Asbestos Cancer

What is Asbestos Cancer?

•    Asbestos cancer is a broad term that refers to any cancerous medical condition which results from the chronic exposure to asbestos. Numerous studies have shown that perpetual exposure and handling of asbestos minerals greatly enhances the risk of developing a lung-based or respiratory-based cancer.

•    Asbestos, on its own does not present a significant danger to human beings; however, when disturbed, asbestos particles become airborne. When these fibers are inhaled they stick to the mucus lining in the throat; these fibers eventually reach the ends of the small airways in the lungs or penetrate the outer linings of the trachea to irritate cells which eventually spark lung cancer or mesothelioma

What is Mesothelioma?

•    Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of asbestos cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells. These cells are aligned with a number of organs and bodily cavities; as a result, the formation of mesothelioma begins in the lungs, but rapidly spreads to other areas within the respiratory system. Mesothelioma is contracted over roughly 15-20 years of perpetual asbestos contact.
•    The majority of mesothelioma cases stem from constant exposure to asbestos through the individual’s workplace. As a result, occupational exposure to asbestos is the leading cause of asbestos cancer or asbestos-related diseases. The most common types of asbestos cancer are aligned with mesothelioma; however, asbestos fibers can precipitate other forms of cancer as well. The following types of asbestos cancer are listed below:

Other Forms of Asbestos-Based Cancer

•    Pleural Mesothelioma: This form of malignant mesothelioma accounts for approximately 75 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Plural Mesothelioma develops in the lining of the exposed individual’s lungs and spreads rapidly throughout the respiratory system.
•    Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Develops in the peritoneum—a layer in the abdomen that covers the abdominal cavity and surrounds the abdominal organs.
•    Pericardial Mesothelioma: Develops in the pericardium—a membrane that surrounds the heart and offers protection to support the organ.
•    Testicular Mesothelioma: Considered the rarest form of mesothelioma. Testicular Mesothelioma develops in the lining surrounding the testicle.

Symptoms Associated with Asbestos Cancer

•    Pleural Symptoms: Patient will experience shortness of breath, a persistent cough, chest pains, fatigue, and lumps under the skin on the chest.
•    Peritoneal Symptoms: Patient will experience significant weight loss, abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, and nausea.
•    Pericardial Symptoms:  Patient will experience heart palpitations, chest pains, difficulty breathing, night sweats, and an irregular heartbeat.
•    Testicular Symptoms: Patient will experience painful lumps on his testicles.

What to do if you have contracted an Asbestos-based Cancer?

•    When you have observed abnormal symptoms, such as a persistent cough, hoarseness, chest pain, weight loss, and rust-colored phlegm, you must immediately make a medical appointment to undergo a full physical examination.
•    A full physical examination is warranted and a sample of your spit and/or mucus will be needed. If the physician observes the formation of an asbestos-based cancer he/she will administer a biopsy or endoscopic procedure to affirm the diagnosis.
•    Once diagnosed, you can take your medical records and diagnosis to an asbestos-claims lawyer to initiate a civil suit against your employer. All employers that deal with asbestos are legally responsible for creating a safe working environment. This environment must include an exacting protocol, which impedes the development of such diseases. A failure to meet such protocol will result in a legal action claim. An asbestos claim is used to accrue a financial settlement for the damages (both physical and emotional) attached to the development of the asbestos-based cancer. All claims are made against the employer or agent responsible for the constant contact to asbestos. Claims are filed in a local court, where the jurisdiction will review how you obtained the disease in relation to the safety measures taken by your employer.