It’s crucial for a health professional to educate the public on the risks associated with specific occupations and sectors, especially those that have a history of working with hazardous chemicals like asbestos. One group that has a particularly high risk of mesothelioma development is members of the Coast Guard.
Mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and abdomen, can be brought on by asbestos fiber exposure. Because this cancer can take years to develop and has a very poor prognosis, early detection and prevention are crucial.
This article will cover ten crucial talking points regarding mesothelioma in the Coast Guard to help raise awareness of the issue.
What is mesothelioma?
The lung, heart, and abdominal lining are all affected by the malignancy mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers are tiny and simple to breathe in or swallow, and they are the source of this malignancy. Due to its heat-resistant qualities, asbestos, a naturally occurring material, was frequently used in various industries.
The mesothelial tissue, the protective layer that shields these organs, is where asbestos fibers can lodge after being inhaled or ingested. Mesothelioma may develop as a result of tissue damage brought on by the fibers over time.
An uncommon form of cancer called mesothelioma is often discovered in patients over the age of 50. Due to the fact that symptoms may not manifest for many years following asbestos exposure, the disease is frequently referred to as a “silent killer.” When symptoms do manifest, they could include weight loss, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are among potential treatments for mesothelioma. However, with a median survival duration of about 12–21 months, the prognosis for mesothelioma patients is frequently poor. This emphasizes the significance of mesothelioma prevention and early identification.
How is the Coast Guard at Risk for Mesothelioma?
Because of the nature of their profession and the tools they use, Coast Guard members are more likely to develop mesothelioma. Members of the Coast Guard were at risk of swallowing or inhaling asbestos fibers because many of the ships, vessels, and equipment were constructed using asbestos-containing materials.
Insulation, boilers, pumps, and other places requiring heat resistance are frequently where Coast Guard personnel were exposed to asbestos. The risk of Coast Guard members breathing or ingesting the harmful fibers could exist in these locations and could be increased if the fibers were disturbed and released into the air.
The close-quarters work with asbestos-containing equipment that many Coast Guard members may have done further increased their exposure to the dangerous fibers. Many Coast Guard members may be at risk for getting mesothelioma in the future due to the lengthy latency period for the disease and the possibility that they were not aware of the risks of asbestos at the time of their exposure.
It is significant to remember that mesothelioma can take decades to manifest and that the length and severity of asbestos exposure increase the likelihood of acquiring the disease. This emphasizes the significance of monitoring and lowering the risk of asbestos exposure for Coast Guard members as well as offering assistance and services for those who have been impacted by mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Since mesothelioma symptoms may not manifest for many years after asbestos exposure, it is frequently referred to as a “silent killer.” When symptoms do materialize, they could comprise:
Chest pain:
Mesothelioma of the lungs frequently exhibits this symptom. It’s frequently described as chest pain, either severe or dull, that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough.
Shortness of breath:
Another typical lung-related symptom of mesothelioma is shortness of breath. The pleural cavity, which is the area between the lungs and the chest wall, may get clogged with fluid as a result.
Coughing:
If you have a persistent cough and it is accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath, you may have mesothelioma.
Weight loss:
Because mesothelioma can impair the body’s capacity to absorb nutrients from food, unanticipated weight loss may be an indication of the disease.
Fatigue:
Because mesothelioma can impair the body’s capacity to produce energy, it can also contribute to fatigue.
Pain in the abdomen:
Abdominal mesothelioma can result in bloating, pain in the abdomen, or a feeling of fullness.
It is crucial to remember that these symptoms could potentially be brought on by other diseases, making a diagnosis of mesothelioma only possible after a biopsy and other diagnostic procedures.
Since the prognosis is frequently better when the disease is detected early, early mesothelioma identification is essential.
Identification of mesothelioma
Due to the symptoms of mesothelioma being similar to those of numerous other illnesses, diagnosing the disease can be difficult. Mesothelioma is often diagnosed using a combination of tests, such as:
Physical examination:
A physical examination will be done by the doctor to look for any physical indications of mesothelioma, such as a lump in the chest or belly.
Imaging procedures:
Imaging procedures, such as X-rays, CT scans, or PET scans, can assist the doctor look into the patient’s body and find any abnormal growths or fluid accumulation.
Only a biopsy can definitively determine whether a patient has mesothelioma. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue from the afflicted area is taken and examined under a microscope.
Blood tests:
Blood tests can be done to check for the presence of particular markers linked to mesothelioma.
Since misdiagnosis of mesothelioma is not unheard of, it is crucial to get a second opinion if one is suspected. For a more precise diagnosis and treatment strategy, a mesothelioma expert should also be consulted, such as a thoracic surgeon or oncologist.
