Exposure to asbestos by Joseph Amainte
Asbestos is composed of fibers that can cause life threatening illness, such as mesothelioma (a cancer), among others. Many companies are being proactive and having asbestos removed before it can harm someone. It can live safely behind walls or ceilings, but as soon as any fibers escape, people may inhale them and become ill. It only takes a tiny amount ingested into the lungs. Unfortunately, the symptoms may not be visible for as long as 40 years, so it’s difficult to prevent getting sick from an unknown source.
Typically, a person becomes exposed to asbestos from work or even home but a third risk is for people that live near places such as shipyards, steel mills, power plants, refineries, and so on where asbestos is used. What happens is that the fibers become disrupted, contaminating nearby residential areas. In addition to the industries mentioned, other common areas include maritime, construction, automotive repair (specifically brakes and clutches), roofing, and railroads.
Just as asbestos can be a serious problem for some types of businesses, it can also exist in many homes and schools. Prior to the 1970s, some materials used for building structures contained asbestos. In fact, an estimated 30 million tons of asbestos fiber was used just in the U.S. during this time, with some winding up in homes and schools.
How can you make sure your home is free of asbestos? First,remember that your home, even if it was built before 1970, does not necessarily contain asbestos. The majority of individuals that have developed health problems related to asbestos worked in industries where asbestos was prevalent, but were not exposed in their home. In addition, bear in mind that the majority of people exposed to small amounts of asbestos do not become ill.
However, if for any reason, you r suspect that your home may have asbestos products, contact the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to request a listing of licensed or certified techniques who can check the home for asbestos and if found, remove it. The EPA may also recommend that you contact a separate firm to have them conduct an assessment to confirm there is no asbestos present from the other finding.
If you plan on building a home always check the materials used carefully to see if they are labeled free of asbestos. Until you verify that each product is safe, contact the product manufacturer to find out exactly what is contained in each product.
When you purchase a home from a private seller, the seller is required by law to disclose any known hazards to you, including asbestos. Apartment buildings built prior to 1970 may have materials that include asbestos in their construction. Remember that asbestos only becomes truly dangerous when the product breaks down or opens, until then it is not a health risk.
In 1995 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set guidelines for asbestos discovery and follow-up in work environments. Any time it’s found, employees must be notified. The same applies to rental units. If your potential landlord informs you of existing asbestos, it will be your choice to live there or not.
Joseph Amiante provides a range of resources at his web site: Asbestos Pain, where you will find information that will help you on many asbestos related issues. Why not take a look: http://www.asbestospain.com
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20 April, 2007
Mesothelioma a cancer caused by asbestos
Mesothelioma a cancer caused by asbestos by Paul Wilson
The internal organs of the human body are encased in a protective sac called the mesothelium. Examples of mesothelilial membranes are the peritoneum (abdominal organs), pleura (lungs), and pericardium (heart).
Under specific conditions, the cells of the protective membrane divide uncontrolled and become cancerous. This disease is termed as Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer which is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos dust.
The disease is found to occur among those who work in shipyards, asbestos mines and factories, industries that produce asbestos based products, and the heating and construction businesses. Approximately 3,000 cases occur each year in the US, and most patients are between 50-70 years old. Statistics show that males are commonly affected and among them whites more than African Americans.
First studied in the late 1700s in depth studies were only done in the 1960s. Tumors of the Mesothelioma can be benign or malignant. The malignant Mesothelioma are categorized into three types:
• Epithelioid, accounting for 50-70% of mesotheliomas.
• Sarcomatoid, accounting for 7-20%.
• Mixed or bi-phasic, accounting for 20-35%.
When asbestos fibers are breathed into the lungs they travel through large air passages to reach the smaller passages and from them the pleura. In the pleura they damage: the mesothelial cells leading to cancer; lung tissue causing lung cancer; and the development of scar tissue within the lungs known as asbestosis. When asbestos fibers are swallowed they reach the abdominal cavity and cause peritoneal mesothelioma.
