Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. “Mesothelioma” is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor which involves the mesothelial cells of an organ, usually the lungs or abdominal organs.The most common type of mesothelioma is the pleural mesothelioma. The pleura is a thin membrane found between the lungs and the chest cavity. It provides a lubricated surface so that the lungs do not chafe against the chest walls. Thus, a pleural mesothelioma is often referred to as a “lung” cancer.Another form of mesothelioma is the peritoneal mesothelioma. The peritoneum is the membrane that encloses the organs of the abdomen. While peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma, it tends to be more invasive, and may thus result in a shorter life expectancy for the patient. Mesothelioma has also been found in the stomach and other abdominal organs.
Why Me?
A common question posed by persons afflicted with mesothelioma is, “Why did this disease develop in me?” The answer is nearly always the same-exposure to asbestos. When diagnosed in the United States, its onset is typically linked to a history of exposure to asbestos fiber. Asbestos is a mineral that was used for decades as a thermal insulation material. It has been widely known since the 1920’s that asbestos is a carcinogen, which means that it causes cancer in humans. However, asbestos was used as an insulator until the mid-1970’s, and is still present in massive quantities in many buildings today. Unfortunately, in many cases very little exposure is required to set this cancer in motion.

•Insulators
•Pipe Fitters
•Plumbers
•Electricians
•Painters
•Plasters
•Crane Operators
•Floor Coverers
•Pot Tenders
•Welders
•Paper Mill Workers
•Custodians
•Steam Fitters
•Tile Setters
•Aerospace
•Mechanic
•Building Engineers
•Demolition Crews
•Former US Navy Personnel
•Packing/Gasket Manufactorin Workers
•Protective Clothing Manufactoring
•Rubber Worker
•Warehouse Worker
•Home Improvement
•Hospital
•Schools
•Loading Docks
•Glass Factory Worker
•Building Inspectors
•Bulldozer Operator
•Manufacturing Workers
•Excavating machine operators
•Heavy Equipment Mechanics
•Job and Die setters
•Contractors
•Building Managers
•Mixing Operatives
•Laborers
•Sawyers
•Teachers
•Tinsmiths
•Weavers
•Hod Carriers
•Excavators
•Technicians

No comments:

Post a Comment