancers. Although there
is no cure for mesothelioma, there are specific treatment options and
strategies that work to extend the lifespan of diagnosed patients. With
modern technological advances, diagnosed patients are often able to live
for five years, with some reaching closer to ten years of survival with
the help of mesothelioma cancer centers. Your team of specialists may
suggest trying an alternative form of treatment or joining a clinical
trial in efforts to extend the quality and length of life – these
options, of course, will be up to you and your family.
Participants of clinical trials receive interventions that may
include drugs or devices that are being tested by the clinical trial
operators. Whether you would like to join a clinical trial or try an
alternative form of malignant mesothelioma treatment is up to you –
but, this is something you may want to investigate as it may extend
your life and, in turn, help other future patients. If this is something
you may be interested in, it will be important to find a mesothelioma
treatment center that is conducting ongoing trials.
Treatment centers often conduct mesothelioma clinical trials,
which are designed to measure the efficacy of promising new drugs or
other treatments. Together with your health care team at mesothelioma
treatment centers, you may investigate the possibility of joining one of
these trials. Or you may benefit from the advancements such trials have
made in the mesothelioma treatment.
How to Choose the Right Mesothelioma Treatment Center
Choosing the right facility and team of specialists to help you (or
your loved one with mesothelioma) may seem like an overwhelming task.
Where do you begin? Who do you call? Here at
MesotheliomaTreatmentCenters.org, our goal is to help you sift
through all the mesothelioma treatment centers and facilities to find
the right one for you. We also offer assistance in finding an attorney
or lawyer to pursue legal cases for those that were unknowingly or
unwillingly exposed to asbestos.
Mesothelioma Treatment Centers in USA
Below you will find a list of some of the top mesothelioma cancer
centers in the U.S., listed by state. Please select from one of the
following states for a list of centers as well as information about each
state’s unique risks for asbestos exposure. We hope this helps you in
your search for a facility. If you have further questions, call us today
at (800) 568-8826.
Five major approaches to mesothelioma treatments are surgery,
radiation therapy, chemotherapy, palliative therapy, and biological
therapy. Each method may be used alone, but often they are coordinated
in combined programs to improve the overall treatment result. The extent
of any treatment is always dependent upon a patient’s physical health
condition, their age, the location and stages of mesothelioma (degree of disease) of the disease, and the extent of asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma Surgery
Mesothelioma surgery occurs when patients are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma
and can be considered possible candidates for a surgical procedure
known as pneumonectomy. This is the surgical excision (removal) of the
diseased lung and, if need be, any affected parts of the surrounding
diaphragm. In reality, pneumonectomy is considered a high-risk
procedure, and eligibility is dependent upon the patient’s present state
of health and extent of asbestos exposure.
Radiation Treatment of Mesothelioma
Radiation treatment,
or radiation therapy, is the mesothelioma treatment of disease using
either an external source of high-energy rays (x-rays or gamma rays) or
internally implanted radioactive substances. These rays and substances
are effective in destroying tissue and stopping the growth of malignant
cells. In contrast to chemotherapy, radiation therapy is targeted
towards a specific area and can treat the affected area without exposing
the surrounding healthy tissue. Radiation can be used as a combination
treatment along with surgery, or can be used alone to combat
mesothelioma cancer. As with most treatments, a high dose of radiation
can cause health complications.
Chemotherapy Treatments for Mesothelioma
Chemotherapy
is the use of drugs in the cancer treatment. Standard chemotherapy
treatments are either administered in the form of pills or injected
medication, and may be used alone or in combination with surgery and
irradiation. In chemotherapy, drugs are given according to a written
protocol, or plan, that details exactly how the drugs will be given.
Once these drugs are distributed in the body, however, both tumor cells
and normal tissue cells are susceptible to their lethal effects, often
making the patient very ill. Usually drug therapy is continued until the
patient achieves a remission, which is the absence of all signs of
disease. Common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, bleeding, weight loss, hair loss, and overall physical
fatigue.
Palliative Therapy Treatment
Palliative therapy
is a relieving, but not a curative method for treating and controlling
the symptoms of mesothelioma cancer. During palliative therapy
treatment, mesothelioma patients experience some relief when a needle is
used to drain and suction excess fluid from the affected tissue.
Generally, post-palliative drugs are administered to the patient in
order to prevent further accumulation of fluids.
Biological Treatment for Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer
Biological treatment is a more recent approach to all cancer
treatments, including treatment of mesothelioma cancer. It is the use of
the body’s own defense mechanisms to fight tumor cells. Medical experts
are exploring how elements of the immune system can be restored,
enhanced, mimicked, and manipulated to destroy cancerous cells.
Substances produced by normal cells that either directly block tumor
growth or stimulate the immune system and other body defenses are called
biological response modifiers. Examples of these substances are
interferon (made by lymphocytes, which are important in immune
response), monoclonal antibodies (derived from mouse cells and capable
of binding to human tumors in an immune response), colony-stimulating
factors (CSFs) that stimulate blood-forming cells, and interleukins that
stimulate the immune system.