Research reveals that the disease only manifests 20-50 years after being exposed to asbestos dust. The symptoms are not specific to the disease but a patient may develop:
• Breathlessness.
• Chest pain accompanied by tightness believed to be caused by accumulation of fluid in the pleura.
• Low back pain.
• Swelling of face and arms.
• Sensory loss.
• Muscle weakness.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Weight loss that is unexplained.
• Persistent dry cough.
• Sore throat.
• Anemia.
• Fever.
• Constipation.
• Problems with blood clotting.
Since the above are common to minor ailments, patients often ignore the symptoms. It is advisable to consult a doctor if any of the above symptoms persist or if you feel you have been knowingly or unknowingly exposed to asbestos.
A doctor will:
• Take down a detailed medical history and try and determine the symptoms and risk factors.
• Do a thorough physical examination and check for signs of:
o Pleural effusion, fluid accumulated in the chest cavity.
o Fluid in the abdominal cavity.
o Pericardial effusion, fluid in the lining of the heart.
• Take a chest x-ray and check for thickening of the pleura, calcifications, and lowered lung fissures.
• Ask for a CT scan to determine clearly the location, size, and extent of the problem if any is suspected.
• Recommend tests of tissue samples and pleural fluids.
Other risk factors are cigarette or cigar smoking, exposure to radiation, exposure to zeolite a compound that is similar to asbestos, exposure to or infections caused by SV40, a Simian virus.
Those who work in a risky environment should wear protective clothing, have the surroundings tested regularly for suspended asbestos particles, and ensure that they have regular medical tests and report to the doctor any ailments that persist.
Being aware of the disease and its problems helps.
Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888Discuss.com/health/ , the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Health Forum including topics on health care, Children's Health Issues, addiction, Cancer, fitness equipment, Burns & Injuries and more. His article profile can be found at the premier Health Article Submission Directory http://www.1888Articles.com/health-articles-8.html
Article Source:
articlecube.com and resources-free.com
The internal organs of the human body are encased in a protective sac called the mesothelium. Examples of mesothelilial membranes are the peritoneum (abdominal organs), pleura (lungs), and pericardium (heart).
Under specific conditions, the cells of the protective membrane divide uncontrolled and become cancerous. This disease is termed as Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer which is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos dust.
The disease is found to occur among those who work in shipyards, asbestos mines and factories, industries that produce asbestos based products, and the heating and construction businesses. Approximately 3,000 cases occur each year in the US, and most patients are between 50-70 years old. Statistics show that males are commonly affected and among them whites more than African Americans.
First studied in the late 1700s in depth studies were only done in the 1960s. Tumors of the Mesothelioma can be benign or malignant. The malignant Mesothelioma are categorized into three types:
• Epithelioid, accounting for 50-70% of mesotheliomas.
• Sarcomatoid, accounting for 7-20%.
• Mixed or bi-phasic, accounting for 20-35%.
When asbestos fibers are breathed into the lungs they travel through large air passages to reach the smaller passages and from them the pleura. In the pleura they damage: the mesothelial cells leading to cancer; lung tissue causing lung cancer; and the development of scar tissue within the lungs known as asbestosis. When asbestos fibers are swallowed they reach the abdominal cavity and cause peritoneal mesothelioma.
Research reveals that the disease only manifests 20-50 years after being exposed to asbestos dust. The symptoms are not specific to the disease but a patient may develop:
• Breathlessness.
• Chest pain accompanied by tightness believed to be caused by accumulation of fluid in the pleura.
• Low back pain.
• Swelling of face and arms.
• Sensory loss.
• Muscle weakness.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Weight loss that is unexplained.
• Persistent dry cough.
• Sore throat.
• Anemia.
• Fever.
• Constipation.
• Problems with blood clotting.
Since the above are common to minor ailments, patients often ignore the symptoms. It is advisable to consult a doctor if any of the above symptoms persist or if you feel you have been knowingly or unknowingly exposed to asbestos.
A doctor will:
• Take down a detailed medical history and try and determine the symptoms and risk factors.
