About How Does Mesothelioma Spread?

If you or a loved one has mesothelioma you may be wondering how it is spread. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that typically starts in the lungs. There are many possible causes of mesothelioma and the Enviornmental Protection Agency and other organizations has said that asbestos may be to blame. According to the EPA, asbestos is composed of fibrous silicate minerals that occur naturally and is typically used as the main ingredient for insulation products. Asbestos is the most hazardous to our health when the products that contain it are damaged. This is the main reason why insulation should be handled with care and only installed by a professional. Builders who install this material typically wear masks around their nose and mouth.

The Facts

Cells first become mutated and then begin to spread at a rapid rate. The cancer cells start to take over the normal cells and spread throughout the entire body spreading to nearby tissue first. In some cases, mesothelioma has shown up 20 or more years after initial exposure. This cancer is so common that many lawyers are willing to take on cases with no up front fees. If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos you can call an attorney right away to receive compensation for your pain and suffering.

If you work around asbestos, it is very important that you follow all safety precautions such as wearing a mask, using caution and following the guidelines set forth from your training. Asbestos can also be found in door gaskets, tile, roofing and other building materials. Always use caution especially if you work with these materials. Never remove or install insulation from your home. Always hire a trained professional to take care of insulation.

Risk Factors

People at risk of mesothelioma are those who work around or are exposed to asbestos from installation or other building materials; those who live with people who work around asbestos because they can carry asbestos on their hair and clothing; and people who use or work around concrete products, brake linings, tile floor, roof shingles, cement and insulation; and people who work in factories that produce products that contain asbestos. A family history of mesothelioma can also be a contributing factor.

Time Frame

When someone gets mesothelioma, it starts out in the cells of the mesothelium, which is tissue that surrounds the lungs, heart and other organs. This cancer is serious mainly because the mesothelium helps protect the lungs and vital organs. According to Mesothelioma.com, the cancer spreads in four stages. In the first stage, mesothelioma typically starts in the lung or pleura. In the second stage, the cancer begins to spread to the chest wall and other surrounding areas. By the time the cancer has advanced to the third stage, it usually reaches the abdominal cavity and in some cases the lymph nodes. Then when the cancer spreads to stage four, it reaches the bloodstream.

Misconceptions

Mesothelioma is commonly mistaken for lung cancer. Even though the cancer usually originates in the lining of the lungs, it is not a lung cancer.

Although asbestos is the main trigger, it is not the only cause of mesothelioma. There have been people, even children, diagnosed with it who have never been directly exposed.

History of

Asbestos has been around for thousands of years. It is actually a material that is found in dirt and minerals. It was first discovered to be linked to cancer in the 1930s.