Mesothelioma is a cancer that primarily affects the lining of organs in the chest and stomach. This lining is called mesothelium, and its fluidity allows organs to function and move-it's what assists the lungs in breathing. When an irregularity develops in the mesothelium, it can either be dormant (benign) or cancerous (malignant). When it's cancerous, it's referred to as malignant mesothelioma, but that is generally shortened to simply "mesothelioma." While mesothelioma is a relatively rare disease, it is very serious. There are some common risk factors that put people at an elevated chance of developing mesothelioma.
Age
Perhaps because symptoms of mesothelioma may not manifest for one or more decades after exposure, older people are shown to have a higher risk for developing the disease. About 75% of people with mesothelioma are over the age of 65, and it's very rare for the disease to develop in anyone under the age of 45.
Sex
Mesothelioma is much more common in men than in women-about four times more. This could be attributed to the primarily male-dominated industries that make people susceptible to the next, most common and most dangerous risk factor for acquiring mesothelioma.
Asbestos Exposure
This is the primary risk factor for the development of mesothelioma. It is most probable that people who end up with mesothelioma were exposed to the carcinogenic mineral as part of their occupation.
Asbestos fibers are a natural mineral made up of silicon, oxygen, and a combination of other elements. The two prominent types of asbestos fibers are serpentine (curly fibers as found in the construction industry's most common form of asbestos, chrysotile) and amphibole (straight fibers found in many other forms of asbestos). Although amphiboles are considered more carcinogenic, exposure to serpentine asbestos has certainly been linked to the development of mesothelioma cancer.
Since asbestos is durable, heat-resistant and non-conductive, it had been used in the construction industry around the world for decades. Asbestos is found in many manufactured materials, most commonly building materials like floor and ceiling tiles, roofing and insulation. It's been used in the construction of schools, factories, workplaces, ships, homes, fabrics, cement and much more. Another common application of mesothelioma is in car brakes and clutches-though it is not a universal concern. However, as with all asbestos-containing materials, you cannot be sure whether something has asbestos fibers without getting it tested. Simply looking at the material in question will not tell you if it contains asbestos.
Being a natural fiber, asbestos is also found in dust and rocks in certain parts of the world, and miners working in asbestos mines are at great risk for developing mesothelioma too. Workers in the mine in Libby, Montana suffered disastrous effects from the exposure in decades past, and since airborne asbestos fibers can cling to clothing, the asbestos was tracked around town and into their homes, exposing their loved ones. About 400 people have died in Libby from asbestos-related diseases, and 1,750 more have been made ill by asbestos exposure. Recently, it was discovered that wood piles in the town contain asbestos fibers-and this wood has been distributed for use around the city for several years.
It generally takes about 30 years for mesothelioma to develop. If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, a developing cough, difficulty swallowing or unusual weight loss, and you've been exposed or believe you may have been exposed to asbestos, let your doctor know. Unfortunately, the risk for developing mesothelioma does not decrease over time and after exposure, but the sooner it is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin. If you're also a male over the age of 65, it's increasingly likely that the combination of these symptoms may be an indication of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.
Age
Perhaps because symptoms of mesothelioma may not manifest for one or more decades after exposure, older people are shown to have a higher risk for developing the disease. About 75% of people with mesothelioma are over the age of 65, and it's very rare for the disease to develop in anyone under the age of 45.
Sex
Mesothelioma is much more common in men than in women-about four times more. This could be attributed to the primarily male-dominated industries that make people susceptible to the next, most common and most dangerous risk factor for acquiring mesothelioma.
Asbestos Exposure
This is the primary risk factor for the development of mesothelioma. It is most probable that people who end up with mesothelioma were exposed to the carcinogenic mineral as part of their occupation.
Asbestos fibers are a natural mineral made up of silicon, oxygen, and a combination of other elements. The two prominent types of asbestos fibers are serpentine (curly fibers as found in the construction industry's most common form of asbestos, chrysotile) and amphibole (straight fibers found in many other forms of asbestos). Although amphiboles are considered more carcinogenic, exposure to serpentine asbestos has certainly been linked to the development of mesothelioma cancer.
Since asbestos is durable, heat-resistant and non-conductive, it had been used in the construction industry around the world for decades. Asbestos is found in many manufactured materials, most commonly building materials like floor and ceiling tiles, roofing and insulation. It's been used in the construction of schools, factories, workplaces, ships, homes, fabrics, cement and much more. Another common application of mesothelioma is in car brakes and clutches-though it is not a universal concern. However, as with all asbestos-containing materials, you cannot be sure whether something has asbestos fibers without getting it tested. Simply looking at the material in question will not tell you if it contains asbestos.
Being a natural fiber, asbestos is also found in dust and rocks in certain parts of the world, and miners working in asbestos mines are at great risk for developing mesothelioma too. Workers in the mine in Libby, Montana suffered disastrous effects from the exposure in decades past, and since airborne asbestos fibers can cling to clothing, the asbestos was tracked around town and into their homes, exposing their loved ones. About 400 people have died in Libby from asbestos-related diseases, and 1,750 more have been made ill by asbestos exposure. Recently, it was discovered that wood piles in the town contain asbestos fibers-and this wood has been distributed for use around the city for several years.
It generally takes about 30 years for mesothelioma to develop. If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, a developing cough, difficulty swallowing or unusual weight loss, and you've been exposed or believe you may have been exposed to asbestos, let your doctor know. Unfortunately, the risk for developing mesothelioma does not decrease over time and after exposure, but the sooner it is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin. If you're also a male over the age of 65, it's increasingly likely that the combination of these symptoms may be an indication of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.
About the Author:
Lawrence Reaves writes about protecting your family from the many environmental dangers that exist. He does a bit of writing for an asbestos lawyer who specializes in mesothelioma settlements.