• Do a thorough physical examination and check for signs of:
o Pleural effusion, fluid accumulated in the chest cavity.
o Fluid in the abdominal cavity.
o Pericardial effusion, fluid in the lining of the heart.
• Take a chest x-ray and check for thickening of the pleura, calcifications, and lowered lung fissures.
• Ask for a CT scan to determine clearly the location, size, and extent of the problem if any is suspected.
• Recommend tests of tissue samples and pleural fluids.
Other risk factors are cigarette or cigar smoking, exposure to radiation, exposure to zeolite a compound that is similar to asbestos, exposure to or infections caused by SV40, a Simian virus.
Those who work in a risky environment should wear protective clothing, have the surroundings tested regularly for suspended asbestos particles, and ensure that they have regular medical tests and report to the doctor any ailments that persist.
Being aware of the disease and its problems helps.
Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888Discuss.com/health/ , the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Health Forum including topics on health care, Children's Health Issues, addiction, Cancer, fitness equipment, Burns & Injuries and more. His article profile can be found at the premier Health Article Submission Directory http://www.1888Articles.com/health-articles-8.html
Article Source:
articlecube.com and resources-free.com
10 Options in Treating Mesothelioma
10 Options in Treating Mesothelioma by Paul Wilson
As with any cancer, treatment for Mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the progression of the disease, the age as well as state of health of the patient.
It is the oncologist who specializes in the disease who will decide on the line of treatment. The disease is difficult to treat and in most cases the prognosis is poor. Treatment options include:
1. If the diagnosis is done in the early stages surgery may be recommended to remove all cancerous tissues. This means thoracoscopy, VATS or video assisted thoracic surgery, mediastinoscopy (used for staging), or laproscopy. Often, doctors will advise palliative procedures like chest tube drainage and pleurodesis, thoracoscopy and pleurodesis, pleuroperitonial shunt, or pleurectomy, which treat the symptoms of mesothelioma rather than the disease.
2. Radiation is prescribed aggressively for mesothelioma patients and is often given in combination with surgery or in order to control symptoms, palliatively. Research on using radiation therapy using implants or UV light therapy is in progress as traditional radiation therapy damages surrounding healthy tissue.
3. Chemotherapy is an option and around 12-20% of patients respond to the drugs. Anti-cancer drugs destroy cancer cells and prevent their spread. In mesothelioma, chemotherapy is not considered to be curative. The aim is to prevent spread of the disease; shrink the tumor prior to surgery, known as neoadjuvant therapy; to annihilate any remains of the tumor in the body post surgery; and to relieve pain and other discomfort, palliative chemotherapy. Experts recommend prescribing premetrexed along with cisplastin. These drugs have shown positive results and this is now standard care for Mesothelioma not treatable by surgery.
4. Biological therapy using interleukin 2.
5. Immunotherapy where the body’s own immune system is stimulated to fight the disease. Biological response modifiers, BRMs, are used in treatment. These enhance the functions of the immune system; regulate metabolic reactions that promote growth of cancers; alter cancer cell division; block or reverse processes that lead to formation of cancers; and prevent spread of cancer.
6. Gene therapy, where attempts are made to correct the gene sequence that causes the cancer. This is of two kinds, replacement gene therapy and knockout gene therapy.
7. Administration of lovastatin, a cholesterol lowering drug.
8. Photodynamic treatment where a photosensitive medication is activated using a laser. This is done during the surgical removal of cancerous tissues.
9. Draining of fluid in the chest or abdominal cavity followed by introduction of medications into the cavity to prevent fluid accumulation is done for patients who have uncontrolled fluid accumulation and intense discomfort stemming from it.
10. Combination therapy or Trimodal therapy which means surgery accompanied by radiation and chemotherapy.
Often, complementary medicines are also used. Termed to be holistic this kind of treatment focuses on a patient’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well being.
In the case of Mesothelioma which is untreatable one can opt for clinical trials of new treatments that are in progress in several research laboratories and centers. The best advice on the line of treatment would be that recommended by the oncologist or physician.
Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888Discuss.com/health/ , the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Health Forum including topics on health care, Children's Health Issues, addiction, Cancer, fitness equipment, Burns & Injuries and more. His article profile can be found at the premier Health Article Submission Directory http://www.1888Articles.com/health-articles-8.html
Article Source:
articlecube.com and resources-free.com
As with any cancer, treatment for Mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the progression of the disease, the age as well as state of health of the patient.
It is the oncologist who specializes in the disease who will decide on the line of treatment. The disease is difficult to treat and in most cases the prognosis is poor. Treatment options include:
1. If the diagnosis is done in the early stages surgery may be recommended to remove all cancerous tissues. This means thoracoscopy, VATS or video assisted thoracic surgery, mediastinoscopy (used for staging), or laproscopy. Often, doctors will advise palliative procedures like chest tube drainage and pleurodesis, thoracoscopy and pleurodesis, pleuroperitonial shunt, or pleurectomy, which treat the symptoms of mesothelioma rather than the disease.
2. Radiation is prescribed aggressively for mesothelioma patients and is often given in combination with surgery or in order to control symptoms, palliatively. Research on using radiation therapy using implants or UV light therapy is in progress as traditional radiation therapy damages surrounding healthy tissue.
3. Chemotherapy is an option and around 12-20% of patients respond to the drugs. Anti-cancer drugs destroy cancer cells and prevent their spread. In mesothelioma, chemotherapy is not considered to be curative. The aim is to prevent spread of the disease; shrink the tumor prior to surgery, known as neoadjuvant therapy; to annihilate any remains of the tumor in the body post surgery; and to relieve pain and other discomfort, palliative chemotherapy. Experts recommend prescribing premetrexed along with cisplastin. These drugs have shown positive results and this is now standard care for Mesothelioma not treatable by surgery.
4. Biological therapy using interleukin 2.
5. Immunotherapy where the body’s own immune system is stimulated to fight the disease. Biological response modifiers, BRMs, are used in treatment. These enhance the functions of the immune system; regulate metabolic reactions that promote growth of cancers; alter cancer cell division; block or reverse processes that lead to formation of cancers; and prevent spread of cancer.
6. Gene therapy, where attempts are made to correct the gene sequence that causes the cancer. This is of two kinds, replacement gene therapy and knockout gene therapy.
7. Administration of lovastatin, a cholesterol lowering drug.
8. Photodynamic treatment where a photosensitive medication is activated using a laser. This is done during the surgical removal of cancerous tissues.
9. Draining of fluid in the chest or abdominal cavity followed by introduction of medications into the cavity to prevent fluid accumulation is done for patients who have uncontrolled fluid accumulation and intense discomfort stemming from it.
10. Combination therapy or Trimodal therapy which means surgery accompanied by radiation and chemotherapy.
Often, complementary medicines are also used. Termed to be holistic this kind of treatment focuses on a patient’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well being.
In the case of Mesothelioma which is untreatable one can opt for clinical trials of new treatments that are in progress in several research laboratories and centers. The best advice on the line of treatment would be that recommended by the oncologist or physician.
Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888Discuss.com/health/ , the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Health Forum including topics on health care, Children's Health Issues, addiction, Cancer, fitness equipment, Burns & Injuries and more. His article profile can be found at the premier Health Article Submission Directory http://www.1888Articles.com/health-articles-8.html
Article Source:
articlecube.com and resources-free.com
Mesothelioma Screening
Mesothelioma Screening by Rick Ferring
If you or a family member has been knowingly exposed to asbestos either through work, house renovations or some other way, it’s important to go and have a physical checkup done. Make sure you tell the physician about the exposure and how long ago it happened. If your exposure was anywhere in the last ten to fifteen years it is quite possible that nothing will show up in the physical exam. This is because asbestos related diseases tend to incubate or lie dormant for many years. Early detection is very important for hope of proper treatment. Any asbestos workers from the shipbuilding, asbestos mining, and manufacturing industries are at particular risk.
