|
Everyone is probably aware that people are able
to develop an illness or even cancer from exposure
to harmful chemicals. But did you know, people come
in contact with these chemicals in the workplace
without their knowledge? The type of cancer
developed from these harmful chemicals, asbestos, is
called Mesothelioma. Continual exposure to asbestos
in the workplace causes cancer cells to form in the
body. This cancer generally affects the lungs, but
in some instances, the cancer is able to develop in
the abdominal cavity of the heart.
Many people question why asbestos is so harmful to
people if it is comprised of minerals that naturally
appear within the environment. The reason why it is
pernicious is quite simple; Asbestos causes an
unnatural and harmful reaction within the body.
Unlike other minerals found in the environment, the
minerals that comprise asbestos are unaffected by
fire and heat. They do not dissolve, evaporate into
the air, nor contain an odor. In addition, the
minerals in asbestos are tasteless. Thus giving the
harmful chemicals free range to enter your body
through inhalation. For some reason, many companies
avoid warning workers on the presence and danger of
asbestos. Sometimes, the companies are unaware of
the presence of asbestos, but most often they are
negligent and flat out do not warn their workers of
the dangerous chemicals that engulf the workplace.
Employees unknowingly work within these environments
for months or years on end, unequipped with proper
protective gear. When a workplace is filled with
asbestos, the threat of malignant Mesothelioma is
very much present. The three ways the body is
susceptible to attack from this deadly cancer are:
pleural (lung), peritoneal (stomach), and
pericardial (heart).
SYMPTOMS OF MESOTHELIOMA
When dealing with the symptoms associated with
Mesothelioma, people should be aware warning signs
may not appear until 20 years after the were
unknowingly exposed to asbestos. For the three
different types of Mesothelioma, Pleural,
Peritoneal, and Pericardial, there are many
different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma strikes the lining of the lungs
and causes shortness of breath, persistent cough,
and a pain that lingers in the chest. A victim of
Pleural Mesothelioma may also suffer from chronic
wheezing and a hoarse voice. All of these symptoms
stem from excess fluid gathering in the space
surrounding the lungs. When this type of cancer is
sever, the development of numerous tumors may form.
In time, pneumothorax (collapsing of the lungs) may
occur.
Another type of this cancer develops within the
lining of the abdominal cavity, Peritoneal
Mesothelioma. Unlike victims of Pleural Mesothelioma,
Peritoneal Mesothelioma victims experience weight
loss, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, and
muscle atrophy. This group of symptoms is often
referred to as Cachexia. Diseases with weakened
immune systems and cancer usually bring on cachexia.
Similar to Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal
Mesothelioma also has built up fluid, although this
form of the cancer has built up fluid in the stomach
cavity, accompanied with abdominal swelling and
pain. Additional signs that one suffers from
Peritoneal Mesothelioma include: fever, anemia,
bowel obstruction, and blood clotting. In late
stages of the cancer, tumors may appear in the
abdominal cavity.
The third type of Mesothelioma, which is Pericardial
Mesothelioma, attacks the heart, as well as the
lining surrounding the heart. Pericardial
Mesothelioma is the most rare form of all three
diseases. The symptoms of this type of cancer are
somewhat similar to those of Pleural Mesothelioma,
but also include chest pain, heart palpitations, and
a nagging cough. Severe cases of Pericardial
Mesothelioma display a different crop of symptoms. A
patient may notice a yellowing of the eyes and skin.
They may also experience low blood sugar levels,
blood clots in the veins and arteries. Severe
bleeding may also occur various organs throughout
the body.
Generally, Mesothelioma related caner does not
spread to other parts of the body besides, the
lungs, heart, and stomach, but in some instances the
disease will breach other parts of the human body
(i.e. brain, bone, or adrenal glands). When
spreading of the disease occurs, additional signs
and symptoms may appear. These include but are not
limited to: excessive pain, trouble swallowing, and
swelling of the neck and/or face.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with
Mesothelioma related cancer or suspect you may have
Mesothelioma related cancer then please do not
hesitate to contact Nick Johnson at
http://www.johnsonlawgroup.com.
 |