MESOTHELIOMA ; EXTREMLY DEADLY FORM OF CANCER CAUSED BY ASBESTOS EXPOSURE

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MESOTHELIOMA.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers many of the internal organs (known as the mesothelium). The most common area affected is the lining of the lungs and chest wall.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that most often starts in the covering of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) but can also start in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). Here is information on symptoms and causes (including asbestos), tests and scans to diagnose mesothelioma, treatment including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and current research. Information on living with mesothelioma includes coping with your diagnosis, and managing when you have advanced disease.

Most Common Mesothelioma Symptoms

In its early stages, mesothelioma does not have many symptoms, whether it is in the chest (pleura) or the abdomen (peritoneum). When symptoms do develop, they are often caused by the cancer growing and pressing on a nerve or other body organ. The symptoms mentioned below can be caused by illnesses other than mesothelioma. But if you have these symptoms, see your doctor. This is particularly important if you have been exposed to asbestos in the past.

 

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Sweating and high temperatures
• A persistent cough
• Losing weight when not dieting
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty swallowing
• A hoarse or husky voice

 

The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are

• Pain in the abdomen (tummy)
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Feeling or being sick
• Poor appetite
• Losing weight when not dieting
• Diarrhoea or constipation

So we all have to be very careful and seeing any of these signs should be a gateway to the doctor.

Read More

5 UNBELIEVABLY SHOKING PLACES TO FIND ASBESTOS IN OUR SORROUNDINGS

We might all be wondering what really is Asbestos and why it is so dangerous?
      Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that once was lauded for its versatility, recognized for its heat resistance, tensile strength and insulating properties, and used for everything from fire-proof vests to home and commercial construction. It was woven into fabric, and mixed with cement.

With the rise of people being diagnosed with mesothelioma from asbestos exposure, it has sounded an alarm with the general public. People everywhere are beginning to wonder if they, or their families, have been exposed to asbestos in their homes or somewhere else in their day-to-day life. A lot of people are under the impression that asbestos only lies in certain building materials, like siding. However, these deadly fibers can be present in a lot of other places as well.

1. Inside the Home

One of the shocking places that asbestos can be found is actually on the inside of the home. Take a close look at the ceiling because some of the materials that were used several years ago to add texture to ceilings may contain asbestos. While this cannot be seen with the naked eye, if your ceiling appears to have the famous popcorn texture or is made up of tiles, it is possible that it may contain asbestos.

2. Flame Resistant Material

When you are looking for asbestos, do not rule out everyday items that you may use on a daily basis. Flame resistant materials are one of the most common items that often contain asbestos.

3. Antique Appliances

It is possible for you to be exposed to asbestos by certain antique appliances that you have in your home. People are often shocked to hear that the heating elements that are contained within their hair dryers and popcorn poppers often have asbestos in the insulators. This is especially true in older appliances.

4. Cigarette Filters

If you are a smoker, you may be shocked to learn that you have been readily placing asbestos fibers right up to your mouth. It is a little known fact that some cigarette filters have been found to contain small amounts of asbestos. This is just another reason to quit smoking.

5. Baby Powder Containing Talc

One of the most shocking asbestos harboring materials is something that you may have even used for your child. Many of the older baby powders contain talc. It has been proven that some talcum powder contains asbestos fibers. You should always look for alternative baby powder that contains cornstarch as an active ingredient.
Now that you know that asbestos could be lurking in many surprising places, you will be more equipped to protect yourself from the dangers of diseases that asbestos exposure can cause. When it comes time to do some spring cleaning or any home renovations, be sure to take extra caution to prevent you and your loved ones from coming into contact with asbestos.

So we should all be very keen with our surrounding materials because little do we know they can all be harming us.

Read More