There are almost 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma in the United States every year. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the human lungs. People who work in the textile and paint industry are vulnerable to mesothelioma if they do not take necessary safety precautions. The asbestos mineral is considered as the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer. Though asbestos is banned in many countries, it is still in industrial use. Inhalation of asbestos’ dust particles causes it to enter deep into the lung and becomes hazardous for health.
Causes of Mesothelioma
The only known reason for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is used by the industries due to its resistance to heat, corrosion, and electricity. Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get stuck in the lung membrane. Most of the asbestos exposure happens to those people who work in the industries.
During the manufacturing process, tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air and they can be inhaled or swallowed and lead to serious health problems. There are also many such cases where family members and friends living with asbestos workers develop an increased risk of having mesothelioma. There is no safe level of inhaling asbestos, but precaution against it is available. Mesothelioma Lawyer works for the rights of patients being diagnosed for mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure because such patients need to be compensated.
Three Types of Mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma – This mesothelioma affects the protective lining of the lungs. Most of the mesothelioma cases are Pleural. Fatigue, shortness of breath, continual coughing, weight loss, and fever are the symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma – It affects the protective lining of the abdominal cavity, an area where several organs exist, including the stomach, intestines, kidney, and liver. The chances of this cancer taking place is 20 to 24 percent of all the mesothelioma cases.
Pericardial Mesothelioma – Pericardial mesothelioma affects the protective lining of the heart. It is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma. There are only one percent cases of this in all cases. Due to its isolated existence, treatment is not discovered for it yet.
Treatment Options
There are two treatment methods for mesothelioma victims. One is Curative treatment while other is Palliative treatment. With curative treatment, the doctor extends the survival time of patients after removing as much of the mesothelioma and then conducts various types of treatments to achieve the amazing results. Sometimes they get good results and sometimes not. Palliative treatment is for those patients who are at the initial stage of mesothelioma. Doctors treat the symptoms of mesothelioma rather than cancer itself. The purpose of this treatment is to improve the quality of life by removing symptoms like chest or abdominal pain.