Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos was widely used in everyday household items and also for industrial use. It was considered a miracle mineral because it was lightweight yet tough and heat resistant. Unfortunately, because of its wide use decades ago, people are now suffering from mesothelioma as a result of the previously unknown side effects of asbestos.
Veterans are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma than the general population due to exposure to the substance while in the military. It is estimated that of the 25 million veterans alive today, about 5 to 10 percent are affected by mesothelioma and don't even know it. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lungs in which fluid builds up on the outer lining. This is caused by the development of a malignant tumor that develops in the mesothelium. Once in an advanced stage, it can spread to other parts of the body. Some symptoms of mesothelioma are shortness of breath, dry coughing and chest pain. Some may excuse these symptoms as other medical conditions, which can certainly delay diagnosis and treatment. An early diagnosis means that the patient could live a considerable amount of time with the disease through treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. If the cancer is diagnosed during stages two through four, the focus is on keeping the patient comfortable during the last stages of the disease. Since this disease often isn't diagnosed until the advanced stages, prognosis is poor. Patients can expect to live four to eighteen months after their diagnosis.
All branches of the military used asbestos. It was useful in many military applications and projects because of its unusual qualities. Therefore, most men and women who served in the military during the prevalent use of asbestos suffered some exposure. The unfortunate fact is that it only takes a small amount of exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma to develop. There have been reports of some developing the cancer after only one or two months of exposure.
Asbestos was used extensively in shipyards and in the armed forces between 1940 and 1970 because of its many favorable properties such as its durability and resistance to heat. Since mesothelioma can have a latency period of up to 50 years, it can be difficult to diagnose. Many of the physical symptoms it causes often mimic that of other medical problems that are much less serious. It is because of this latency period of difficult diagnosis that asbestos was used for such a long period of time before its harmful effects were finally recognized. Asbestos was often used in the construction of military housing, which meant that not only was the veteran exposed, but also his or her family would have been exposed.
If you are a veteran and you think you are displaying some physical symptoms of mesothelioma, it is important to see a medical professional right away to receive a proper diagnosis. As a veteran, you may have certain benefits offered to you in the treatment of this disease.
Douglas Karr, USN Veteran
Operations Desert Storm & Desert Shield
www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/doug/
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