HARM FROM ASBESTOS EXPOSURE

Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer in the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), or the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum (peritoneal mesothelioma). While Mesothelioma is a rare malignancy in the general population, it is commonly found in individuals exposed to asbestos. In fact, in the United States, asbestos is the only confirmed cause of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma usually develops years after an initial expose to asbestos. Indeed, the latency period can range from ten to fifty years. For this reason, people diagnosed with mesothelioma may be shocked to learn that a short-term exposure to asbestos years ago is the source of their present-day affliction.

Lung Cancer
Asbestos has been linked to cancers other than mesothelioma. In particular, there is an increased risk of contracting lung cancer for people who have been exposed to asbestos. While cigarette smoking is the most well known cause of lung cancer, asbestos is, likewise, a potent lung carcinogen—especially when combined with cigarette smoking.

Studies have shown that when asbestos fibers and cigarette smoke are inhaled into the lungs, a synergistic effect may occur that can multiply the risk of each carcinogen in bringing about lung cancer.

The methods used to diagnose mesothelioma are similar to those used to diagnose lung cancer, the only difference is that lung tissue, rather than pleural tissue, is taken for pathological examination to determine if lung cancer is present.

Symptoms of lung cancer include: a recurring cough, shortness of breath, and blood in the phlegm (hemoptysis).

Asbestosis
“Asbestosis” describes the scarring of lung tissue by asbestos fibers. Such an occurrence may result in the shrinking of the lungs and in a reduction of lung capacity. Symptoms of asbestosis include: shortness of breath, dry cough, rales, crackles heard through a stethoscope, and fatigue. .Like mesothelioma, asbestosis may have a latency period of thirty or more years; however, symptoms of asbestosis may be spotted much sooner depending on the length and degree of the exposure involved.

Mesothelioma Symptoms The first symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include one or more of the following:
	Shortness of breath
	Chest or pleural pain (such as experienced with pleuritis—fluid in the lungs)
	Cough
	Weakness
	Loss of weight or appetite
	Pleural mesothelioma is often accompanied by an accumulation of pleural fluid, which causes significant discomfort and chest pain. This fluid can be removed and analyzed, by a physician, for malignant cells.
	Peritoneal mesothelioma may cause weight loss and depressed appetite as well as severe cramps or diarrhea.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis Mesothelioma is detected and diagnosed through a variety of methods including:
	CAT Scan and/or chest x-ray
	Chest X-ray
	Cytology (which involves the examination of fluid removed from the pleural space)
	Pathology (which involves the examination of tissue removed by surgery)

The most effective way to diagnose mesothelioma is through a biopsy of pleural tissue; the more tissue that is examined, the more accurate the diagnosis. A transbronchial biopsy, which involves a tube inserted into the throat, does not require surgery, but only provides a small tissue sample that may, or may not, yield an accurate result. While less desirable, a more invasive surgical procedure that provides a greater tissue sample will support a more accurate diagnosis.

For more information on Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
call 1.800.MESOLAW or email

Robert I. Komitor