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Be cautious of asbestos before you get exposed to it

Just think about the situation when certainly a person comes to know from his family physician that he has only a few months to live. Then think, how pathetic will be the mental condition of the individual and family members of the person. The same tragedy occurs with the patients of mesothelioma. The reason behind this rarest form of cancer is exposure to the fibrous dust of asbestos. But, such exposure can be avoided and if someone doesn’t see himself or his family suffering from mesothelioma then the following points should be kept in mind.

Asbestos has been a widely used naturally available mineral since the World War II. Though, after the disclosure of the ill effects of this mineral on human body it has been banned by the government bodies of several countries. Still now asbestos is being used in several industries all over the world and most of the employers of those industries don’t unveil the truth of using the mineral to their employers. That is the reason thousands of people in the US are getting exposed to this mineral everyday. But the risk of mesothelioma can be reduced if necessary precautions are taken.

First, one should keep in mind the industries where there is probability of using asbestos. Usually in the shipping, cement and glass industries there is a high probability of using this mineral. But, apart from these industries there are high chances of using asbestos in the aluminum plants, chemical plants, steel mills, oil refineries, power plants, and shipyards industries.

If you are currently working with any of these industries and while working you suspect of using asbestos then it is suggested to immediately ask your employer and if not satisfied with the answer take help of an expert.

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Workers And Their Families Exposed To Hazardous Asbestos Dust And Mesothelioma

One group of people that have been particularly impacted by asbestos exposure is shipyward workers and their families.  Asbestos was so prevalent in the construction of ships because of its fire retardant qualities and durability.  During a ships construction, the workers would typically handle asbestos insulation products and consequently inhale large amounts of toxic dust.  Unfortunately, many of these workers have died because of this asbestos exposure.

One thing we can all do is try to raise public awareness about asbestos exposure and the link to lung cancer and mesothelioma.  One good study is called, “Asbestos exposure: factors associated with excess cancer and respiratory disease mortality.” By Henderson VL, and Enterline PE.  Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1979; 330:117-26.  Here is an excerpt:

“A cohort of 1075 men who completed their working lifetimes with an asbestos company, worked at a facility in the United States, and retired with a company pension during the period 1941–67 was updated for deaths through 1973. The average length of employment was 25 years, and all had been exposed to asbestos dust. Respiratory cancer and pneumoconiosis-pulmonary fibrosis mortalities were examined in relation to cumulative dust exposure and to other factors after taking into account cumulative dust exposure. Men who worked in the production of asbestos cement pipe exhibited a higher risk of respiratory cancer, as did men with some crocidolite asbestos exposure. Because these two groups overlap, we could not be certain that crocidolite asbestos was responsible for the increased risk. Men working in general plant maintenance displayed a striking lack of deaths due to pneumoconiosis-pulmonary fibrosis, as compared with production workers and with maintenance personnel assigned to specific departments. Five mesothelioma deaths were observed at age 65 and over. Three of these deaths occurred during the period 1970–3.”

Another good study worth looking at is called, “Asbestos-related pleural disease and asbestosis: a comparison of CT and chest radiography” by AC Friedman, SB Fiel, MS Fisher, PD Radecki, AS Lev-Toaff, and and DF Caroline – Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19140.  Here is an excerpt:

“High-resolution CT (HRCT) has the ability to demonstrate both asbestos-related pleural disease and parenchymal abnormalities consistent with asbestosis. The role of CT in the diagnosis of asbestosis can be defined by comparing it with radiography. We evaluated 60 men who had a history of occupational exposure to asbestos and whose outside chest radiographs were considered abnormal. Chest radiographs (inside films) and HRCT were performed in all patients at our institution and were interpreted independently by experienced radiologists. Outside film results were compiled from the submitted reports. The final conclusion regarding the interpretation of the radiologic examinations was determined by consensus when disagreements existed. Positive predictive values (the likelihood that a positive report is correct) for pleural disease were: outside films 56%, inside films 79%, HRCT 100%. The positive predictive values for parenchymal disease were: outside films 51%, inside films 83%, HRCT 100%. The addition of HRCT to chest radiography is most useful in eliminating false-positive diagnoses of asbestos-related pleural disease caused by subpleural fat and false-positive diagnoses of parenchymal asbestosis in patients with extensive plaques or emphysema obscuring lung detail. The interpretation of chest radiographs in patients exposed to asbestos is often extremely difficult and subjective, and we recommend that positive findings (except calcified plaques) be confirmed with HRCT.”

