Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure in the workplace is the primary reason for mesothelioma. Exposure can occur in shipyards, factories, mining sites and construction.

Asbestos fibres inhaled get stuck in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. They cause gene mutations that lead to cancer. Symptoms typically don't appear until 20 to 60 years after exposure.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the site where tumors form in the body. For example the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma typically affect the lungs, while mesothelioma that affects the pericardial and peritone the stomach and the heart, respectively. Patients can also experience other symptoms associated with their condition, including weight loss, fatigue and breathing difficulties.

The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is to conduct a physical exam and detailed health history. Patients should inform their doctor of any asbestos exposure as well as any unusual signs or changes to the body that they have noticed. Doctors may also prescribe imaging tests in addition to a physical examination to determine the progress of the disease and rule out any other diseases 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 linings of organs such as stomach and lungs. As time passes the fibers cause inflammation and eventually tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms often are not evident until cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

When mesothelioma starts to show signs, they quickly progress and can negatively impact the quality of life of a patient. Patients can become weak and bed-bound as their cancer progresses. Many patients suffering from mesothelioma at the final stages of their disease experience severe pain.

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

Patients with mesothelioma tend to be at greater chance of developing other types of cancer, including breast cancer and lung cancer because asbestos fibers can irritate these tissues as well. These risks can be reduced by not being exposed to asbestos and maintaining a healthy lifestyle at work. For instance, employees must change their clothes before leaving for work and shower immediately after work to prevent bringing home any asbestos-containing particles on their clothing or skin. In addition, those who live with people who are exposed to asbestos should be certain to shower and change their clothing before entering the home.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is a grouping of minerals that occur naturally and contain tiny fibres. It can be used in various ways. These fibres can be released into air or lungs by people who are using asbestos. Over time, these fibers may build up and cause scarring of the lungs known as asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is found in the protective linings of organs called mesothelium. It usually develops in the lining 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 visiting your doctor and have an examination. This can help your doctor recognize the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other illnesses. Your doctor might also recommend blood tests and imaging scans to look for mesothelioma or to identify symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These scans reveal pleural or peritoneal fluid.

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

Your doctor can use a variety of diagnostic tests, based on the location mesothelioma has been found. The most commonly used type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, affecting the lungs. Doctors can diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as well, targeting the lining of the abdomen or pericardial mesothelioma specifically targeting the lining of the heart.

In the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis your doctor will inquire about your exposure to asbestos as well as whether you experience any symptoms. They will then conduct physical examination and examine your medical history. If they suspect mesothelioma they will refer you to a specialist for further tests and scans. These tests can help diagnose the type and stage of your mesothelioma as well as revealing how far the cancer has spread.

Treatment

Exposure to asbestos case is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is found in rock and soil. It is a very durable mineral that can be transformed into thin woven fibers to be used in many products. In the United States, asbestos legal was utilized for construction materials and insulation in the 20th century before scientists discovered its dangers. Asbestos is most often exposed when people breathe or swallow the fibers. They then cling to the organ's lining. Over time, the tissue may develop tumors that cause symptoms such as chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 10 to 50 years after the initial exposure.

Mesothelioma is a possibility for anyone who has been exposed asbestos, but certain people are more at risk. Any asbestos attorney exposure increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. This includes both para- and occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos case through their families are at a higher risk. You should inform your doctor if anyone in your family is diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Different types of mesothelioma can occur in different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma, for instance, is the most prevalent type, affecting around 70-80 percent of all cases. It starts in the tissues that cover each lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma appears less often. It occurs in the abdominal lining (peritoneum). Malignant mesothelioma is found in two forms: epithelioid, and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is more common and grows slower than mesothelioma with sarcomatoid features. There is also a rare mesothelioma type that includes both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is called biphasic mesothelioma.

Your doctor can decide on the best treatment for you based on your type of mesothelioma. Your doctor may suggest chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery to alleviate your symptoms and prolong your life span. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the type of mesothelioma, where it is located and your medical history.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases however, there are a few things you can do to lower your risk. If you were exposed to asbestos in the past, try to reduce your exposure and stay clear from any places that might contain asbestos. You should also speak with your physician regarding any unusual or persistent symptoms that you have.

Recovery

Many people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocking to learn that exposure to asbestos in the past is the reason. Even more upsetting is the fact that their former employers did not warn them about the dangers associated with their work or take any action to safeguard workers from this toxic material. A mesothelioma lawyer could help those suffering from the disease to get justice by filing an action against the accountable parties.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the tissue that lines the body's organs, including the stomach, lungs, and heart. The most significant cause is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a class of minerals that forms long, thin fibers that are strong and resistant to fire. Before scientists realized its dangers to health asbestos was used extensively in building materials, automobile parts and other products. People who worked on projects that involved asbestos are more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes shipyard workers, construction workers, employees insulation workers asbestos abatement technicians as well as other laborers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos particles clung to clothing, personal items, and workers' bodies. This can cause mesothelioma to their families.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent form of this cancer. It affects the linings of the lung and is usually found in the chest. Symptoms include coughing up blood or fluid accumulation around the lungs. It can also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.

The amount of asbestos exposure and gender are two aspects that affect a person's chance of developing mesothelioma. Men are more susceptible to the disease than women. Age is another factor. A family history is also a risk factor. Certain asbestos-related illnesses have been linked to specific genes. Mesothelioma is more frequent in those who have experienced chest radiation or who have a family member who has the disease. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur for those over 60 years old.