If you or a loved one has been fighting mesothelioma, contact a
lawyer today. A qualified attorney will walk you through your health
options and discuss any money that you are entitled to throughout your
battle.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects cells found in the
mesothelium, a protective membrane surrounding the majority of the
body’s internal organs. The cells that make up this membrane protect the
organs by making a special fluid that allows the organs to move and, in
particular, help the lungs to move during breathing.
The vast majority of people who develop this deadly disease have
inhaled asbestos particles, often through their jobs. In fact, a history
of asbestos exposure in the workplace is reported in approximately 70
to 80 percent of all mesothelioma cases. In addition to mesothelioma,
the inhalation of the deadly mineral fibers can cause lung cancer and
asbestosis. The World Health Organization estimates that
asbestos-related diseases kill approximately 107,000 people around the
world each year.
Asbestos was originally prized by the ancient Greeks and Romans due
to its resistance to fire and use as an insulator. Use of the mineral
increased rapidly during the 19th century, particularly during the
Industrial Revolution. By the mid-1930s, however, it was known that
exposure to asbestos could cause a range of serious illnesses.
Mesothelioma Facts
Mesothelioma comes in three varieties:
Pleural: most common (75% to 80% of diagnosed cases), originates within the chest and impacts the lungs
Peritoneal: second most common (15% to 20% of diagnosed
cases), originates in the abdomen and can involve the testicles, or
spread to liver, spleen or bowel
Pericardial: very rare (less than 2%), originates around the heart
Mesothelioma Prognosis
While mesothelioma is relatively rare, approximately 2,500 new cases
of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. And
unfortunately, the average survival time of those with malignant forms
of the disease is ten to fourteen months. The prognosis for a long life
expectancy is not good even when symptoms appear early and treatment
begins quickly.
Other Mesothelioma Facts
It usually takes a long time before symptoms of mesothelioma appear (on average 20 to 50 years)
There is a difficulty in diagnosing mesothelioma because its symptoms are common to many types of infections and cancers
There is often a challenge of putting together the puzzle pieces for an accurate diagnosis
Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women
The risk of developing mesothelioma increases with age, although anyone can get mesothelioma
Treatment depends on cancer location, the patient’s general health and disease stage
Standard treatment options include radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy. In some instances, these are combined
While treatments are available for some people with mesothelioma,
they are mostly used to improve the quality of life of people whose
survival prospects are typically measured in months and not years.
Mesothelioma Causes
The only real mesothelioma causes come from asbestos fibers that
enter the body in the air we breathe. Like other dust particles that we
breathe, most of the asbestos fibers are stopped long before they enter
the small airways of the lungs. For example, we sometimes choke when we
enter a dusty room. We literally cough up the mucus that contains most
of the irritating substances. However, because asbestos fibers are so
small and thin, many of them pass all the way down to the small airways
and air sacs that fill the lung.
Once the fibers are inside the lungs, the body’s defense mechanisms
try to break them down and remove them. However, many fibers still
remain in the body and are potential disease-causing agents:
Each fiber is a foreign body and inflammations develop as our bodies
try to neutralize, break down or move the sharp, irritating asbestos
fibers, just like splinters that get stuck under the skin.
These processes lead to development of the various kinds of asbestos-caused diseases.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Symptoms of mesothelioma usually appear between 20 and 50 years after
the first exposure to asbestos. Recognizing early symptoms of malignant
mesothelioma may aid in diagnosis. Many mesothelioma symptoms mimic
symptoms of other, less serious illnesses, delaying diagnosis even
further.
Malignant mesothelioma is diagnosed in one of three forms: pleural, peritoneal, or pericardial.
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
Primary symptoms of pleural—lung membrane—mesothelioma include:
Shortness of breath
Coughing, wheezing or hoarseness
Blood in coughed up fluid
Fatigue or anemia
Chest pain due to accumulation of fluid around the lungs, in the pleural space
Pleural mesothelioma symptoms are shared by many other illnesses—if
standard treatments for bronchitis, the flu and pneumonia do not bring
relief, your doctor should take steps to rule out mesothelioma as a
possible cause.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
Primary symptoms of peritoneal—abdominal lining—mesothelioma include:
Abdominal pain
An abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites)
Bowel obstruction
A mass in the abdomen
Anemia
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma often do not appear until the
advanced stages of the illness, and even then resemble symptoms of other
illnesses.
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms
Primary symptoms of pericardial—heart membrane—mesothelioma include:
Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
Chest pain
Heart murmur
Difficulty breathing, even at rest or lying down
Fever or night sweats
Cough
Fatigue
Pericardial mesothelioma makes up fewer than six percent of all
recorded mesothelioma cases. Like pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma,
the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma closely resemble the symptoms
of other heart conditions, usually delaying diagnosis.
