Essay On Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a true and aggressive heath issue that is present across the United States, including my geographical area of Ohio, the Mahoning County. This disease is most commonly caused from asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a natural occurring mineral silicate that was commonly used for insulating and fireproofing. Asbestos easily breaks down into very small dust-like fibers, which can be easily inhaled into person’s lungs. Once asbestos is inhaled it can yield many health hazards, including mesothelioma (Roberts, Patsios, Paul, Deperrot, Teel, Bayanati, & Johnston, 2013). Mesothelioma is diagnosed when a person has malignancies within their mesothelial membranes. A membrane of cells known as the mesothelium surrounds the cavities within the body encompassing the chest, abdomen, and heart. Theses cells allow for organs to function properly and sustain life. Mesothelium allows for constant movement of organs such as the lungs and heart. Mesothelial cells act as a lubrication to provide a smooth and friction free environment within the body for organs to preform properly. When malignancies occur in the mesothelium it pose life threatening harm. (Roberts et al., 2013). Mesothelioma will be evaluated by …show more content…
Areas that are most commonly infested with asbestos are steel mills, shipyards, and construction areas. Therefor the blue collar employees within these areas and the ones at greatest risk for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma development. Men are much more likely to develop the disease because historically more men work in areas where asbestos is present, more so than women. Also, those working in the steel mills, shipyards and construction areas are not affected while employed there. The latency period of mesothelioma does not allow for signs and symptoms to arise until much later in their lives, often between the ages of 50 to 70 years