This article should not be construed as medical advice.  Its purpose is to raise awareness.  If you found either of these excerpts interesting, please read the studies in their entirety.

Be cautious of asbestos before you get exposed to it

Just think about the situation when certainly a person comes to know from his family physician that he has only a few months to live. Then think, how pathetic will be the mental condition of the individual and family members of the person. The same tragedy occurs with the patients of mesothelioma. The reason behind this rarest form of cancer is exposure to the fibrous dust of asbestos. But, such exposure can be avoided and if someone doesn’t see himself or his family suffering from mesothelioma then the following points should be kept in mind.

Asbestos has been a widely used naturally available mineral since the World War II. Though, after the disclosure of the ill effects of this mineral on human body it has been banned by the government bodies of several countries. Still now asbestos is being used in several industries all over the world and most of the employers of those industries don’t unveil the truth of using the mineral to their employers. That is the reason thousands of people in the US are getting exposed to this mineral everyday. But the risk of mesothelioma can be reduced if necessary precautions are taken.

First, one should keep in mind the industries where there is probability of using asbestos. Usually in the shipping, cement and glass industries there is a high probability of using this mineral. But, apart from these industries there are high chances of using asbestos in the aluminum plants, chemical plants, steel mills, oil refineries, power plants, and shipyards industries.

If you are currently working with any of these industries and while working you suspect of using asbestos then it is suggested to immediately ask your employer and if not satisfied with the answer take help of an expert.

Foods Said to Increase Survival Rate among Those Exposed to Asbestos

Recently, a research paper authored by a group of investigators at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Louisiana State University, resurfaced providing details on individuals who have fallen victim to mesothelioma cancer based off of their dietary habits.
The report, which was compiled by a Diet and Mesothelioma taskforce, followed 116 individuals, half of whom had mesothelioma cancer and the other half had been exposed to asbestos but did not develop mesothelioma or other asbestos-related conditions. Both groups had similar incomes and tobacco usage as well as having comparable exposure to asbestos.
According to news reports, the researchers studied the foods consumed by both groups and found the following to be true of dietary habits:
* Individuals who remained cancer-free after exposure to asbestos were found to have eaten nearly twice the amount of locally/homegrown vegetables and fruits as those stricken with mesothelioma.
* Victims of mesothelioma ate more “cake, candy and pie than those who stayed cancer-free.”
* Those consuming what are known as cruciferous vegetables – such as mustard greens, collards, broccoli, turnip greens, cabbage or brussel sprouts – were likely to remain mesothelioma-free even after exposure to asbestos occurred.
While more research is likely needed to verify these results, scientists at the NCI are putting faith into these dietary guidelines. The NCI, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Government have partnered together to create a campaign on the importance of eating vegetables and fruits to ensure a healthy lifestyle.
Foods to Improve Mesothelioma
The taskforce determined dietary habits had a role in the fight against cancer and several experts have also claimed this; eating certain types of foods, especially when organically grown, will likely decrease the chance of developing mesothelioma cancer for an individual who had endured asbestos exposure. The following are a list of foods found to be beneficial against deadly conditions such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.
* Olives, which contain maslinic and oleanolic acids can promote apoptosis – the death of cancer cells.
* Cabbage is high in glucosinolates (anticarcinogenic compounds), also raw cabbage contains substances to rid the body of carcinogens.
* Flaxseeds are filled with lignans and omega-3 fatty acids – potentially capable of lowering the risk of breast cancer in women and colon cancer among both sexes.
* Raspberries – most berries – are a source of fiber, vitamin C, ellagic acid and selenium.
* Mushrooms, which can block aromatase (breast cancer causing enzymes) and suppress the growth of prostate cancer cells.
* Pumpkin as well as carrots and winter squash all contain high levels of carotenoids and betacarotene.
* Onions contain phenolic compounds that are considered anticancer compounds.
What is Asbestos-Induced Mesothelioma?
Asbestos-induced mesothelioma is an incurable form of cancer that develops after fibrous tissue bundles containing tremolite are inhaled and begin to develop cancerous cells on the interior lining of the lungs. Asbestos largely went unregulated for decades while millions of U.S. citizens were at risk for exposure to this silent killer. It was mined from vermiculite and used as an alternative, less-costly and fire-retardant ingredient in insulation.
There are several variations of mesothelioma cancer with pleural malignant mesothelioma considered the most deadly and having the lowest survival rate.
Other Treatments for Increasing Mesothelioma Survival Rate
There are currently no treatments in existence that can cure mesothelioma cancer or any variation of the unfortunate disease. However, scientists and researchers are working continuously to find treatments to decrease the severity of an individual’s symptoms as well as increase the survival rate among victims.
Additionally, scientists keep studying the effects of certain foods and how it affects particular types of cancer. For example, researchers at the NIC within the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) have created a research center, with funding, dedicated to the study of dietary intake and cancer. Another study, which was published in a January 2006 issue of Journal of The American Medical Association, looked at the relationship between consumption of large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids (like those found in fish) and breast, prostate and colorectal cancers.
The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), funded and developed by the government, has developed resources for patients suffering from mesothelioma cancer in order for these individuals to have online access to the most up-to-date clinical trials. Ongoing information for a variety of clinical trials can be found at http://clinicaltrials.gov/.
However, individuals who may be suffering from mesothelioma cancer or any other asbestos-induced condition should not only seek medical attention for their symptoms, but are advised to locate a knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer who may be able to provide insightful details of a mesothelioma lawsuit. By consulting with a mesothelioma attorney, the potential for being awarded monetary compensation for bills and damages becomes a reality.