Causes of mesothelioma
Asbestos exposure is a factor in the development of the malignancy mesothelioma. Due to its fire-resistant qualities, asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was frequently utilized in building products like insulation, roofing materials, and floor tiles.
Due to their exposure to asbestos in older ships, boats, and equipment, Coast Guard members are at a higher risk of acquiring mesothelioma. In addition to handling asbestos-containing materials, this exposure might happen while maintaining and repairing these vessels.
Members of the Coast Guard may come into contact with asbestos-containing buildings and debris when performing search and rescue operations, in addition to being exposed to asbestos in older ships, boats, and equipment.
Because asbestos fibers are so minute, they are easily swallowed or inhaled. Once inside the body, they can harm the mesothelial cells that border the chest and abdomen. Mesothelioma may eventually develop as a result of this harm.
The Coast Guard must take precautions to reduce the danger of asbestos exposure, including providing protective gear and training to its personnel as well as replacing or removing any asbestos-containing components from its equipment and vessels. Members of the Coast Guard should also be aware of the risks associated with asbestos exposure and take precautions to safeguard their families as well as themselves.
Treatment Options for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma treatment can be complicated and may entail a number of different methods. Mesothelioma therapy options include:
Surgery:
To remove as much malignant tissue as possible, surgery is frequently employed. This may entail extrapleural pneumonectomy, peritonectomy, or pleurectomy/decortication (removal of the peritoneal lining of the abdomen and lungs) (removal of the pleural lining and the affected lung).
Chemotherapy:
Drugs are administered intravenously or directly into the pleural or peritoneal cavity to treat cancer.
High-energy beams are used in radiation therapy to kill cancer cells and reduce tumor size.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy aids the body’s natural defense mechanisms in battling cancer cells.
Clinical trials:
Access to novel and experimental mesothelioma treatments is made possible by clinical trials.
The stage and location of the mesothelioma, the patient’s general health, and their personal preferences will all have an impact on the treatment option. The most effective course of treatment for each patient might be suggested by a medical staff skilled in the management of mesothelioma.
It is critical for Coast Guard members to be aware of their treatment options and to collaborate with their medical team to create a personalized treatment plan. The prognosis for mesothelioma can be significantly improved with early discovery and treatment.
Managing mesothelioma
Although receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can be a challenging and stressful event, patients and their families can find a wealth of services to support them.
Support groups:
Participating in a support group can be a fantastic opportunity to meet people who have gone through similar things and to get emotional support.
Counseling:
Talking with a psychologist or social worker, for example, can assist patients and their families in processing their feelings and coming up with coping mechanisms.
Pain management is a crucial component of mesothelioma therapy, and patients can collaborate with their medical team to create a pain management strategy.
Palliative care:
For those with life-threatening illnesses, palliative care aims to reduce symptoms and enhance the quality of life. Medication, counseling, and other treatments might be involved with this.
Complementary and alternative medicine:
Complementary and alternative therapies can aid with symptom management and wellness promotion, such as massage therapy, acupuncture, and meditation.
It is crucial for Coast Guard members and their families to prioritize their physical, emotional, and mental well-being and to look for the assistance and resources they require to deal with mesothelioma. Patients can live happy lives despite this difficult disease if they have the necessary resources and assistance.
Mesothelioma Coast Guard Members’ Legal Options
It’s possible that many Coast Guard members who contracted mesothelioma as a result of their service might qualify for benefits and compensation from the VA or through litigation against asbestos producers.
VA benefits:
Coast Guard members who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of their military service may be qualified for VA benefits, such as disability payments, health care, and survivor benefits.
Trust funds for asbestos:
Many asbestos producers have set up trust funds to compensate people who have mesothelioma and other diseases linked to asbestos as a result of their exposure to it.
Lawsuits:
Some Coast Guard members may decide to pursue lawsuits against the producers of the asbestos-containing materials they were exposed to in order to recover financial compensation for their medical costs, lost wages, and other losses.
A mesothelioma lawyer with experience with cases involving asbestos exposure in the military should be consulted by Coast Guard members who have been diagnosed with the disease. An attorney can assist people in navigating the legal system and ensuring that they receive the advantages and compensation to which they are entitled.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, mesothelioma is a fatal condition that has struck a large number of Coast Guard personnel. However, people can lead happy lives even while dealing with this difficult disease if they receive early diagnoses, efficient treatment, and the necessary tools and support. In order to cope with mesothelioma, it is crucial for Coast Guard members and their families to be informed of their legal choices and to look for the assistance they require.
