Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Occupational asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can occur in shipyards, construction sites and factories.

As asbestos fibres are inhaled, they get caught in the lung's lining (pleura) and cause gene mutations that can result in cancer. Symptoms usually don't show up until 20-60 years after exposure.

Symptoms

The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary according to where the tumors are located in the body and the type and stage. For example, pleural mesothelioma symptoms typically affect the lungs. However, peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma impact the stomach and the heart, respectively. Patients may also experience symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is a physical examination and a detailed health history. Patients should inform their doctor about any asbestos exposure or unusual symptoms or changes in the body they have noticed. In addition to conducting physical examinations doctors may conduct imaging tests to determine how the disease is progressing and to rule out other ailments like pneumonia or lung cancer.

Mesothelioma is not always diagnosed until years after exposure to asbestos. This is due to the fact that asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and then cling to the organs' linings, such as the lungs or stomach. These fibers can cause inflammation, which leads to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms typically do not appear until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

When mesothelioma symptoms first begin to manifest the symptoms can rapidly worsen and affect a patient's overall quality of life. As the cancer progresses, patients can become weaker and bed-bound. Many patients with mesothelioma in the final stages of their disease are in intense pain.

In addition to the physical exam, doctors inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma risk. A history of a family member who was diagnosed with mesothelioma, or any other type of cancer, smoking or military service can all increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

The asbestos fibers that can irritate the tissues of patients with mesothelioma also can irritate the tissues of patients suffering from breast cancer or lung cancer. By avoiding exposure to asbestos and maintaining a healthy hygiene at work, the risks are reduced. For instance, employees should change their clothes prior to leaving work and shower immediately after work to avoid bringing home any asbestos fibers on their clothing or skin. Also, people who live with people who are exposed to asbestos should make sure to shower and change their clothes before entering the home.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals containing tiny fibres that are utilized in many different ways. These fibres are released into the air or into the lungs of those who use asbestos. As time passes, these fibres can build up and cause scarring of the lungs known as asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer, grows in the linings that protect (mesothelium) of organs. It is most prevalent in the linings of the chest (pleura), or abdomen (peritoneum). Patients with mesothelioma can be exposed to asbestos settlement in their work environments. It takes decades for mesothelioma to show up making diagnosis difficult.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma involves a visit to the doctor and an examination. This will allow your physician to identify the symptoms you are experiencing and rule out any other illnesses. Your doctor may also order blood tests and imaging scans to check for mesothelioma, or to determine the symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can assist doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, by identifying pleural effusions or peritoneal effusion.

These tests also allow doctors to determine the stage of mesothelioma, which will determine your treatment options. There are four stages of mesothelioma, and each one has different prognoses. The stage of your mesothelioma determines how severe the symptoms are as well as how fast they will progress.

Based on the location of your mesothelioma doctor may use different diagnostic tests. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and is the most frequent mesothelioma form. Doctors may diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as well, which targets the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, targeted at the lining of the coronary artery.

During a mesothelioma diagnosis, your doctor will ask about the exposure to asbestos and whether you have any symptoms. They will then perform a physical exam and examine your medical history. If they suspect mesothelioma they will refer you to an expert for further scans and tests. These tests can help diagnose the type and stage of your mesothelioma, as well as revealing how far the cancer has spread.

Treatment

Asbestos exposure is the most prevalent mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a class of minerals that are found in rocks and soil. It is very strong and can be transformed into fine weaved fibers which are used in numerous products. In the United States, asbestos 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 can develop tumors, causing symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing and chest pain. The symptoms are not typically evident for 10 to 50 years following initial exposure.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma. However, some people are at greater risk than others. Mesothelioma can result from any type of asbestos attorney exposure that includes para- and occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos case through their family members are also at risk. If you have a relative with mesothelioma or asbestosis, you should speak to a doctor about your asbestos background.

Different types of mesothelioma are found in different areas of the body. Around 70 to 80 percent of cases are pleural mesothelioma. It starts in the layers of tissue that line each lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma, which is less common, is more. It is located in the interior (peritoneum) of the abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma comes in two types of epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is more common and is more prone to growth than mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. There is a very rare mesothelioma type that has both epithelioid- and sarcomatoid-cells. It is known as biphasic Mesothelioma.

The type of mesothelioma you have can aid your doctors in deciding what treatment to give you. Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy to lessen your symptoms and extend your life span. The type of mesothelioma you have, its location and your medical background will determine the kind of treatment you receive.

There are ways to lower your risk of developing mesothelioma is a rare cancer. If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, you should try to reduce your exposure and stay clear from any area that may contain asbestos. You should also talk with your physician about any unusual or persistent symptoms you experience.

Recovery

Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocked to discover that past exposure to asbestos is the cause. They could be even more irritated to learn that their previous employers did not inform them about the risks of their work or take any measures to shield workers from this toxic material. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist those suffering from the disease by filing a suit against the parties responsible.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues that line the body's organs, including the lungs, stomach and heart. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a family of minerals that form long thin fibers that are durable and fire resistant. Before scientists discovered its health hazards 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 construction workers, shipyard employees, insulation workers asbestos abatement technicians, and other workers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos fibers stick to personal items, clothing, and workers' bodies. This could cause mesothelioma to their families.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of this cancer. It affects the lung's lining 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 amount of exposure to asbestos and gender are two aspects that affect the chance of a person developing mesothelioma. Men are more likely to develop this condition than women, and a person's age is a significant factor. A family history is another risk factor. Some asbestos compensation-related diseases have been linked with specific genes. People who have received radiation to the chest are at greater risk for mesothelioma. So are those who have a family member who has been diagnosed with the disease. The majority of mesothelioma cases happen for those over 60 years old.