Mesothelioma is a cancer that resides in the lungs and is associated with asbestos. Malignant Mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer. These cancer cells are found either in the lining around the heart,abdominal cavity or the lungs. Mesothelioma takes years before it becomes cancerous. People from the 1940 and up are just now being diagnosed with Mesothelioma. Asbestos is the leading cause of Mesothelioma. During world war two the manufactoring of asbestos became more increased due to the fact that the lumber was being used for building ships. Wood was in great demand by the government and companies needed a replacement for their businesses, like construction, automobile factories, building trades, etc. The people who manufactored asbestos knew that asbestos wasnt a regulated product and knew that their workers would inevtably suffer from its consequences. But lumber was hard to find during this peroid and asbestos could be manufactored for much cheaper, thats why it has been in use after world war two and through up to the 1970's. During the 1970's asbestos was outlawed to use by the Consumer Products Safety commission in products such as wallboard patching material and artificial ash for gas fireplaces because the fiber in these products would become airborn during use. Most people that have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma have been workers who were directly exposed to asbestos, but a few have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma from just living with the workers. The workers would have the fibers of asbestos in their hair and on thier clothing, which would travel in the air and settle in the lungs of whoever came in contact with them. As with all cancer, the earliest detection of Mesothelioma will give better opportunity on its treatment. Chest pain, shortness of breath and a persistant cough are some of the early symptoms of Mesothelioma. This is a very difficult problem to find, because it sometimes resembles viral pneumonia. Fever, night sweats and weight loss are some of the less common symptoms of Mesothelioma. |
