ASBESTOS CANCER -MESOTHELIOMA

Asbestos cancer or mesothelioma is a rare cancer which may affect the lining of the lungs and the abdominal cavity. Most mesotheliomas are caused by exposure to asbestos. It can take up to thirty years or more after the first exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma to be diagnosed. The disease occurs more often in men than women, probably due to an increased likelihood of exposure to asbestos and the risk also increases with age.

Asbestos is made up of a group of six fibrous minerals. These are amosite, chrysolite, crocidolite, treemolite, actinolite and anthophyllite. They occur naturally in soil and rocks in some areas and are resistant to heat and many chemicals. Asbestos is used for a wide range of goods including roofing material, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products and friction products in cars such as clutch and brake components. The new use of asbestos has been banned in many countries for a number of years.

Symptoms of the disease are shortness of breath, a persistent cough, chest pain and a loss of appetite coupled with weight loss. Treatment for mesothelioma varies, dependant on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the age and general health of the patient. Likely treatments can include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments can be used in combination.

Although the small asbestos fibres cannot be detected by x-rays, the early signs of lung disease can. Other tests including lung and CAT scans can also be applied in detecting changes in the lungs. People exposed to lower levels of asbestos may also have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, but the risks are much smaller and can be difficult to measure.