Uncommon but deadly, Mesothelioma is a form of cancer primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous group of minerals, which, due to its many applications and resistance to heat, was used frequently during the 1970’s. Once small, dusk-like asbestos particles are inhaled and/or swallowed into the lining of the lungs, they cannot be extracted. The internal organs of the body are surrounded by a two layered protective membrane called the mesothelium. In individuals diagnosed with Mesothelioma, the cells of the mesothelium develop malignantly, growing without check. Though the disease is quite aggressive, the appearance of symptoms is often delayed. Because of this, the cancer often spreads considerably before it is diagnosed. Patients rarely live longer than a year following diagnosis. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set limits for the amount of asbestos exposure that is allowed in the workplace, yet the number of Mesothelioma cases has been steadily rising.
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