Mesothelioma

My fellow ship mates

 In the past few years I have learned about the death of other ship mates who have past away do to this terrible decease, and I am sure that their are many more that I have not heard about. I think that it is time for me to inform you to the best of my knowledge about the this desease.

This is most important to those that worked in the Repair Department such as R-1 through R-4, Lagging, and B Division, in other any department that worked with removing and installing Asbestos. Their for if you have worked with Asbestos wile on board the Uss Isle Royale  I suggest that you have total physical which is what I am doing.  Please read below all that I have  on Mesothelioma.

                                                                                                     What is Mesothelioma?

This type of cancer begins in the tissue that lines different organs and spaces inside the body. This tissue, called mesothelium (mez-uh-thee-le-um), protects organs by making a special fluid that allows the organs to move. For example, this fluid makes it easier for the lungs to move during breathing.

Mesothelium surrounds the lungs, the stomach, the heart, and other organs. Tumors can start in any of these places. These tumors can be benign or they can be cancerous. The information that follows covers only those that are cancerous.

There are 3 main types of mesotheliomas. The most common (50%-70%) is the epithelioid type. This type has the best outlook. The other 2 types are less common. The treatment choices for all 3 are the same.

About 3 out of 4 mesotheliomas start in the chest cavity. These are called pleural mesotheliomas. Another 10%-20% begin in the abdomen (peritoneal mesotheliomas). Those starting around the heart are very rare.

Individuals with a history of extended asbestos exposure are at the highest risk for developing malignant mesothelioma. Even a small exposure to this cancer-causing material can result in malignant mesothelioma. However, mesothelioma has a latency of up to thirty-forty years, and many individuals previously exposed to asbestos are now displaying symptoms. This means the average age of mesothelioma patients is between 50 and 70 years. Men are typically affected more, due to the common presence of asbestos in industrial settings. There are three major types of malignant mesothelioma . epithelial, sarcomatoid, and mixed. Epithelial mesothelioma is most common. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to respiratory distress, a lasting cough, and pneumonia. In addition, symptoms are often mistaken for less serious ailme

Note of Urgency

Mesothelioma is a life-threatening disease and cannot be left untreated. The sooner it is diagnosed the better a patient's chances are of fighting this deadly cancer. Please contact a qualified physician immediately if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.