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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Occupational asbestos exposure is the primary reason for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can be found in construction, shipyards and factories.

Inhaled asbestos fibres get trapped in the lung's lining (pleura) and trigger gene mutations that result in cancer. Symptoms typically don't appear until 20 to 60 years after exposure.

Symptoms

The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary according to where the tumors are situated in the body, as well as the stage and type. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs and pericardial, peritoneal and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region affect the heart and stomach. Patients may also experience other symptoms that are associated with their condition, including fatigue, weight loss and breathing problems.

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

Mesothelioma is not always diagnosed until years after asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in swallowed, absorbed and stick to the linings of organs like the lungs and stomach. As time passes, these fibers cause inflammation and lead to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms usually are not evident until cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

When mesothelioma symptoms first begin to manifest, they can worsen rapidly and affect a patient's quality of life. As the cancer spreads and patients weaken, they can become and bed-bound. This is why many mesothelioma patients in late stage are in great pain at the end of their lives.

In addition to the physical exam, doctors ask about the patient's asbestos exposure and mesothelioma risk. A history of a family member who had mesothelioma or another type of cancer, smoking or military service can all increase the risk of developing the disease.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma are typically at greater chance of developing other types of cancer, including breast cancer and lung cancer due to the fact that asbestos fibers can irritate the tissues of these patients as well. The risk can be decreased by avoiding exposure to asbestos and ensuring good hygiene in the workplace. For instance, employees should always change their clothes before leaving for work and shower immediately after work to avoid bringing home asbestos-containing particles on their clothing or skin. Anyone who lives near asbestos case-exposed workers must shower and change clothes before entering the house.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals containing tiny fibres that are used in many different ways. These fibres can be released into the air or the lungs of people who are using asbestos. In time, these fibres 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 within the protective linings of organs, referred to as mesothelium. It is most common in the chest lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Patients with mesothelioma are frequently exposed to asbestos at work. It takes decades for mesothelioma signs to appear making diagnosis difficult.

The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma begins with a visit to the doctor and a physical exam. This can help your doctor recognize the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other illnesses. Your doctor might also recommend scans of your blood and imaging to look for mesothelioma or to detect symptoms of other illnesses like lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can assist doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, by identifying pleural effusion or peritoneal effusion.

These tests can aid doctors in determining your stage of mesothelioma and determine your treatment options. Each stage of mesothelioma has a different prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma determines how severe the symptoms are and how quickly they will develop.

Your doctor may use a variety of diagnostic tests based on where the mesothelioma occurs. The most common mesothelioma type is called pleural mesothelioma, affecting the lung. Doctors may also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, targeting the lining of the abdomen or pericardial mesothelioma targeted at the lining of the coronary artery.

During a mesothelioma diagnosis, your doctor will inquire about the exposure to asbestos and whether you experience any symptoms. The doctor will perform an examination and review your medical records. If they suspect that you have mesothelioma they will refer you to an expert who can carry out additional tests and scans. These tests will help diagnose the type and stage of your mesothelioma, as well as revealing how far the cancer has spread.

Treatment

Exposure to asbestos is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos can be found in soil and rock. It is a strong mineral that can be transformed into thin woven fibers to be used in various products. In the United States, asbestos was used for construction materials and insulation in the 20th century, before scientists realized its dangers. Asbestos is typically exposed when people inhale or swallow the fibers. They then adhere to the organ's linings. As time passes, the organ's lining can grow tumors and trigger symptoms such as coughing, breathing difficulties and chest pain. Symptoms do not usually appear until 10 to 50 years after initial exposure.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma. However, certain individuals are more at risk than others. Mesothelioma can be triggered by any type of asbestos exposure, including occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are also at a higher risk. You should tell your doctor if anyone in your family is diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Different types of mesothelioma may be found in different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma, for instance, is the most common type, affecting approximately 70 to 80% of all cases. It begins in the tissue that covers the lung (pleural msothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma occurs less frequently. It is located in the inner lining (peritoneum) of the abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma is found in two forms that are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more common than sarcomatoid, and it grows more slowly. There is also a rare mesothelioma which has both epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid cells. It is referred to as biphasic mesothelioma.

Your doctor can decide on the best treatment for you based on the type of mesothelioma. Your doctor might recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery to relieve your symptoms and prolong your life span. The kind of treatment you are offered will depend on the type of mesothelioma you have, where it is located and your medical background.

There are ways to lower your risk, even though mesothelioma cancer is not common. If you've been exposed to asbestos, you should limit your exposure to asbestos and avoid any areas where it may be present. Consult your physician in the event of any unusual or persistent symptoms.

Recovery

Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocked to learn that past exposure to asbestos is the reason. They may be even more shocked to discover that their previous employers did not warn them about the risks of their work or take any measures to safeguard employees from this harmful substance. A mesothelioma attorney can help these patients seek justice by filing a lawsuit against the parties responsible.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the tissue that covers organs of the body, like stomach and lungs. The main cause is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that form long, thin fibers that are tough and resistant to fire. Before scientists discovered its dangers to health asbestos law was extensively used in the manufacture of building materials, automobile parts and other products. Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked on asbestos-containing projects. This includes shipyard workers, construction workers, employees, insulation workers, asbestos abatement technicians and other workers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos fibers stick to clothing, personal items, and workers' bodies. This can expose their families to mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of this cancer. It affects the lining of the lungs, and the symptoms typically start in the chest, like the coughing up of blood or a buildup of fluid around the lungs. It can also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.

The chances of a person developing mesothelioma are affected by various factors, including the amount of time they were exposed to asbestos and their gender. Men are more susceptible to the disease than women. The age of a person is another factor. Family history is also considered as a risk factor since certain asbestos-related diseases have been linked to specific genes. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have experienced chest radiation or who have a family member with the disease. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in those who are more than 60 years old.