Mesothelioma and Asbestosis Hard to Diagnosis in Asbestos Exposed Smokers

Mesothelioma and asbestosis, the scarring diseases caused from asbestos exposure, typically take years to fester within a body before symptoms become visible. Filling your lungs with smoke if you’ve been exposed to asbestos will hasten asbestos disease and expose you to additional medical testing to properly diagnose your disease. It will also take years off of your life.

Asbestos and smoke are a deadly combination that hastens the onset of painful and fatal lung cancers.

Lung diseases such as asbestosis, pulmonary fibrosis, pleural disease, lung cancer and mesothelioma are caused by asbestos. The symptoms of these asbestos caused diseases are so similar to the lung diseases and cancers caused by smoking, that proper diagnosis is difficult. Treatment for mesothelioma or other asbestos caused diseases begin too late because of earlier misdiagnosis. With most cancers, and mesothelioma treatment in particular, early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to survival. A late diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma because an asbestos caused disease was mistaken for a smoking-related disease can take years off of your life, and lead to harsh and painful living during your last few years.

Medical research has also shown that smoking will hasten the attack of mesothelioma because of the internal damage caused by the toxic elements of cigarettes. Cigarette toxins eat away at your lungs. Asbestos fibers can then gain early entry into your vulnerable lungs and quickly take over or assist the cigarette toxins in creating your lung disease or cancer. Not smoking will not protect you from asbestos disease or mesothelioma, but it can reduce the severity and pain of mesothelioma and other asbestos caused diseases – and add years on to your life. If you don’t smoke and you have had exposure to asbestos, diagnosis will be swifter and you will be subject to less medical testing. Your chances of developing secondary lung diseases are substantially reduced.

Mesothelioma symptoms and lung disease symptoms from smoking typically both start with shortness of breath and trouble breathing. A productive cough typically follows, and the shortness of breath and the productive cough slowly worsen and persist. Because mesothelioma symptoms progress slowly, there is time to make a proper diagnosis if early treatment is sought. If the symptoms are ignored and are merely accepted as a side-effect of smoking, the disease has more time to become uncontrollable, and the asbestos disease will soon have control over you.