Particularly in the early stages, asbestos-related diseases can easily be mistaken for other conditions. This makes it all the more important to screen properly.
Screening involves several steps. The first step a doctor will do after collecting all the history and basic medical information will be to use a thorascope. This procedure is called a Thoracoscopy, which involves a tiny incision into the chest. A sample of lung tissue can be removed to determine whether it is cancerous. This procedure is usually done in a hospital setting with a local anesthetic. It causes little to no pain. He may also order a regular x-ray to see if anything abnormal shows up.
The second step involves a device called a peritoneoscope. This device looks inside the abdomen and can collect tissue samples at the same time. The physician will also be looking for excess fluid. At this time, he has the capacity to drain off some of the excess fluid to relieve any pain.
The third step to mesothelioma screening is to conduct more advanced steps in case the previous ones were inconclusive. These advanced tests could include a Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) scan. This scan gives a three dimensional x-ray of the tissue in question. This helps to see problematic areas before they get any worse.
A fourth step would be to order a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan. This MRI uses high-energy magnetic fields as it takes cross-sectional pictures of the internal organs and skeleton. By seeing the internal structure, it is easier to distinguish healthy from diseased tissues.
Both of the above scans are tools that help physicians to recognize problems long before a patient begins to show any symptoms.
Even with the techniques available to day, mesothelioma often goes undetected. It is important to have regular screenings in anyone who has had prolonged exposure to asbestos. New research is ongoing. Eventually some viable treatment and even a cure will happen. If in the unfortunate circumstance, you are diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you want to be in the best position to take advantage of the new treatments and that means early detection for best results.
Rick has been writing about health related topics for over 12 years. He specializes in mesothelioma and asbestos related ailments.
Article Source:
articlecube.com and resources-free.com
If you or a family member has been knowingly exposed to asbestos either through work, house renovations or some other way, it’s important to go and have a physical checkup done. Make sure you tell the physician about the exposure and how long ago it happened. If your exposure was anywhere in the last ten to fifteen years it is quite possible that nothing will show up in the physical exam. This is because asbestos related diseases tend to incubate or lie dormant for many years. Early detection is very important for hope of proper treatment. Any asbestos workers from the shipbuilding, asbestos mining, and manufacturing industries are at particular risk.
Particularly in the early stages, asbestos-related diseases can easily be mistaken for other conditions. This makes it all the more important to screen properly.
Screening involves several steps. The first step a doctor will do after collecting all the history and basic medical information will be to use a thorascope. This procedure is called a Thoracoscopy, which involves a tiny incision into the chest. A sample of lung tissue can be removed to determine whether it is cancerous. This procedure is usually done in a hospital setting with a local anesthetic. It causes little to no pain. He may also order a regular x-ray to see if anything abnormal shows up.
The second step involves a device called a peritoneoscope. This device looks inside the abdomen and can collect tissue samples at the same time. The physician will also be looking for excess fluid. At this time, he has the capacity to drain off some of the excess fluid to relieve any pain.
The third step to mesothelioma screening is to conduct more advanced steps in case the previous ones were inconclusive. These advanced tests could include a Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) scan. This scan gives a three dimensional x-ray of the tissue in question. This helps to see problematic areas before they get any worse.
A fourth step would be to order a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan. This MRI uses high-energy magnetic fields as it takes cross-sectional pictures of the internal organs and skeleton. By seeing the internal structure, it is easier to distinguish healthy from diseased tissues.
Both of the above scans are tools that help physicians to recognize problems long before a patient begins to show any symptoms.
Even with the techniques available to day, mesothelioma often goes undetected. It is important to have regular screenings in anyone who has had prolonged exposure to asbestos. New research is ongoing. Eventually some viable treatment and even a cure will happen. If in the unfortunate circumstance, you are diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you want to be in the best position to take advantage of the new treatments and that means early detection for best results.
Rick has been writing about health related topics for over 12 years. He specializes in mesothelioma and asbestos related ailments.
Article Source:
articlecube.com and resources-free.com
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