MESOTHELIOMA: 05/19/09

What are the risk factors for malignant mesothelioma?

There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood that a person will develop mesothelioma. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure. Exposure to this very harmful substance can significantly enhance the chances of contracting the disease. Other secondary factors include exposure to radiation, zeolite, simian virus 40 (SV40) and tobacco. We discuss each of these risk factors in more detail below.
Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos is the leading risk factor associated with mesothelioma. Asbestos is an insulating material comprised of magnesium-silicate mineral fibers. It was favored by builders and contractors for many years for its low heat conductivity and resistance to melting and burning. Since researchers have identified more and more links between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos, the material is now less widely used. Prior to this discovery, however, millions of Americans have experienced serious exposure to this harmful substance.

Over 700,000 schools and buildings in the United States today contain asbestos insulation as reported by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Asbestos exposure doesn’t stop there, however. Asbestos is often found in ship yards, manufacturing facilities, railway facilities and construction sites. Blue collar workers are at the highest risk for developing mesothelioma due to occupational exposure and include those who work in mines, factories, shipyards, construction sites, railroads and for insulation manufacturers and gas mask manufacturers. The occupations most widely affected are miners, factory workers, railroad workers, ship builders and construction workers - especially those who install asbestos containing insulation. Sometimes family members related to the workers receive second hand exposure to asbestos from the dust and fibers that were brought home on the workers clothes and also become at risk for contracting mesothelioma.

Serpentine fibers and amphiboles are the 2 primary types of asbestos used. Chrysotile is a form of serpentine fiber and the most frequently used. These fibers tend to be curly and flexible. Amphibole fibers, however, are generally straight and thin and usually comprise one of five types: crocidolite, amosite, anthrophylite, tremolite, and actinolyte. The crocidolite type of Amphiboles is thought to be the leading contributor to cancer caused by asbestos. Serpentine fibers are dangerous as well, however, and have also been linked to mesothelioma.

Some research points to the fact that inhaled asbestos fibers cause a physical irritation resulting in cancer rather than the cancer being caused by a reaction that is more chemical in nature. As fibers are inhaled through the mouth and nose they are cleared from the body by adhering to mucus in the nose, throat and airways and then get expelled by coughing or swallowing. The Amphibole fibers (long and thin) do not clear as easily and it is therefore thought that they can embed into the lining of the lungs and chest and result in mesothelioma.

Asbestosis (scar tissue in the lungs) or lung cancer can also be caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. In fact, people exposed to asbestos are seven times more likely to develop lung cancer over the general public. Workers who sustain high levels of asbestos exposure are more likely to die from asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma than any other disease. It is also believed that the action of coughing up and swallowing asbestos could contribute to a form of mesothelioma originating in the abdomen called peritoneal mesothelioma. Mesothelioma has been found to exist in other organs of the body as well such as the larynx, pancreas and colon, but those instances are extremely limited compared to lung cancer incidents.

The chance of developing mesothelioma is in direct proportion to the duration and amount of asbestos exposure that an individual sustains. Those who are exposed to high levels of asbestos at a young age, for long periods of time have a greater risk of being diagnosed with mesothelioma than those who have short, low level exposure. Another important consideration is that Mesothelioma can take a long time to manifest. Often, twenty to forty years can elapse from the time of exposure to diagnosis. Genetic factors can also play a role which explains why not everyone exposed to asbestos develops and asbestos related disease.
Radiation

Thorium dioxide (Thorotrast), a substance used in x-ray tests in the past has reported links to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. The use of Thorotrast has been discontinued for many years due to this discovery.
Zeolite

Some mesothelioma cases in the Anatoli region within Turkey have been linked to Zeolite, a silica based mineral with chemical properties similar to asbestos found in the soil there.
Simian Virus 40 (SV40)

Some scientists have found the simian virus 40 (SV30) in mesothelioma cells from humans and have been able to create mesothelioma in animals with the virus. The relationship between this virus and mesothelioma is still unclear, however, and further research is being conducted to gain clarity on this potential link.
Tobacco

Smoking alone is not linked to mesothelioma, but smokers who are exposed to asbestos have a much higher chance of developing lung cancer (as much as fifty to ninety percent higher). Research indicates that lung cancer is the leading cause of death among asbestos workers.

Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin cell wall lining of the body's internal organs and structures. This lining is known as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma has three known varieties. They are malignant pleural mesothelioma, malignant pericardial mesothelioma, and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the pleura, the lung's lining. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the peritoneum, the abdominal cavity wall. And pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the hearth, known as the pericardium.
What Causes Malignant Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is known only to be caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a nature, yet toxic mineral that was used commonly in heavy industry. Microscopic asbestos fibers enter the body through the lung or ingestion. Once inside, the durable fibers are unable to be broken down or expelled by the body, causing a harmful inflammation and scarring of the mesothelium. This scarring lays the groundwork mesothelioma and other respiratory conditions, such as asbestosis.
How is Malignant Mesothelioma Treated?

Malignant mesothelioma prognoses are poor, as often the disease will be diagnosed in its later stages after symptoms have appeared. However, there are several treatment options for the management of the cancer. Among these are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical resection. Chemotherapeutic and radiation therapy methods are more likely but surgery is often an option for those whose disease is diagnosed early enough.
How is Malignant Mesothelioma diagnosed?

Malignant Mesothelioma will typically be suspected if the patient complains of chest pain, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chronic cough, or difficulty swallowing. While any of these could indicate mesothelioma, they are also associated with many other respiratory conditions so further diagnostic procedures are typically warranted. These may include imaging scans, such as computer topography or magnetic resonance imaging. A diagnostic biopsy is also required for cancer specialist to examine the behavior of these cells before a diagnosis is determined.
What options of patients of Malignant Mesothelioma have?

Patients of malignant mesothelioma or any other asbestos related health complications may be eligible for compensation if they were wrongfully exposed. All those seeking further information should fill out the brief contact form on this page to receive a mesothelioma and asbestos information packet detailing treatment and legal options.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the thin cell walls which surround the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum. Other types of mesothelioma include malignant pleural mesothelioma, occurring in the cell wall surrounding the lungs, and malignant pericardial mesothelioma, which occurs in the pericardial lining of the hearth. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second rarest form of the disease and accounts for approximately 20% of all mesothelioma cases each year.
What Causes Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

Peritoneal mesothelioma is known only to be caused by exposure to asbestos, a microscopic natural fiber that was used heavily in industry. Asbestos is said to reach the abdominal wall by one of two methods. The first is through ingested asbestos fibers which are processed through digestion and become lodged in peritoneum. These other method is through the lungs and lymph nodes, by inhaled asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma of the pleura is also known to metastasize directly into the abdominal cavity if its spread is not slowed.
How is Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treated?

Prognosis of mesothelioma patients is poor, and peritoneal mesothelioma patients are no exception. Most peritoneal treatment regimens for patients include palliative methods such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, if the disease is diagnosed in its earlier stages, patients may be eligible for surgical resection of the disease, which could potentially add years to initial prognoses.
How is Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Physicians may suspect peritoneal mesothelioma if the patient complains of stomach, chest, or abdominal pain. Suspicious hernias may actually be a pleural effusion caused by peritoneal tumor growth. Misdiagnosis is common and patients will likely undergo multiple imaging scans and a diagnostic biopsy before an official diagnosis is made.
What are a patient's options?

Patients of peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible for financial compensation if they exposed to asbestos. Industrial exposures were common and those exposed have collected compensation to finance high treatment costs. For additional information on your legal rights of mesothelioma please fill out the brief contact form on this page.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Malignant pericardial mesothelioma is a type of cancer that originates in the mesothelium, a thin wall of cells that surround the body's organs and internal body structures. Pericardial mesothelioma originates in the lining of the heart. Other locales of the disease are malignant pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the lungs and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the abdomen wall. Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest of these malignancies and accounts for only an estimated 10 percent of all mesothelioma incidences annually.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is known only to be caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring but toxic mineral that was used in industrial capacities. While the precise route by which microscopic asbestos fibers reaches the pericardial lining is not known, physicians surmise that inhaled asbestos fibers are absorbed into the bloodstream and become entangled in the heart's lining as the blood processes through the heart. Mesothelioma occurring in other parts of the body, such as in the pleura or peritoneum, can also metastasize to the pericardial lining.
How is Pericardial Mesothelioma Treated?

