Asbestos is essentially the same chemical composition as the rock it is mined from. Along the geological time-line, however, its structure has been changed from that of the rock to tiny, thread-like fibers, strong and flexible, about five mm in length, nearly indestructible. Asbestos’ value to commerce is in its exceptional chemical and fire resistant properties. Known applications in manufacturing and construction number nearly 5000. Known deterrents number one: asbestos related cancer, mesothelioma.

Innocent looking enough, and even surrealistic under the light of special microscopes used to detect its presence, asbestos has become a fearsome opponent for people who have been either occupationally or environmentally exposed to it. Asbestos related cancer is currently diagnosed in approximately 3000 people each year in the United States alone, with those numbers anticipated to increase through the years ahead. Asbestos is or has been used in many types of insulation, automobile components, paint and tile, in mines, shipyards and manufacturing facilities, for the railroads, and on construction sites.

The tiny fibers that float in the air at work sites may be inhaled and embedded in the lungs to later develop into pleural mesothelioma, or may be swallowed and lead to peritoneal mesothelioma. There have also been cases of second-hand asbestos cancer in the family members of workers who bring home the fibers in their clothes, on their skin, and in their hair if they do not change and shower before leaving the work site.

Asbestos related cancer may not rear its head for 10 to 40 years after the exposure and has symptoms that might be easily ignored until the opportunity for effective treatment has closed. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure needs to be aware of the symptoms of asbestos related cancer and report them to their health care provider without delay. Pleural mesothelioma will be in the form of a tumor in the chest or lung area and may be reflected in shortness of breath, coughing, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, fever, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, muscle soreness, or swelling of the face and arms. Peritoneal mesothelioma will be in the form of a tumor in the abdominal area and symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

Prognosis following diagnosis will be different from patient to patient, but overall asbestos related cancers are difficult to overcome. Physicians have identified that younger, non-smoking patients who are able to maintain a healthy weight during treatment have better chances of survival. Through testing, the identification of the type of cancer cell that has formed will also be a good indicator of how responsive they will be to treatment. More than anything else, however, early reporting of symptoms and a physician’s ability to accurately identify the stage of the disease will prove to be the best life extenders.