Asbestos-Based Disease-The Painful Side Of Asbestos Submitted By: Kirsten Hawkins What is Asbestos-Based Disease?Asbestos-based disease is caused by exposure to asbestos in environments, such as asbestos mills, shipping yards, mines, older navy ships and even homes. Mesothelioma is a malignant cancer and most common, asbestos-based disease. Nearly 70-80 % of people suffering from this

disease have a history of asbestos exposure. Asbestos cancer or mesothelioma is very difficult to diagnose due to the long gap between exposure to asbestos and the onset of the disease. Every year, doctors detect approximately 2000-3000 new cases of mesothelioma. Family members of workers are also vulnerable to the disease through exposure to asbestos particles from their clothing. Smokers are at a much greater risk of getting the disease.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma The symptoms of this asbestos based disease include loss of weight, lasting cough, fatigue, dyspnea, and pleuritic pain. Some of the early symptoms may be overlooked since they resemble with those of other common diseases. In most cases, the disease appears 30-45 years after the patient’s initial exposure to asbestos. The disease is more common in men but is not restricted to any ethnic group or race.

Treatment of Mesothelioma The prediction is that asbestos fibers lodged in the body cause changes in the cells by a process of irritation, leading to mesothelioma. Once this cancer appears, it will continue to grow until it is treated, or the patient dies. The chances of recovery of a patient depend on the following factors: Age of the patient Response to the treatment How widespread the disease is Location of the disease Size of the cancer Microscopic examination