Prognoses are poor in cases of pericardial mesothelioma, just as nearly all mesothelioma cases are. However, several treatment options exist to help patients manage the disease and maintain comfort. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the most likely treatment options for patients of this disease. Surgery is typically not an option because of the local of the disease and the risk of grave damage to the tumor area.
How is Pericardial Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Physicians will often suspect pericardial mesothelioma if the patient has trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. A comprehensive diagnostic and biopsy process will be undergone through use of multiple body imaging scans.
What a Patient's Options?

Patients of pericardial mesothelioma may be eligible for financial compensation if they were wrongly exposed to asbestos. Anyone who worked with asbestos products is potentially at-risk and should fill out the brief form on this page to receive additional treatment and legal information.

Mesothelioma Misconceptions

Misconception: Mesothelioma is a lung cancer.
Reality: Mesothelioma is not a lung cancer but a cancer of the mesothelial cells which make up the lining of the lungs and other organs. Mesothelioma symptoms can closely mimic those of lung cancer because they affect the respiratory system much in the same way.

Misconception: Mesothelioma is untreatable.
Reality: Mesothelioma has no known cure. It is however, treatable with a number of different therapies including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapeutic drugs. These therapies and treatments can extend patient survival rates far longer than untreated disease.

Misconception: There is no help available for mesothelioma patients and their families.
Reality: Patients of mesothelioma were typically exposed to asbestos. Many are eligible for financial compensation if they were wrongly exposed. This financial assistance can help patients gain access to the best treatments and give security to their families.

Mesothelioma Treatment

Once an individual has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the next step is to discuss mesothelioma treatment options with his/her physician. Recent scientific research has produced significant breakthroughs with regard to treatment protocols for mesothelioma patients and more options are now available for managing the disease and supporting improved quality of life. Newly diagnosed patients always have many questions about the treatment options that would be most effective for them, including those about new treatment therapies like Alimta and Cisplatin and other chemotherapy drugs. In addition to these newer drugs that are being used to treat asbestos cancer, mesothelioma patients also have a number of "conventional" treatment options to consider, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.

Clinical trials and experimental treatments are still other options that some mesothelioma patients may be eligible to participate in. Our site features a comprehensive mesothelioma cancer treatment section that includes important information for patients and families. We've included resources on top mesothelioma doctors such as Dr. Sugarbaker, as well as a comprehensive list of questions that you may wish to discuss with your personal physician when preparing a treatment plan. We are always providing new and informative resources regarding mesothelioma treatment including: Clinical Trials, conventional treatments, experimental therapies, and more. Check back often for the most recent advances in mesothelioma treatments.

Who is at risk for Mesothelioma?

The only recognized cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, though other factors such as smoking can make the disease more or less likely in some individuals. Industrial laborers were widely subjected to asbestos exposure on the job, as the material was widely used throughout the 20th century. Few of these workers knew they were being exposed to asbestos, however, despite the fact that many manufacturers were aware the material was hazardous. In most cases, mesothelioma symptoms will not appear in an individual exposed to asbestos until many years after the exposure has occurred. Those who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos should fill out our form to receive a free mesothelioma information packet, detailing treatment options, emerging therapies, and jobsite exposure information.

Malignant Mesothelioma

What Is It?

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 people each year. The disease usually affects the thin membrane that lines the chest cavity and the lungs. This membrane is called the pleura. It also can affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum, and, very rarely, it affects the lining around the heart, called the pericardium.

Most cases of malignant mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of industries. A small percentage of cases have been linked to exposure to a mineral silicate called zeolite or to a type of radiation contrast dye (Thorotrast) that was used before 1960 to help blood vessels show up on X-rays. In a few cases, the cause is unknown.

