Uncover Astonishing Truths About Asbestos-Related Cancer

### Cancer Caused by Asbestos

You might have heard about someone getting diagnosed with mesothelioma or know that asbestos can cause cancer. It’s true; asbestos can lead to a dangerous form of cancer called mesothelioma. The upside is that it’s quite rare, with about 3,000 new cases annually in the United States.

While the overall numbers might seem small, certain groups and professions are more at risk. Despite its rarity, it’s still crucial to understand what mesothelioma is, what causes it, and the symptoms you should watch out for.

#### What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals known for their resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals. There are six types of asbestos:

1. Tremolite
2. Actinolite
3. Anthophyllite
4. Chrysotile
5. Amosite
6. Crocidolite

Crocidolite, or blue asbestos, is considered the most dangerous, while Chrysotile, or white asbestos, is deemed the safest because its fibers are less likely to be inhaled. Historically, asbestos was commonly used in construction materials and in the locomotive industry, such as in insulation and brake manufacturing.

Before its health risks became widely known in the 1970s, many U.S. military bases, particularly the Navy, used asbestos extensively. This widespread use may explain why many Navy personnel have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma.

#### How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma

Asbestos is generally safe until it gets disturbed. When asbestos-containing materials are broken up, tiny fibers become airborne and can be inhaled. These microscopic fibers can travel deep into the lungs, causing scarring over time. This scarring is a key factor in the development of mesothelioma, named after the mesothelium tissues that get damaged.

#### Understanding Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a lethal cancer that affects the mesothelium, tissues that produce fluid to help organs move smoothly. For instance, the mesothelium around the lungs produces fluid to facilitate breathing. When cancer develops, it can make breathing painful and difficult because the lungs can’t move freely inside the chest.

Mesothelioma doesn’t just affect the lungs. It can also impact the lining around the heart, abdomen, and testicles. Lung-related mesothelioma, or pleural mesothelioma, is the most common, accounting for about 75% of diagnoses. The next most common type is peritoneal mesothelioma, affecting the abdomen. Mesotheliomas of the heart and testicles are extremely rare.

#### Symptoms to Watch For

**Lung Mesothelioma Symptoms:**
– Swelling of the face and arms
– Hoarseness
– Trouble swallowing
– Weight loss
– Fatigue
– Sweating
– Fever
– Cough
– Shortness of breath
– Pain in the lower back or side of the chest

**Abdominal Mesothelioma Symptoms:**
– Nausea and vomiting
– Weight loss
– Swelling or fluid in the abdomen
– Abdominal pain

#### Who’s at Risk?

Certain professions carry a higher risk of asbestos exposure, including:
– Welders
– Shipbuilders
– Roofers
– Railroad workers
– Plumbers
– Plasterers
– Pipefitters
– Painters
– Navy personnel
– Miners
– Millwrights
– Merchant marine seamen
– Mason laborers
– Janitors
– Insulators
– Inspectors
– Foundry workers
– Firefighters
– Electricians
– Drywall tapers
– Construction workers
– Cement finishers
– Carpenters
– Bulldozer operators
– Brake mechanics
– Blacksmiths
– Auto mechanics

Mesothelioma doesn’t discriminate much but is more common among certain ethnic groups, particularly Latinos and whites, and affects men more than women. However, it can still occur in women.

#### What to Do If You’ve Been Exposed

If you’ve worked in any of these high-risk professions and experienced the symptoms listed, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional immediately. Early diagnosis can significantly improve your chances of recovery.

#### Treatment Options

One of the challenges of treating mesothelioma is that it’s often diagnosed very late, sometimes up to 50 years after initial exposure. Late diagnosis makes surgical options less viable. Depending on the individual case, treatment may involve clinical trials, radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

#### Legal Recourse

Asbestos-related lawsuits are among the longest-running mass torts in U.S. history. Many companies found responsible for asbestos exposure have gone bankrupt and created trust funds for victims. If you believe you have a case, contacting a lawyer specializing in asbestos exposure could help you explore your legal options.