In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to airborne asbestos fibers increases the risk of two other major diseases: asbestosis and lung cancer. Asbestos-related diseases can take decades to develop, often manifesting after retirement from an industrial career that involved asbestos exposure. Governmental regulation of asbestos has tightened significantly since the 1970s,…
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer that attacks the lining of the organs – lung, heart and abdomen. After malignant mesothelioma is diagnosed by a biopsy, the medical staff will determine the stage of the disease. To determine the stage of the malignant mesothelioma, physicians may conduct a computer tomography-CT…
Asbestos was once an often used material in the construction industry due to its strength and heat resistance properties. As a result, construction trades involved in the renovation or repair of older buildings may be at risk of exposure to asbestos and possibly mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Mesothelioma is…
A mesothelioma diagnosis is frightening where the emotional reactions can be one of shock, fear, anger and denial. Having experienced and witnessed these emotions first hand, these emotional reactions can be crippling. It is important to understand that time is of the essence for victims and their families. Mesothelioma victims…
Insulation containing asbestos protecting water pipes in homes and commercial buildings may pose a serious health threat to plumbers and pipe fitters. Plumbers who generally work with residential pipes and their commercial counterpart pipe fitters are often exposed to asbestos containing materials in the course of their daily work. Plumbers…
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Every year there are approximately 3,000 new cases diagnosed. As a result, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has designated mesothelioma as an “orphan disease” because it is a rare disease affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United…
Unfortunately, many auto mechanics are unaware of the risk of asbestos-containing products in automobile parts until the diagnosis of mesothelioma or an asbestos related cancer. The harmful effects of asbestos exposure began to gain national attention in the mid 1970’s because of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. As a result,…
The trauma of a malignant mesothelioma diagnosis leaves confusion and disbelief in its wake. Your doctor will likely recommend you see an oncologist. Your doctor typically will recommend a specialist for your treatment of malignant mesothelioma. From the initial diagnosis, ask your doctor for a copy of all of your…
Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lining of the chest or abdomen. The malignant (cancer) cells are found in the pleura (the thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs) or the peritoneum (the thin layer of tissue…
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is frightening, and the emotional reactions can be counterproductive when time is of the essence. It is important for victims to come to terms with the illness to face treatment, and for family members to understand the psychological stages and symptoms and support the person through…