The importance of mesothelioma screening
The National Cancer Institute’s definition of screening for cancer is
the examination or testing of people for early signs of certain type of
cancer even though they have no symptoms – this is the best way to
achieve a diagnosis as early as possible. Early detection and diagnosis
is particularly important for people with historical exposure to
asbestos due to the latency period (up to 50 years) before which
symptoms of malignant mesothelioma cancer may become apparent.
Sometimes more invasive tests are required which may include
screening methods for diagnosis of asbestos-related diseases using
various imaging tests. In addition to regular X-rays, imaging tests
include:
Computed Tomography / CT Scan. Computed tomography
is a recently developed special radiographic technique. Usually a spiral
CT scan, it produces a clear cross-sectional image allowing a
radiologist to see distinct aspects of the lung or pleura not readily
apparent from a standard X-ray image.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Positron emission tomography (PET)
Mesothelioma Screening Methods to Identify Asbestos-Related Disease
After a preliminary physical examination, your doctor may employ the following procedures to find out more about your condition:
Thoracoscopy – A scope is used to look inside your
chest cavity. A small cut will be made in your chest and a small piece
of tissue may be removed for examination (biopsy) during the procedure.
While you may feel some pressure, there is usually no pain.
Peritoneoscopy uses another specialized instrument
that allows for examination inside your abdomen. A scope is inserted
into an opening made in the abdomen, and a biopsy specimen may also be
taken.
If the presence of fluid is indicated by either of these procedures,
the doctor may drain it by inserting a needle into the affected area.
Removal of chest fluid is called thoracentesis. Removal of abdominal fluid is call paracentesis.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos
is the name for a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals that
can be separated into fibers. The fibers are strong, durable, and
resistant to heat and fire. They are also long, thin and flexible, so
that they can even be woven into cloth.
Because of these qualities, asbestos has been used in thousands of
consumer, industrial, maritime, automotive, scientific and building
products. During the twentieth century, some 30 million tons of were
used in industrial sites, homes, schools, shipyards and commercial
buildings in the United States.
There are several types of asbestos fibers, of which three have been used for commercial applications:
Chrysotile, or white, comes mainly from Canada, and has been very
widely used in the US. It is white-gray in color and found in serpentine
rock.
Amosite, or brown, comes from southern Africa.
Crocidolite, or blue, comes from southern Africa and Australia.
Amosite and crocidolite are called amphiboles. This term refers to the nature of their geologic formation.
Other asbestos fibers that have not been used commercially are
tremolite, actinolite and anthophyllite, although they are sometimes
contaminants in asbestos-containing products. It should be noted that
there are non-fibrous, or non-asbestiform, variants of tremolite,
anthophylite and actinolite, which may not have the same adverse health
consequences that result from exposure to commercial forms of asbestos.
Why is asbestos still a problem?
Asbestos is still a problem because a great deal of it has been used
in the United States and elsewhere, because many asbestos-containing
products remain in buildings, ships, industrial facilities and other
environments where the fibers can become airborne, and because of the
serious human health hazards of inhaling the fibers.
Many Americans believe that use of asbestos in products was banned
years ago. The fact is that asbestos-containing products are still being
imported and sold in this country, continuing to endanger people who
may come in contact with such products. A majority of these products are
imported from Canada and Mexico, two countries where asbestos is still
used. Further, not all imported products are clearly labeled with proper
content information.
Asbestos Products
What is common to many asbestos products is that they were (are) used
to contain heat (i.e. thermal insulation.) It is impossible to list all
of the products that have, at one time or another, contained asbestos.
Common asbestos products:
pipe-covering
insulating cement
insulating block
asbestos cloth
gaskets
packing materials
thermal seals
refractory and boiler insulation materials
transite board
asbestos cement pipe
fireproofing spray
joint compound
vinyl floor tile
ceiling tile
mastics
adhesives
coatings
acoustical textures
duct insulation for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
roofing products
insulated electrical wire and panels
brake and clutch assemblies
Some of these products contained a very high proportion of asbestos, while others contained small amounts.
Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause asbestos-related diseases including malignant mesothelioma
and other cancers. A potentially dangerous asbestos exposure can result
from very small fibers at low exposure levels. Most such exposure would
likely have occurred prior to the 1980s, but the latency period can be
up to 50 years for most asbestos-related cancers to develop.
Many people have come into contact with asbestos fibers
at their jobs. This is occupational exposure. There is also a risk to
the family members of those working in at-risk occupations; this
exposure is called paraoccupational exposure. Approximately 70% to 80%
of the cases of mesothelioma are believed to be the direct result of
easily identified occupational or paraoccupational exposure to asbestos
fibers.
A third group of people are also at risk, not from their job, but
from where they live. Sites likely to have asbestos include refineries,
power plants, factories, shipyards, steel mills and demolished
buildings. Those who live nearby can be exposed by the release of
asbestos fibers that contaminate their residential neighborhoods.
Specific Industries and Occupations with Asbestos Exposure Risk