Mesothelioma affects the lining of internal organs, in a membrane called the mesothelium – hence the cancer name mesothelioma. This membrane does not affect just your lungs, it can affect most of your internal organs. Once mesothelioma symptoms of the lungs surface, such as breathing difficulties and productive coughs, the next step is typically an attack around the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms will then include chest pain, along with respiratory problems. This too can be misinterpreted as a sign of a smoking related disease, or a sign of old age or other heart and lung ailments. Mesothelioma is rare, and doctors will test according to the most likely disease to occur based on the symptoms. Because of that, it is very important to mention to your doctor your exposure to asbestos at your first visit.

Mesothelioma symptoms are slow to surface, and difficult to diagnose. Smoking while being exposed to asbestos will make proper diagnosis of mesothelioma difficult, and proper treatment may come too late to be of any benefit other than pain reduction and respiratory control. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos, not cigarettes – but cigarettes will make your mesothelioma worse. Don’t let the fibers of asbestos and the toxins of cigarettes team up on your lungs. Quit smoking and stay away from asbestos. If you must be exposed to asbestos, wear proper protection and don’t smoke. Don’t rush the disease, diagnose it. And you can’t diagnose the disease fast enough unless you quit smoking.

www.mesovideolibrary.com – In 2008 Brenda had a third surgery to treat peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare asbestos cancer of the abdomen. In this video she discusses the surgery and the difficult recovery process that followed. See this video on our official website to learn more www.mesovideolibrary.com Call 866-404-5805 or e-mail info@mesovideolibrary.com to speak with someone about mesothelioma or asbestos exposure.

Related Cancer Caused By Asbestos Articles

Mesothelioma Settlement Exposed

When we talk of Mesothelioma, we refer to the kind of cancer that is predisposed to persons who are extensively exposed to asbestos or the materials which make perfect insulating gears for firefighters. Asbestos cancer Mesothelioma as it is technically called, is mostly predisposed to people mostly in environments where asbestos can be mostly found, and since the use of asbestos has been reduced to very low levels due to such factors, it doesn’t mean that you are free from it because the same asbestos is being used elsewhere to perform other functions.

There are several types Mesothelioma, one of the most prevalent of them is the peritoneal Mesothelioma which accounts for 10 or 20% of all asbestos cancer Mesothelioma. When people breathe-in air containing asbestos molecules, these molecule accumulate in the mesothelial cell in the peritoneum which with time causes this kind of cancer. Its name is derived from the word peritoneal which basically refers to the abdomen of the body in the mesothelial cells within what is called the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a two layered cover with one of them separating the organs from the abdomen while the second covering the whole abdominal cavity and responsible for maintaining the functionality of this part while still protecting it. So whenever Mesothelioma strikes, the peritoneum in this case makes the symptoms to be more pronounced than in other cases of Mesothelioma.

The second type of Mesothelioma and the most common is the pleural Mesothelioma. The name stems from the pleural membrane which basically is the lungs’ lining where this cancer has been known to strike most. Like the peritoneal, it’s also made of two membranes which are greatly affected by this infection. This type of cancer can either be malignant Mesothelioma or benign Mesothelioma. The growth in the malignancy Mesothelioma are cancerous while in the benign are non cancerous and therefore do not spread to the rest of the body the way cancerous ones will do. The benign are also easier to manage than the malignant ones because they are continuously growing.

Mesothelioma symptoms differ according to the kind of disease which is involved, the most common pleural Mesothelioma might present itself with a raspy cough without any phlegm, night sweat, blood stained cough, and swallowing problems while peritoneal Mesothelioma can have an avalanche of symptoms which might include bowel change like constipation, night sweat, anemia, and fatigue etc.

Mesothelioma prognosis depends mostly on how late one is late for Mesothelioma treatment, that’s why patients diagnosed in third or fourth stages usually have a bad prognosis than those in the first or second stages. Different factors dictate the kind of treatment you will get once you are diagnosed with Mesothelioma, once a decision has been made you can either have chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery can be used.

Mesothelioma cases are quiet common in court because of their work related aspects, most of the cases ends up with a Mesothelioma settlement whenever such an asbestos Mesothelioma lawsuit lands in a court of law.