You may have heard that asbestos is a dangerous substance. However, have you ever heard exactly why it’s a dangerous substance?

The truth of the matter is that asbestos exposure in Bedford Park, Illinois can leave you vulnerable to a number of diseases, including asbestosis, pleural effusion, and lung cancer. However, the most harmful of asbestos-related diseases is mesothelioma, a form of cancer.

Are you interested in learning more about mesothelioma? Below, we will discuss everything you need to know.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that involves the lining of the heart, abdomen, and lungs. Aggressive and deadly, it has a 5-year survival rate of just 10%. Around 60% of those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma die within a year of diagnosis.

Generally, mesothelioma will show up late in a person’s life; typically when a person is over the age of 60. However, it is possible to be diagnosed with the disease earlier than this. Those who are diagnosed earlier in life have a better chance of surviving than those who are diagnosed later.

The Symptoms of Mesothelioma

There are a variety of symptoms associated with mesothelioma. In general, it’s a very painful disease that can leave affected individuals in a state of misery.

The most common symptoms are shortness of breath, excessive coughing, nausea, bloating, extreme fatigue, and loss of appetite. Affected individuals might also lose a great deal of weight and experience severe insomnia.

Causes of Mesothelioma

As far as medical researchers know, the only cause of mesothelioma is asbestos. Those who breathe in asbestos particles can experience genetic alterations in their cells, leading to the growth of cancerous tumors.

The reason that asbestos particles are so dangerous is that they’re sharp. Once they are ingested into the lungs, they tend to stick to the lining of the lungs for the rest of the affected person’s life. As more and more asbestos particles build up, there is a higher chance that cancer will form.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

While there is no cure for mesothelioma, there are ways to treat it. The best course of action typically involves radiation treatment and chemotherapy. This can help resist the growth of cancerous tumors.

In some cases, surgery is a viable option. Surgery can sometimes be performed to remove existing tumors, which could lead to complete remission of the cancer.

Who is Most Likely to Get Mesothelioma?

Overall, mesothelioma is a somewhat rare disease. These days, around 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.

Typically, those who are diagnosed with the disease are people who have spent a lot of time around asbestos in their past. It’s extremely rare that a single passing occurrence with asbestos exposure will lead to mesothelioma.

Those who work in asbestos-laden industries and those who live in asbestos-laden houses are most likely to get mesothelioma. This is because these individuals have typically breathed in asbestos particles on a daily basis for a number of years.

This is why, if you have asbestos in your home or commercial property, it’s highly recommended that you have it removed. Every day that you’re around asbestos, you are at a greater risk for mesothelioma.

Make Use of Asbestos Removal Services in Bedford Park

If your home was built before 1980, it could contain asbestos in its walls. The only guaranteed way to avoid asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is by having your home tested, and by having any existing asbestos removed by professionals.

Interested in making use of asbestos removal services in Bedford Park, Illinois? Axis Response Group is the company to call.

Contact Axis now to discuss your asbestos-related needs!