What is Mesothelioma? Malignant mesothelioma is an
uncommon, but no longer rare, cancer that is difficult to
diagnose and poorly responsive to therapy. Malignant
mesothelioma is the most serious of all asbestos related
diseases. What is Mesothelioma?
What is Asbestosis? Asbestosis disease is a serious lung
inflammation caused by asbestos exposure that could lead to
Mesothelioma.
What is Asbestosis? Asbestosis is caused by inhalation of
asbestos fibers. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and virtually
indestructible. The asbestos fibers can easily flake off and are
small enough to be completely inhaled deep into the lungs. When
they are inhaled into the lung, the lung's defense cells try to
destroy the asbestos fibers, but the body's defense mechanisms
cannot break down asbestos. The result is that the asbestos
fibers remain in the lungs and cause scarring and the
inflammation continues for decades. This thickening and scarring
prevents oxygen and carbon dioxide from traveling between the
the tiny air sacs of the lungs and into the blood stream, so
breathing becomes much less efficient. In people who develop
Asbestosis, the inflammatory process continues to progress,
fueled by the indestructible asbestos fibers even after the
exposure to asbestos has ceased. Symptoms Asbestosis is a slowly progressing
disease that will show no symptoms for 10 to 30 years. The early
symptoms of Asbestosis typically include shortness of breath,
coughing, a dry crackling sound while inhaling and chest pain. Health Effects of Pleural Plaques
Caused by Exposure to Asbestos Pleural plaques are spots of
typically-calcified scar tissue that can be found on a person’s
diaphragm or, in certain instances, on the ribcage. If you were
frequently exposed to asbestos in your past, pleural plaques are
the most likely asbestos-related issue to be diagnosed with. As with many asbestos-related health
issues, most problems that result don’t typically appear until
20 years or more after initial exposure, making them difficult
to diagnose. Symptoms of Pleural Plaques In many instances, pleural plaques
are without symptom and the good news is that pleural plaques
are benign and will not develop into cancer over time, but their
symptoms can be somewhat problematic for patients -- symptoms
and health effects of pleural plaques include:
Pleural plaques should be taken
seriously, because while by themselves, they don’t possess
life-threatening potential, they could be an indicator of a
larger problem, such as mesothelioma or other asbestos-related
diseases. It’s important that you receive the
problem testing and guidance from a medical professional on how
to best deal with a diagnosis. EMSL Analytical, Inc. provides
asbestos testing to clients throughout the United States in our
laboratories.
Consult with us today and get the
results you need to protect your family, employees and guests. Symptoms of Pleural Thickening from Asbestos
Exposure The pleura is the
lining that coats your lungs, providing a layer of added
protection. It is a serous membrane. Certain lung diseases can
increase the overall thickness of the pleura, which frequently
is a direct result of some sort of trauma or irritation. Pleural
thickening, unlike pleural plaques, aren’t singularly caused by
exposure to asbestos, however, many cases are directly linked.
Asbestos is tiny material that cannot be caught by the lung’s
natural filtration system due to its microscopic size -- they
can come to rest in the body, causing inflammation, which can
result in all kinds of health issues, including mesothelioma. Health Effects
of Pleural Thickening ·
Trouble
Breathing & Shortness of Breath - The
thickening of the membranes can constrict the lungs, resulting
in difficulty breathing. You can experience this strain on your
breath during exercise, or even while working to complete simple
tasks. ·
Lingering Cough
- Coughing and wheezing are also the health
effects of pleural thickening. Coughing fits can occur suddenly
and without warning, and can often be a present possibility at
all times. · Chest Pain - Pain in your chest is never anything to ignore -- such as the case with those who have been repeatedly exposed to asbestos in past work or home environments. Pleural thickening can get thick enough to cause discomfort and more. Certain
medications available by a prescription from a trusted medical
professional can often help deal with the symptoms of pleural
thickening and COPD. Speak to your family doctor and construct a
plan to help deal with these issues. Testing for
asbestos has never been more important. As you can see, the
results of exposure can be extremely problematic.
Speak with an associate
at EMSL Analytical, Inc. today and ask about our asbestos
testing solutions available to clients throughout the United
States. Health Effects of Pleural
Effusions Fluid that builds up in between the
lungs and your chest cavity is known as a pleural effusion.
Pleural effusions can cause considerable discomfort for patients
diagnosed with the issues, and can be a precursor for future
problems. Unlike pleural plaques, pleural
effusions don’t solely resort from long-term exposure to
asbestos in the workplace or at home, however, asbestos is
considered a leading cause of pleural effusions, along with
congestive heart failure, adverse reactions to drugs and more. Symptoms of Pleural Effusions If you currently suffer from the
following symptoms, it might be time to ask your medical
professional about your risk of a pleural effusion: shortness of
breath, trouble breathing, dull or sharp pains in the chest
cavity, coughing fits, frequent hiccuping and more. Like pleural thickening, which is the
thickening of the protective pleura membrane that coats your
lungs, people suffering from a pleural effusion can also be
symptom-free, which is why it is critical to report to your
doctor any past exposure to asbestos in order to aid in
diagnosis. How to Treat & Test for Pleural
Effusions X-rays of the chest cavity is the
sure-fire way to officially diagnosis a pleural effusion in
patients reporting those symptoms. Doctors can also run physical
tests and checks such as tapping on the chest to make a
diagnosis, which can also signify further health-related issues
such as cancer. Depending on the cause of the
effusion and its size, treatment will be needed. Certain minor,
non-invasive treatment options are available -- for others, a
drain must be inserted into the cavity to remove fluid. The
latter option might even require a surgical procedure and
possible hospitalization. To submit your sample for testing place suspect material (size of nickel) in a zip lock plastic bag ( avoid creating or breathing the dust) Please choose from one of the two forms below based on your geographic location:
Fill out the form and mail your sample to one of the following Lab Locations or call us toll free at 1-800-220-3675
United States Sample Submission Form
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