People exposed to asbestos for a long time or exposed to high levels have an increased risk of developing malignant mesothelioma, but even people exposed for a very short time can develop this disease. The disease develops at least 15 years (typically 20 to 40 years) after exposure to asbestos. People usually are diagnosed with this disease between ages 50 to 70. More men than women get this cancer, probably because men are more likely to have worked in the industries that use asbestos.

There are three main types of malignant mesothelioma: epithelial, sarcomatoid and mixed. The epithelial type is the most common.
Symptoms

About 90% of people who are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma have chest pain or shortness of breath as the first symptoms of the disease. These symptoms can be caused either by the cancer itself, which irritates nerve cells in nearby tissues, or by a collection of fluid between the two layers of the pleura in the chest. This collection of fluid is called a pleural effusion. People with mesothelioma that develops in the abdominal lining can have abdominal pain and swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Other possible symptoms include cough, fatigue and unexplained weight loss.
Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and your medical history before examining you. Tests usually are needed because the more common symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath may come from many causes. These tests include an electrocardiogram (EKG), a chest or abdominal X-ray, depending on your symptoms and your physical exam. If these tests show any abnormalities of the lungs or pleura, you will need a computed tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. These imaging studies allow the physician to determine the size and location of any tumor in the chest or abdomen.

If you have fluid in your chest or abdomen, a thin needle may be used to remove a small sample of the fluid for examination. This procedure, called fine-needle aspiration, also may be used to drain the fluid to relieve symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath. Occasionally, mesothelioma can be diagnosed from this fluid sample alone, but usually a tissue sample (biopsy) will have to be taken, too. The tissue sample can be obtained with procedures called a thoracoscopy or video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT) for a pleural tumor or with a procedure called laparoscopy for an abdominal tumor. In both procedures, a tubelike instrument inserted through a small incision allows the physician to see the tumor and collect a tissue sample. You also may need a procedure called a bronchoscopy or a mediastinoscopy so the doctor can look for masses in the lung airways caused by other tumors or can remove tissue samples from lymph nodes.

Once your doctor is certain you have malignant mesothelioma, the next step is to determine how far the tumor has spread, which will classify the cancer into one of four stages. This is done with imaging studies, such as CT and MRI. In stage I, the tumor is limited to the pleural lining on one side of the chest without any signs of having spread. If the disease returns after being treated successfully, it is called recurrent mesothelioma.

Stage I also is called localized disease, whereas stages II to IV are called advanced disease.
Expected Duration

Once it develops, this type of cancer will continue to grow and spread until it is treated.
Prevention

To reduce your risk of malignant mesothelioma, you should avoid exposure to asbestos. Because there is no safe level of asbestos exposure, any asbestos exposure is too much. In your home, especially if it is an older home, have an expert check for areas of exposed asbestos-containing insulation or other areas of deteriorating asbestos. These areas must be removed or safely sealed off professionally. Workers who routinely deal with asbestos-containing materials should use approved measures to limit their exposure and to keep from bringing asbestos dust home on their clothing.
Treatment

Malignant mesothelioma is difficult to treat. The cancer can spread easily to nearby organs. If the tumor has spread, it is nearly impossible to remove the entire tumor surgically. In addition, it has been difficult to test the effectiveness of different treatments because there are relatively few cases of malignant mesothelioma.

The primary treatment options for malignant mesothelioma are surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Surgery

Before any surgery is considered for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma, your overall health has to be evaluated. Tests are done to make sure the cancer has not spread to distant sites and to evaluate how well your lungs and heart are functioning. Lung tests look for any signs of lung damage from tobacco or from other diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These tests determine how risky surgery would be, especially if a lung needs to be removed.

Surgery for malignant mesothelioma can be aimed at long-term control of the cancer (aggressive surgery) or relief of symptoms (palliative procedures).

