Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Occupational asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma-related cause. Exposure can be seen in shipyards, factories, mining sites and construction.

As asbestos fibres are inhaled, they get caught in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and trigger gene mutations that result in cancer. The symptoms typically don't appear until 20 to 60 years after exposure.

Symptoms

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where the tumors are located within the body and also on the stage and type. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs while pericardial, peritoneal and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region affect the stomach and the heart. Patients may also experience symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and difficulty breathing.

The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma involves a physical examination and detailed health history. Patients must inform their physician of any asbestos exposure or unusual symptoms or changes in the body that they have observed. In addition to a physical examination doctors may order imaging tests to see how the disease is progressing and also to rule out other conditions such as pneumonia or lung cancer.

Mesothelioma is often not diagnosed until years after exposure to asbestos. This is due to asbestos lawyer fibers can be breathed in or swallowed, and cling to the organs' linings, such as the stomach or lungs. Over time, these fibers cause inflammation and lead to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't manifest until cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

When mesothelioma starts to show signs, they can quickly worsen and impact the quality of life of patients. As the cancer progresses and patients weaken, they can become and bed-bound. In the end, many mesothelioma patients in late stage are in great pain at the end of their lives.

In addition to a physical examination doctors will also inquire about a patient's asbestos exposure and mesothelioma-related risk factors. A family member with mesothelioma, or any other type of cancer, smoking cigarettes, or military service can all increase a person's likelihood of developing the disease.

The asbestos fibers that can irritate the tissues of patients suffering from mesothelioma also can irritate the tissues of patients with breast cancer or lung cancer. By avoiding asbestos exposure and maintaining a clean environment at work, these risks can be minimized. Employees should shower and change clothes immediately after leaving the office to avoid bringing asbestos fibers home onto their clothing or skin. Anyone who lives near asbestos-exposed workers must shower and change clothes before entering the house.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals containing tiny fibres that are used in a variety of ways. These fibres can be released into the air or lungs by people who use asbestos. As time passes these fibres may accumulate and cause scarring of the lungs, a condition known as asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer, develops in the protective linings (mesothelium) of organs. It is most prevalent in the linings of the chest (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is frequently a factor in mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can take decades to manifest, making diagnosis difficult.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is to see a doctor and have a physical exam. This will allow your physician to understand the symptoms that you are experiencing and rule out other illnesses. Your doctor might also recommend scans of your blood and imaging to check for mesothelioma, or to determine the symptoms of other illnesses like lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These scans can reveal the presence of peritoneal or pleural fluid.

These tests also allow doctors to determine the stage of mesothelioma which will determine your treatment options. There are four mesothelioma stages, and each one has a different prognosis. The stage of mesothelioma will determine how severe your symptoms are and how quickly they develop.

Your doctor may employ a variety of diagnostic tests, based on the location the mesothelioma occurs. Pleural mesothelioma is a lung cancer and is the most common mesothelioma type. Doctors may also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma that targets the lining of your abdomen or pericardial mesothelioma specifically targeting the lining of the coronary artery.

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma the doctor will ask you about your asbestos exposure and whether you experience any symptoms. The doctor will perform an examination of your body and look over your medical records. If they suspect mesothelioma they will refer you to an expert for further scans and tests. Those tests will help to diagnose the type and stage of your mesothelioma, as well as revealing how the cancer has spread.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is often caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is present in soil and rock. It is extremely strong and can be made into thin weaved fibers which are used in many products. It was used in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century before scientists realized its dangers to human health. Asbestos is typically exposed when people breathe or swallow the fibers. They then stick to the organ's linings. Over time, the tissue can develop tumors, causing symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing and chest pain. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 10-50 years after initial exposure.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos claim may develop mesothelioma, but some people are at greater risk than others. Any type of asbestos - read article - exposure can increase your chances of getting mesothelioma, including both occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos through their relatives are also at risk. If someone in your family has mesothelioma or asbestosis, you should speak to an expert about your asbestos family history.

Different types of mesothelioma are found in different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent type, affecting about 70 to 80 percent of cases. It begins in the layers of tissue that line every lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma appears less often. It occurs in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum). Malignant mesothelioma is found in two types of epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is more common and grows slower than mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. There is also a very rare mesothelioma type that contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is known as biphasic sarcomatoid mesothelio.

Your doctor will decide the most appropriate treatment for you based on your mesothelioma type. Your doctor might recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery to relieve your symptoms and prolong your life. The type of mesothelioma you have, the location of it and your medical history will determine the type of treatment you receive.

There are ways to reduce your risk, even though mesothelioma cancer is rare. If you have been exposed to asbestos, limit your exposure to it and avoid areas where it could be present. Consult your physician in the event of any unusual or persistent symptoms.

Recovery

Many mesothelioma patients are shocked to discover that asbestos exposure in the past is the main cause. More troubling is the fact that their former employers failed to warn them of the dangers of their job or take any action to safeguard workers from asbestos, a toxic substance. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist the patients seek justice by filing a suit against the parties responsible.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues that line the organs of the body, including the stomach, lungs, and heart. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals that form long, thin fibers that are durable and fire-resistant. Before scientists realized its health hazards asbestos was used extensively in the manufacture of building materials, automobile parts and other products. People who were involved in projects that required asbestos are more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes shipyard employees, insulation workers asbestos abatement technicians, and other laborers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos also adhered to clothing and other personal items, and workers brought asbestos fibers home on their bodies, exposing their family members to mesothelioma, too.

The most frequent type of cancer is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lung's lining and the symptoms typically start in the chest, such as coughing up blood or an accumulation of fluid around the lungs. It may also affect the abdomen's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).

The chances of a person developing mesothelioma depend on many factors, including the amount of time they were exposed to asbestos, as well as their gender. Men are more likely to contract this condition than women, and a person's age is a significant factor. A family history is also a risk factor. Some asbestos-related diseases have been linked with specific genes. Mesothelioma is more prevalent for those who have had radiation to their chest or have a family member with the disease. Most mesothelioma sufferers are older than 60 years old.