Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Types of Cancer Associated with Asbestos

By Candace Asbemeso

Many decades before, asbestos is considered as a miracle mineral and it is used in about 3,000 industries and products in the United States. Asbestos is a highly-fibrous mineral composed of long, durable, and flexible fibers. It is also resistant to heat and chemical damage.

Asbestos is composed of long and thin fibers that become airborne when damaged and disturbed. Despite the many uses of asbestos, it is now considered as hazardous to public health. Studies have finally found out heavy and prolonged exposure to asbestos causes several serious illnesses to people.

Asbestos Causes Many Types of Cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. The microscopic fibers lodge in the tissues and cause inflammation that will form to malignant tumors in the mesothelium (the protective membrane that surrounds the bodys most internal organs).

Mesothelioma has three types: pleura (lungs), peritoneal (abdominal cavity), and pericardium (heart).

Symptoms generally show after many decades and often resemble those of more benign disorders; so diagnosis is a bit difficult. Prognosis tends to be poor because cancer is typically discovered when in the advanced stages

Lung Cancer is not exclusively caused by asbestos. Other environmental factors (like cigarette smoke, pollution, and many more) are involved but asbestos exposure can hasten the development of the disease. However, there is some evidence that linked asbestos exposure to small-cell and non-small-cell lung cancer.

Laryngeal Cancer Medical cases have exposed that exposure to asbestos can cause cancer of the larynx or voice box. Symptoms may include: hoarse voice, sore throat, and pain/swelling in the ears. Prognosis largely depends on the stage and spread of the cancer.

Other Types of Cancer are found in the: colon, intestines, esophagus, and gallbladder.

Where Does Frequent Exposure to Asbestos Occur?

People who work or stay in places where high levels of airborne asbestos fibers most of the time are at higher risk to develop asbestos-related cancer. These occupations include: shipbuilding and shipyard, construction and demolition, drywall installation and removal, firefighting and fireproofing, production of certain textiles, and automotive brake repair.

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