* Aggressive surgery A procedure called extrapleural pneumonectomy involves removal of the pleura, the lung, the diaphragm and the pericardium. The intent of this very aggressive, complicated surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Not all centers will do this procedure because it is so complex and because it carries a high risk of death within 30 days after surgery. This procedure typically is done only in younger patients who are in good overall health with stage I disease. Patients are evaluated carefully to determine their ability to tolerate the surgery.
* Palliative procedures When malignant mesothelioma is advanced, palliative procedures can be done to relieve or control symptoms such as breathlessness, which are caused by fluid or by the tumor pressing on the lung or other organs. These procedures do not cure the disease.
o A procedure called thoracentesis can be used to treat fluid collection (effusion) in pleural mesothelioma. A needle is inserted into the chest to drain the fluid, relieving breathlessness and pain. Talc may be injected into the pleural space to try to stop fluid from accumulating there. This procedure is called talc pleurodesis. Similar procedures are used to relieve fluid collection (ascites) in peritoneal mesothelioma (paracentesis).
o A procedure called pleurectomy and decortication is the surgical removal of the pleura. This procedure can be done to reduce pain caused by the tumor or to prevent the fluid from accumulating. For peritoneal mesothelioma, surgery generally is aimed at relieving symptoms.

Radiation Therapy

Because of the location of malignant mesothelioma, it is extremely difficult to deliver high enough doses of radiation to kill the tumor without damaging the surrounding organs. Lower doses of radiation can help to shrink the tumor, but it is unclear whether this helps people to survive longer than if they were not treated.

Using radiation therapy after surgery has not been shown to improve survival. However, because surgery is very unlikely to remove the entire tumor, radiation commonly is done after surgery in the hopes of killing remaining tumor cells. In addition, radiation therapy can be used to relieve the symptoms of mesothelioma, including chest pain.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of medications to treat cancer. Chemotherapy cannot cure mesothelioma. Some chemotherapy drugs have a partial effect in some patients. Combination chemotherapy (using more than one drug at the same time) may be given in an attempt to improve the patient's response to the medications. Some combinations have shown promise, and some new medications are being tried.

Like radiation therapy, chemotherapy may be administered after surgery in an attempt to kill cancer cells that could not be removed.

Treatment by Stage

Stage I (localized) mesothelioma If you want aggressive treatment and are fit enough to have surgery, some centers may do an extrapleural pneumonectomy. Another surgical option is pleurectomy and decortication, which is sometimes done to relieve some of the symptoms of mesothelioma. Both of these procedures may be followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Less than 5% of people with malignant mesothelioma are candidates for aggressive surgery.

Stages II, III and IV (advanced) mesothelioma Pleurectomy and decortication may be done to relieve symptoms in pleural mesothelioma. Other procedures such as thoracentesis may be done to drain fluid (pleural effusions) and prevent them from recurring. Radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy also may be administered for symptom relief.

Recurrent malignant mesothelioma There is no standard treatment for recurrent mesothelioma. Generally, treatments are considered that were not used the first time the disease was treated.

Clinical Trials and Future Treatments

New treatments for malignant mesothelioma and possible preventive measures, such as a vaccine, are being evaluated in clinical trials, and the future holds some promise. Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate new treatments for safety and effectiveness. There are no guarantees that a new treatment will work, and there are some risks. However, a clinical trial is not started unless the researchers believe the treatment may have some value.

Here are some of the treatments for malignant mesothelioma that are being evaluated:

* Combination chemotherapy Different combinations of chemotherapy drugs have been tried with mixed results.
* Intracavitary chemotherapy Researchers are looking at putting chemotherapy drugs directly into the pleural or peritoneal space because of a possible advantage over traditional chemotherapy. Because the drug is placed directly into the cavity, much greater doses can be given to patients without causing severe side effects. Some studies have shown this therapy to control effusions and reduce tumor size.
* Brachytherapy (intracavitary radiation therapy) In this treatment, a radioactive substance is placed directly into the pleural or peritoneal space.
* Multimodality therapy Multimodality therapy is any combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
* Gene therapy In this approach, a virus that has been genetically altered is introduced into the tumor. The virus infects the cancerous cells and makes them vulnerable to anticancer drugs.
* Immunotherapy Treatments that stimulate the body's immune system to fight cancer cells are called immunotherapy.

