Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

The occupational exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. The exposure to asbestos can happen in shipyards, construction sites and factories.

As asbestos legal fibres are inhaled, they get caught in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and trigger gene mutations that cause cancer. Symptoms usually don't show up until 20 to 60 years after exposure.

Symptoms

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary according to where the tumors are situated in the body and also on the stage and type. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs and pericardial, peritoneal and peritoneal mesothelioma affect the heart and stomach. Patients may also experience symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and difficulty breathing.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma involves a physical examination and a thorough health history. Patients should inform their doctor about any asbestos exposure and any unusual signs or changes to the body they have noticed. In addition to performing an examination of the body doctors may also request imaging tests to determine how the disease is progressing and also to rule out other conditions like lung cancer or pneumonia.

Most often, mesothelioma symptoms do not show up until decades after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in, swallowed and adhere to the organ linings, such as the stomach and lungs. Over time, these fibers cause inflammation and eventually tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't manifest until cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

When mesothelioma starts to show symptoms, they rapidly increase in severity and affect the quality of life of a patient. Patients can become weak and bed-bound as their cancer grows. This is why many late-stage mesothelioma patients are in great pain towards the end of their lives.

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

The asbestos fibers that irritate the tissues of patients with mesothelioma may also cause irritation to the tissues of patients suffering from breast cancer or lung cancer. The risk can be decreased by not being exposed to asbestos and maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the workplace. Employees must shower and change their clothes immediately after leaving the office to avoid bringing asbestos-containing fibers home on their clothing or skin. Those who live near asbestos-exposed workers should also wash and change their clothes prior to entering the house.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that have tiny fibres that are used in a variety of ways. The people who use asbestos could release these fibres into the air and lungs of anyone nearby. Over time the fibres accumulate and cause scarring in the lungs known as asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the protective linings of organs called mesothelium. It is most commonly found in the chest lining (pleura), or abdomen (peritoneum). Patients with mesothelioma are frequently exposed to asbestos case in the workplace. Mesothelioma can take years to manifest, making diagnosis difficult.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma involves a visit to the doctor and an examination. This will help your doctor identify the symptoms you are experiencing and rule out other conditions. Your doctor may also order imaging scans and blood tests to determine if you have mesothelioma. Or to detect symptoms of other conditions like lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can help 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 a different prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma will affect how severe the symptoms are and the speed at which they progress.

Your doctor may use a variety of diagnostic tests, based on the location mesothelioma has been found. The most frequent mesothelioma type is called pleural mesothelioma, affecting the lung. Doctors can also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, which targets the lining of the abdomen or pericardial mesothelioma specifically targeting the lining of the heart.

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor will inquire about the exposure to asbestos and whether you have any symptoms. The doctor will conduct an examination of your body and review your medical records. If they suspect mesothelioma they will refer you to an expert to conduct further tests and scans. These tests will help diagnose the type and stage of your cancer as well as how far it has spread.

Treatment

The exposure to asbestos is the most frequent mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos can be found in rock and soil. It is very strong and can be made into thin weaved fibers that are used in a variety of products. In the United States, asbestos was used for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century, before scientists discovered the dangers of asbestos. The exposure to asbestos typically occurs when people swallow or inhale the fibers. They then stick to the linings of organs. Over time, the lining may develop tumors that cause symptoms like chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. The symptoms usually do not show until 10 to 50 years after the initial exposure.

Mesothelioma can affect those who have been exposed to asbestos, however certain types are at a greater risk. Any exposure to asbestos increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. This includes both para- and occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are at risk. It is important to inform your doctor if anyone in your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Different types of mesothelioma can be found in different areas of the body. About 70 to 80 percent of cases are pleural mesothelioma. It begins in the tissue that covers the lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma is not as common. It is found in the inner lining (peritoneum) of the abdomen. There are two kinds of mesothelioma that are malignant epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more common 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 doctor in deciding what treatment to give you. Your doctors may recommend chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy to ease your symptoms and extend your life. The kind of treatment you are offered will depend on the type of mesothelioma, where it is located and your medical background.

There are ways to decrease your risk of developing mesothelioma cancer is not common. If you were exposed to asbestos in the past, you should try to limit your exposure and stay clear from any areas that could have asbestos. It is also advisable to talk with your doctor regarding any unusual or persistent signs and symptoms you may be experiencing.

Recovery

Many people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocking to learn that exposure to asbestos in the past was the reason. It is even more disturbing the fact that their former employers did not warn them of the dangers associated with their work or take any steps to protect workers against asbestos's harmful material. A mesothelioma lawyer can help the patients seek justice by filing an action against the accountable parties.

Mesothelioma, a cancer, is located in the tissues that cover organs of the body, including the lungs and stomach. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a family of minerals that form long thin fibers that are durable and fire resistant. Before scientists realized its health hazards, asbestos was widely used in the manufacture of building materials, automobile parts, and other products. People who were involved in projects that required asbestos are the most likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes shipyard employees insulation workers, asbestos abatement technicians and other laborers who were exposed to asbestos compensation dust. asbestos case fibers clung to personal items, clothing, and workers' bodies. This could expose their families to mesothelioma.

The most prevalent type of cancer is mesothelioma pleural. It affects linings of the lung and is usually found in the chest. Symptoms include coughing up blood, or fluid buildup 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 such as the duration they were exposed to asbestos as well as their gender. Men are more likely to develop this condition than women, and the person's age is a significant factor. A family history is also a risk factor. Some asbestos-related diseases have been linked to specific genes. People who have had radiation to the chest are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. So are those with a family member suffering from this disease. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in people who are over 60 years old.