Asbestos and Mesothelioma: What You Need To Know
Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can affect the lining of the lungs, called the pleura. The pleura is made up of two thin layers of membrane that surround the surface of the lungs. Tumors can start in the pleura, and then spread to other parts of the body.
Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose due to a long latency period between time of exposure and symptoms appearing, and also because the symptoms can be non-specific. There are over 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed each year in the United States. Mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring hydrated magnesium silicate fiber that comes in two forms, serpentine and amphiboles. Asbestos was once prized commercially and industrially for its heat, corrosion and fire resistant as well as insulating properties. Asbestos was commonly added to products such as cement, acoustic insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, and automobile brake linings. Millions of Americans have been exposed to asbestos either occupationally, environmentally, or in the home or school.
For more information about the epidemiology of mesothelioma, specifically how asbestos causes the deadly disease, please visit Helping Mesothelioma Patients and read the latest article addition, How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma. At this site, you will find many useful medical resources and articles specific to traditional and new treatment options for those suffering from an asbestos related disease.