When To Call A Professional

Call your doctor promptly for an evaluation if you have any of the symptoms of lung cancer, especially if you have worked in an industry with high exposure to asbestos. If you have shortness of breath or chest pain, you should call your doctor for an evaluation as soon as possible.
Prognosis

Malignant mesothelioma usually is advanced by the time it is diagnosed, so the outlook usually is poor. On average, the survival time after diagnosis is about one year.

Types of Cancer

There are over a hundred different types of cancer diagnosed each year, affecting different parts of the body.
Types of Cancer Affecting the Bones

* Ewing's Sarcoma
* Osteosarcoma

Types of Cancer Affecting the Brain

* Adult Brain Tumor
* Brain Stem Glioma, Childhood
* Cerebellar Astrocytoma, Childhood
* Cerebral Astrocytoma/Malignant Glioma, Childhood
* Ependymoma, Childhood
* Medulloblastoma, Childhood
* Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors and Pineoblastoma, Childhood
* Visual Pathway and Hypothalamic Glioma, Childhood

Types of Cancer Affecting the Breast

* Breast Cancer
* Male Breast Cancer

Types of Cancer Affeccting the Digestive/Gastrointestinal System

* Anal Cancer
* Bile Duct Cancer, Extrahepatic
* Carcinoid Tumor, Gastrointestinal
* Colon Cancer
* Esophageal Cancer

Blood Test May Detect Mesothelioma Early

Researchers at the NYU School of Medicine and Wayne State University have discovered a molecule that can show pleural mesothelioma at its early stages. Pleural mesolthlioma is a cancer that affects the chest, and is caused by exposure to asbestos. The findings lead to the possibility of a blood test that can detect the disease early. This is great news considering an established screening method is currently unavailable. Those exposed to mesothelioma may soon have means for screening.

The study published in the Oct. 13 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, found a protein called osteopontin, to be elevated in pleural mesothelioma patients.

5 Unusual Sources of Asbestos in the Home

When we think of asbestos, we tend to think of insulation. But asbestos was used in many different applications around the home, and in forms that may not be readily apparent.

1. Asbestos Blanket or Paper Tape

Often used around steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts.

2. Resilient Floor Tiles

This is one application that surprises a lot of homeowners. The backing or adhesive for many vinyl, asphalt, and rubber floor tiles may contain asbestos fibers. Sanding these floors, or even chipping the tiles off, may release these fibers.

3. Artificial Ashes or Embers

The embers in gas-fired fireplaces and stoves (the embers that heat up and glow) may contain asbestos.

4. Soundproofing Material

Sprayed soundproofing material on walls and ceilings may release asbestos fibers when sanded, drilled, or scraped.

5. Asbestos-Cement Roof or Siding Tiles

Those hard, brittle tiles frequently used as siding on homes in the 1940s and 1950s contain asbestos. You won't need to worry about releasing fibers unless you saw or drill these tiles. Otherwise, it is safe to put new siding over these tiles.

Asbestos Exposure

Often called the “asbestos cancer”, mesothelioma is a disease affecting the abdomen, chest and areas around the heart. It is believed that those exposed to even small amounts of asbestos can develop the life threatening disease. This is especially a concern for industrial/construction workers thus often affecting more men than women generally. Even more startling, one may not show symptoms until 40 years later!

Ages Affected

The average age of mesothelioma patients are 50-60 years of age. It is assumed then that one develops mesothelioma when exposed to asbestos, however the disease and its symptoms do not present itself until senior age.

Mesothelioma is a fast moving disease.

Once symptoms begin, the disease progresses rapidly. It is often misdiagnosed as lesser ailments, as the early stages show very little or no symptoms at all. Once diagnosed, it is then defined into what stage the disease has progressed depending on where the cancer is located and how much it has spread to other parts of the body and organs.

