You may have heard of mesothelioma at some point in your life, but do you know exactly what it is? If not, don't worry. We're here to help with an explanation. Let's take a look at what mesothelioma is and how you can avoid it.

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that happens in the mesothelium, which is a thin layer of tissue that covers most of your internal organs. Unfortunately, it is not curable. However, there are treatments that can prolong a patient's life. While this is a relatively rare cancer -- according to Asbestos.com, it accounts for 0.3% of diagnoses -- it's still a risk that needs to be taken seriously.

When people get mesothelioma, they tend to get it in the tissue that's around their lungs. Doctors will call this pleural mesothelioma. Patients who have it around the abdominal area have peritoneal mesothelioma. There are a variety of symptoms of mesothelioma, including problems breathing, chest pain, lumps of tissue under your chest, and unexplained weight loss. You should see a doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of these to get a definitive diagnosis.

What Is the Cause of Mesothelioma?

Asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos itself is a natural mineral, but when it's broken up during mining or installation, the dust can get into your lungs and stomach. This is what can possibly lead to the gene mutations that cause mesothelioma. A lot of buildings used to be constructed with asbestos to make them fire-resistant, and over time that has exposed a lot of people to its dust. People who work around asbestos are most at risk, but even those who live with people who are around it can be in danger, too, since the dust can travel on clothes. Asbestos is being phased out in construction, but it will take a good asbestos clean-up service to make buildings that were made with asbestos safe for people again.

How Do You Prevent Mesothelioma?

The best way to avoid the risk of getting mesothelioma is to live and work in places that are asbestos-free. If you know that your home or business has asbestos in it, you need to seek out an asbestos clean-up service. The professionals who provide these services are experienced in removing asbestos safely and ensuring that your building is safe to reside in. It's very important to not do asbestos clean-up yourself and to leave it to the professionals who have the tools and knowledge to remove it without harming themselves or others.

Do you need an asbestos clean-up service? We're here to help. Contact All Clean Environmental Services Inc today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment.