Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

The occupational exposure to asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Exposure can be found in factories, shipyards mining sites, construction sites, and other.

Asbestos fibers inhaled are stuck in the lining (pleura) of the lungs and cause gene mutations that can result in cancer. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 20 to 60 years after exposure.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms vary depending on the type and the stage of cancer, as well as where tumors develop within the body. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs while peritoneal, pericardial, and mesothelioma affecting the stomach and the heart. Patients may also experience symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue and difficulty breathing.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is a physical examination and a thorough health history. Patients should inform their doctor of any asbestos exposure or unusual symptoms or changes in their body that they have noticed. Doctors may also request imaging tests in addition to a physical examination to determine the severity of the disease and rule out other diseases like lung cancer or pneumonia.

Most often, mesothelioma symptoms don't show up until decades after exposure asbestos. This is due to asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and then cling to the lining of organs such as the stomach or lungs. In time, these fibers cause inflammation and can lead to tumors. The signs of mesothelioma usually don't manifest until the cancer has spread to other parts of the.

When mesothelioma starts to show signs, it rapidly increase in severity and affect the quality of life of a patient. As the cancer spreads patients may become weaker and bed-bound. Many patients with mesothelioma in the late stages of their disease are in intense pain.

In addition to the physical exam, doctors ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma risk. Smoking, military service or mesothelioma-related history in a family member can increase the risk of developing this disease.

Patients with mesothelioma are often at higher chance of developing other types of cancer, including breast and lung cancers because asbestos fibers can cause irritation to these tissues as well. The risk of developing cancer can be minimized by avoiding exposure to asbestos and practicing good hygiene in the workplace. Employees should shower and change their clothes immediately after leaving the office to avoid bringing asbestos-containing fibers home onto their clothing or skin. Additionally, people living with workers who are exposed to asbestos should make sure to shower and change their own clothes before entering the home.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is made up of a variety of minerals that are found naturally and are made up of tiny fibres. It can be used in various ways. People who use asbestos may release these fibres into the air and lungs of others around them. Over time these fibres may build up and cause scarring in the lungs called asbestosis. It can also cause cancer. Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the linings that protect (mesothelium) of organs. It is most common in the chest lining (pleura), or abdomen (peritoneum). People with mesothelioma are often exposed to asbestos at work. It takes decades for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest making diagnosis difficult.

The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma begins with a visit to the doctor and an examination. This will help your doctor understand the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other illnesses. Your doctor may also order imaging scans and blood tests to check for mesothelioma, or to detect symptoms of other illnesses like lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can aid doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, by identifying pleural effusion or peritoneal effusion.

These tests also allow doctors to determine the stage of mesothelioma, which determines the treatment options you have. Each stage of mesothelioma has an individual prognosis. The stage of mesothelioma determines the severity of your symptoms and how quickly they develop.

Your doctor may use a variety of diagnostic tests based on where the mesothelioma occurs. The most frequent type of mesothelioma is mesothelioma that affects the lungs. Doctors can also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma which targets the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, targeted at the lining of the heart.

In the event of a diagnosis of mesothelioma your doctor will inquire with you about your exposure to asbestos lawsuit and if you exhibit any symptoms. They will then perform an examination and examine your medical background. If they suspect you have mesothelioma they will refer you to a specialist who can perform further tests and scans. These tests will help diagnose the type and stage of your cancer, as well as how far it has been able to spread.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is most often caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a group of minerals that are found in rocks and soil. It is a very strong mineral that can be turned into thin fibers that can be used in many products. In the United States, asbestos was used in construction materials and insulation in the 20th century before scientists discovered the dangers of asbestos litigation. Asbestos is most often exposed when people inhale or swallow the fibers. They are then bonded to the linings of organs. As time passes, the organ's tissue can develop tumors and trigger symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing and chest pain. The symptoms do not typically show until 10 to 50 years after initial exposure.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma. However, certain people are more susceptible than others. Any exposure to asbestos can increase your chances of getting mesothelioma, including occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are also at a higher risk. It is important to inform your doctor if anyone in your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Different types of mesothelioma can occur in different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent type, and affects about 70 to 80 percent of all cases. It starts in the tissues that cover each lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma is not as common. It is found in the inner lining (peritoneum) of the abdomen. There are two types of malignant mesothelioma epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more prevalent than sarcomatoid and is more prone to growth. There is a rare mesothelioma form that contains both sarcomatoid and epithelioid-cells. It is known as biphasic Mesothelioma.

The type of mesothelioma can aid your doctors in deciding how to treat you. Your doctor might recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery to alleviate your symptoms and prolong your life. The kind of treatment you will receive will depend on the type of mesothelioma, where it is located and your medical history.

There are ways to decrease your risk, even though mesothelioma cancer is not common. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you should limit your exposure to asbestos and avoid any places where it may be present. It is also advisable to talk with your physician regarding any unusual or persistent signs and symptoms that you have.

Recovery

Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocking to learn that exposure to asbestos in the past is the cause. Even more upsetting is the fact that their former employers failed to warn them about the dangers associated with their work or take any measures to safeguard workers from this toxic material. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist those suffering from the disease by filing a suit against the responsible parties.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissue that lines the body's organs, including the lungs, stomach and heart. The main reason for this is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a grouping of minerals that forms long, thin fibers which are durable and resistant to fire. Asbestos was commonly used in buildings, automobile parts and other products before scientists realized its health risks in the 20th century. Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who been involved in asbestos-related projects. This includes shipyard workers, construction workers, employees, insulation workers, asbestos abatement technicians and other laborers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos also clung to clothing and other personal items, and workers took these fibers home with them on their bodies, exposing their families to mesothelioma, too.

The most common form of this cancer is mesothelioma pleural. It affects the lining of the lungs, and the symptoms typically begin in the chest, like coughing up blood or the accumulation of fluid around the lungs. It can also affect the lining of the stomach (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.

The likelihood of developing mesothelioma is affected by many factors, including the duration they were exposed to asbestos settlement and their gender. Men are more likely to contract this disease than women, and a person's age is another factor. Family history is also considered as a risk factor since certain asbestos-related diseases have been linked to certain genes. Patients who have had radiation to the chest are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. The same is true for those with a family member suffering from this disease. The majority of mesothelioma patients are older than 60 years.