Asbestos: The Main Culprit Behind Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare but dangerous cancer mainly caused by exposure to microscopic asbestos fibres. Asbestos fibres are durable and temperature-resistant yet thin and flexible, making them one of the choice materials for the improvement of a product’s longevity (it can even be woven into clothing.) These inherent qualities of asbestos prompted the manufacturers of industrial, automotive, maritime, scientific, building, and consumer products to use it widely during the 1980s and 1970s.
However, the inhalation of asbestos fibres is detrimental to a person’s health. Once asbestos fibres are inhaled, they remain undissolved in the lungs and cause the lung tissues and lining to scar. They then damage cell membranes and may later develop into a cancer of the lung lining, also called mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is the deadliest asbestos-related disease today, the reason why asbestos removals exist..
Different Types of Mesothelioma and Their Symptoms
There are four types of mesothelioma that can develop in a person’s body. They differ in the location the tumour develops in.
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the pleura or the lining of the lungs. This occurs in 75 percent of cases, making it the most common asbestos-related cancer. When inhaled asbestos fibres migrate to the pleural lining, they cause irritation, chronic inflammation, and genetic changes, making the cells turn cancerous. It takes up to 50 years for this to develop after initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining surrounding the abdomen. It is caused by the ingestion of asbestos fibres or the migration of inhaled asbestos fibres from the lymphatic system to the peritoneum. Just like in pleural mesothelioma, these fibres irritate the cells in the peritoneal lining and cause them to become cancerous. It occurs in 20 percent of cases.
The other two types of mesothelioma, pericardial and testicular mesothelioma, may not be directly caused by asbestos exposure, but studies are working towards exploring these diseases’ relationship with asbestos exposure. Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the pericardium, the thin membrane surrounding the heart. Testicular mesothelioma develops in the lining of the testes. These two types occur in 1 percent or less of all mesothelioma cases.
There is currently no available cure for mesothelioma, but procedures like cancer treatments and surgery can help manage symptoms to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Asbestos Mesothelioma Kills Silently
The most unfortunate thing about asbestos-related mesothelioma is its long latency period. Asbestos fibres may be sitting in a person’s body for decades, sometimes even undetected, and the person would not know until they experience symptoms later in life. The average survival time of all types of mesothelioma patients is not more than 24 months.
The diagnosis of asbestos mesothelioma involves x-ray, CT-scan, peritoneoscopy and bronchoscopy. After finding abnormalities, doctors may suggest a biopsy. In a biopsy, doctors examine the lung tissue. After that, an expert pathologist confirms the presence and malignancy of the tumor, officially diagnosing a person with mesothelioma.
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and multimodal therapy are a few of the treatment options available for patients suffering from asbestos-related mesothelioma. A mesothelioma patient will also be given palliative care, or all around supportive care that regularly alleviates symptoms. Included in palliative care are thoracentesis (removal of fluid buildup around the lungs to reduce coughing), pleurodesis (eliminates space where fluid may develop), and more.
These treatments and procedures don’t come cheap. This is why people suffering from asbestos-related mesothelioma can file lawsuits like an asbestos exposure claim or a negligence claim if they believe that industries they worked for or availed products or services from has caused their asbestos exposure. There are also charities, centers, and other support organisations that can help mesothelioma patients and their families set up funding. Some doctors also offer the option of a clinical trial where they test experimental therapies on eligible patients.
Prevention of asbestos exposure
As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure. Nothing is truer in the case of asbestos exposure. If there are asbestos-containing materials in your home, workplace, or in public places, for as long as the fibres are not exposed, the area remains low risk for asbestos inhalation.
But it’s still best to be sure. The best way to avoid exposure is to remove asbestos-containing products and materials completely. Asbestos fibres may end up being exposed due to accidents, changing weather, and such. Not removing asbestos from your home or establishment is a real risk. Asbestos removal is also a very dangerous process and should only be performed by industry professionals. Protect yourself and those around you from asbestos exposure now by contacting AW Removals. Call AW Removals at 0488 12 12 14 or (03) 9798 3891. You may also email us at info@awremovals.com.au. To get a free quote, fill out our online form here.