Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer of the lungs, heart, and abdomen that currently has no known cure. It is difficult to treat, and life expectancy is generally short, making any diagnosis devastating. The connection between exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is clear, so Astech, the premier asbestos removal company in Bridgeport, CT, offers the following overview of the disease to help you understand its hazards.

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is so named because it attacks the mesothelium, a membrane the lines the heart sac, the abdomen, and the lungs. Tumors form in one (or more) of those three areas. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, fluid buildup in the lungs, nausea, vomiting, anemia, and loss of weight. In early stages, mesothelioma can be treated with surgery, but in later stages, little can be done but to ease the patient's discomfort.

How Does Asbestos Exposure Cause Mesothelioma?

Nearly 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Most of these are a result of long-term, work-related asbestos exposure, which often occurs in places like old public facilities and schools, shipyards, industrial facilities, and auto repair shops that haven’t yet undergone asbestos removal. Patients inhale or swallow fibers from the substance, and these particles lodge themselves in the mesothelium where they cause inflammation, scarring, and cellular damage that leads to tumor growth. Long-term exposure is typically required, but short-term exposure (or even single-incident exposure) can lead to the disease, as well.

Astech works diligently to reduce the risks of asbestos exposure through air sampling and proper disposal of the substance. They offer comprehensive asbestos testing and asbestos removal services that meet EPA standards to protect your family from the risks of exposure. To learn more about their services throughout Bridgeport, CT, and its surrounding neighborhoods, call them at (203) 335-0502 and speak with a knowledgeable professional.