Does Asbestos Kill? Explaining the Link Between Mesothelioma and Asbestos

You might have heard the word asbestos in TV shows, news programs, or maybe read it from magazines and books. There are many scientific studies proving the relationship between exposures to asbestos linked to some health hazards like Mesothelioma.

Asbestos is composed of 6 minerals which are amosite, actinolite, chrysotile, crocidolite, tremolite and anthophyllite. Asbestos is a very useful type of material especially for industrial purposes however it is a known human carcinogen. It is famous for its strength, high resistance to fire, resistance to chemical andelectrical damage and it is also affordable but when inhaled it can cause asbestos related diseases. Asbestos, once inhaled, causes scarring of the lining of the lungs which consequently restricts an individual's ability to breath. There are still some products that we are using right now that may have asbestos content without us knowing. Some of these products are tiles, cement, vinyl walls or flooring, hair dryer, popcorn poppers, fertilizers, fire blankets, gloves and many more. But do you know that prolong exposure to asbestos may lead to a serious illness called Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer affecting the lining of the organs of the body including the lungs (Pleural Mesothalemia). It is a fatal condition and the prognosis is also not good. People who acquired this illness are those who have been long exposed to asbestos fibers. Common signs and symptoms of the disease are coughing, chest pain, and difficulty in breathing, wheezing and sudden weight loss. These indications, in some cases, usually do not occur even after 20 or more years of prolong exposure to asbestos dust. There are some medical diagnostic exams to confirm mesothelioma such as biopsy. It is true that the longer you are exposed to asbestos, the more likely you will have mesothelioma. However, there were some reports showing that even those who have been exposed to abestos in just a short while have developed cancer. The rate of Mesothelioma is higher to those who have served the US Armed Forces years ago. This is because they have used abestos for a lot of military tools and equipment long before they have realized its bad effects.

Treatments for Mesothelioma include radiation and/or chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The earlier you detect the presence of the cancer cells, the better the prognosis is. So if you happen to experience any of the given indicators and you have been exposed to asbestos, consult with your doctor immediately. Diagnostic tests will be done immediately and if Mesothalioma is detected, treatment can start immediately.

It is said that prevention is better than cure and it is actually true. Avoid exposing yourself to asbestos or going to places where there is higher percentage of asbestos usage. Your immune system also plays a greater part in fighting off diseases so take good care of it. Eat healthy and exercise regularly.

Harry Hassami is the author and producers of The Mesothelioma Journal. The complete website information about the mesothelioma.

What Is The Difference Between Lung Cancer and Lymphoma?

There are two different types of cancer that may affect the lungs:

1. Primary lung cancer is categorized as either small cell, or non-small cell, and usually begins in the lungs before it spreads to other parts of the body. Small cell is commonly associated with heavy smokers, where non-small cell may include other types of cancers such as squamous cell, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma.

Symptoms may include a persistent cough, coughing up small amounts of blood, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pains, a dull aching pain in the shoulder that may move down the outside of the arm, a notable weight loss, and recurrent chest infections or pneumonia.

Diagnosis of lung cancer is not usually found until after a doctor has ordered a chest X-ray which is usually associated with another illness. If lung cancer is detected by the chest X-ray, a CT (computer assisted tomography) scan, or a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan may also be ordered to further confirm both the diseases diagnosis and staging.

Staging includes a limited Stage, where only one lung is affected together with the surrounding tissues, and an extensive Stage, where the cancer has spread to either the chest tissues outside the lung of origin or to another part of the body. Staging begins with Stage 0, where cancer cells are found to be in the lining of the lung; Stage 1A, where the tumor growth is no more than 3mm across in diameter and continues through Stages 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, until Stage 4 is reached. This is where the lungs or other parts of the body have multiple malignant growths.

2. Metastatic lung cancer, is categorized as either Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's, and begins in another part of the body before it spreads to the lungs. Metastatic lung cancer is a cancer of the lymphatic system.

Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, itching, swollen lymph nodes, and sweating during the night while sleeping. The lymph nodes can be found in clusters in the pelvis, neck, under the arms, and in the abdomen. When non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is present, it is common for its reason to be unknown.

Diagnosis includes blood tests, and a biopsy of the lymph node tissue for examination under the microscope.

Staging is based on the extent the tumor has spread.

Stage 1. Where only one lymph node or area is affected.

Stage 2. Where two or more lymph nodes are affected on one side of the diaphragm, or a single lymph node where the tumor has affected a nearby organ.

Stage 3. Where lymphoma is found in the areas above and below the diaphragm, and is considered to be advanced.

Stage 4. Where the lymphoma has metastasized to other parts of the body such as the liver, brain, or bone marrow. At this stage the disease is considered widespread.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of The Oxford Quill, a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as Professional Article Writing, Proofreading, and Website Design. If you would like to read more about lung cancer, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/how-to-treat-lung-cancer-caused-by-melanoma