Forms of Mesothelioma

The two most common forms of mesothelioma are pleural and peritoneum. As the disease progresses, those stricken with mesothelioma experience the following symptoms:

Pleural Mesothelioma (affecting the membrane lining of the heart and lungs)

Difficulty breathing
Weight loss when not dieting
Fever
General ill feeling

Peritoneum (affecting the membrane that lines the stomach)

Swelling of the abdomen
Abdominal pain
Anemia
Fever
Constipation
Weight loss when not dieting
Bowel obstruction

The symptoms described could be symptoms of other ailments, however asbestos exposure is the key element is making a proper diagnosis. Approximately 70-80% of patients afflicted with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos. If you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing any symptoms, please consult your physician for further diagnosis.

Learning About Mesothelioma - The Basics

What is Mesothelioma?

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that forms in the lining of the chest or abdomen. The cancerous cells develop in the pleura of the lungs, or the peritoneum of the abdomen.

There are three types of mesothelioma:

Peritoneal
Pleural
Pericardial

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of the disease, followed by peritoneal, then pericardial.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Asbestos exposure is the number one cause for mesothelioma. Asbestos is a mineral that was once found in many types industrial supplies and equipment. Asbestos was used until the mid 1970's when the risks of exposure were becoming evident.

Asbestos exposure doesn't result immediately in cancer. It takes years for the cancer to form and cause symptoms. Workers exposed in the 1950's, 60's, and 70's are just now being diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Diagnosing mesothelioma is difficult as the symptoms are very similar to many other ailments. It is often mistaken for pneumonia. Symptoms of mesothelioma include:

Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Persistent cough
Swelling of the face and neck
Coughing up blood
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Nausea

Keep in mind that some people do not display any symptoms. If you have been exposed to asbestos, please talk about your risk factor with your doctor. Together, you can make informed choice in your personal healthcare.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms do not appear immeadiately after being exposed to asbestos. It is common for symptoms to appear 25-50 years after the intial exposure. There are instances where no symptoms are present.

Mesothelioma symptoms vary depending on the type of mesothelioma.

Meolthelioma Symptoms

persistant cough

shortness of breath

chest pain

wheezing

abdominal pain and swelling

weight loss

fever

anemia

After the disease advances and spread to other organs, symptoms such as jaundice, bowel obstruction, bowel changes, and low blood sugar may be experienced.

If you have been exposed to asbestos and the past and feel you are suffering from mesolthelioma symptoms, please see your doctor. Be sure to informa your doctor that you have been exposed to asbestos in the past. Mesolthelioma is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late because the symptoms mimic those of many other illnesses.

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

There are several risk factors for mesothelioma. A risk factor is something that increases the chance that a person may develop a disease. Having a risk factor does not guarantee a person will develop mesothelioma, it only increases the risk of developing it.

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos is a group of minerals once used in industrial and construction materials, but is now produced in small quantities. Asbestos was once found in products like:

tile and flooring

insulation

door gaskets

roofing materials

cement

plaster of paris

joint compound

textured paint

It is estimated that about 8 million Americans have been exposed to asbestos. It generally takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma symptoms to present themselves after a person is exposed to asbestos.

Smoking and Asbestos Exposure
The combination of tobacco smoking and exposure to asbestos can greatly increase the risk factor for developing mesothelioma. According to the American Cancer Society, no studies currently link smoking alone to mesothelioma.

Radiation

In the past, certain x-rays used a material called thorium doxide. It was later to have been found to cause mesothelioma. Fortunately, it is no longer in use.

Zeolite
Zeolite is a natural occurring mineral in the Turkish region, Anatoli. Zeolite is found in the soil and is very similar to asbestos.

If You Think You're at Risk for Mesothelioma...

Talk to you doctor, if you feel you are at risk for developing mesothelioma. Together you can monitor your health and decide a course of action for possible screening methods.

Keep in mind that mesothelioma is a very slow moving disease. People usually do not develop symptoms for decades after being exposed to asbestos.

1. Asbestos Blanket or Paper Tape

2. Resilient Floor Tiles

3. Artificial Ashes or Embers

4. Soundproofing Material

5. Asbestos-Cement Roof or Siding Tiles

What is Mesothelioma?

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Meolthelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

If You Think You're at Risk for Mesothelioma...

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