Your asbestos will cause MESOTHELIOMA Cancer if you get exposed

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What Causes Mesothelioma? 

When airborne asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can get into a person's lungs. The fibers can lodge into the pleura (lining of the lungs) which causes inflammation and scarring. Over time, the damage affects the DNA of cells and can cause mesothelioma cancer.
Denying treatment complicates

 the question of how long do you live after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. Studies suggest that on average, malignant






mesothelioma patients who do not undergo treatment typically live just over six months. For those diagnosed at an early stage, survival can extend to over one year.

According to the American Thoracic Society, malignant mesothelioma is a fatal disease with median survival time of less than 12 months from first signs of illness of death. ... Once the cancer cells have spread beyond that original location, the mesothelioma is considered advanced and surgery is often no longer an option.

Causes

In general, cancer begins when a series of changes (mutations) happens in a cell's DNA. The DNA contains the instructions that tell a cell what to do. The mutations tell the cell to grow and multiply out of control. The abnormal cells accumulate and form a tumor.

It isn't clear what causes the initial genetic mutations that lead to mesothelioma, though researchers have identified factors that may increase the risk. It's likely that cancers form because of an interaction between many factors, such as inherited conditions, your environment, your health conditions and your lifestyle choices.

Risk factors

Asbestos exposure: The primary risk factor for mesothelioma

Most mesotheliomas are thought to be related to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that's found naturally in the environment. Asbestos fibers are strong and resistant to heat, making them useful in a wide variety of applications, such as in insulation, brakes, shingles, flooring and many other products.

When asbestos is broken up, such as during the mining process or when removing asbestos insulation, dust may be created. If the dust is inhaled or swallowed, the asbestos fibers will settle in the lungs or in the stomach, where they can cause irritation that may lead to mesothelioma. Exactly how this happens isn't understood. It can take 20 to 60 years or more for mesothelioma to develop after asbestos exposure.

Most people with asbestos exposure never develop mesothelioma. This indicates that other factors may be involved in determining whether someone gets mesothelioma. For instance, you could inherit a predisposition to cancer or some other condition could increase your risk.

Factors that may increase the risk of mesothelioma include:

• Personal history of asbestos exposure. If you've been directly exposed to asbestos fibers at work or at home, your risk of mesothelioma is greatly increased.
• Living with someone who works with asbestos. People who are exposed to asbestos may carry the fibers home on their skin and clothing. Exposure to these stray fibers over many years can put others in the home at risk of mesothelioma. People who work with high levels of asbestos can reduce the risk of bringing home asbestos fibers by showering and changing clothes before leaving work.
• A family history of mesothelioma. If your parent, sibling or child has mesothelioma, you may have an increased risk of this disease.
• Radiation therapy to the chest. If you had radiation therapy for cancer in your chest, you might have an increased risk of mesothelioma.

Complications

As pleural mesothelioma spreads in the chest, it puts pressure on the structures in that area. This can cause complications, such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain caused by pressure on the nerves and spinal cord
• Accumulation of fluid in the chest (pleural effusion), which can compress the lung nearby and make breathing difficult

Prevention

Reducing your exposure to asbestos may lower your risk of mesothelioma.

Find out whether you work with asbestos

Most people with mesothelioma were exposed to the asbestos fibers at work. Workers who may encounter asbestos fibers include:

• Asbestos miners
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Pipefitters
• Insulators
• Shipyard workers
• Demolition workers
• Brake mechanics
• Selected military personnel
• Home remodelers

Ask your employer whether you have a risk of asbestos exposure on the job.

Follow your employer's safety regulations

Follow all safety precautions in your workplace, such as wearing protective equipment. You may also be required to shower and change out of your work clothes before taking a lunch break or going home. Talk to your doctor about other precautions you can take to protect yourself from asbestos exposure.

Be safe around asbestos in your home

Older homes and buildings may contain asbestos. In many cases, it's more dangerous to remove the asbestos than it is to leave it intact. Breaking up asbestos may cause fibers to become airborne, where they can be inhaled. Consult experts trained to detect asbestos in your home. These experts may test the air in your home to determine whether the asbestos is a risk to your health. Don't attempt to remove asbestos from your home — hire a qualified expert.