Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Occupational asbestos exposure is the most common reason for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can occur in shipyards, construction and factories.
Asbestos fibres inhaled get stuck in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. They cause gene mutations that lead to cancer. The symptoms typically don't appear until 20 to 60 years after exposure.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms vary depending on the type and the stage of cancer as well as the location where tumors develop within the body. For example, pleural mesothelioma symptoms typically affect the lungs, whereas mesothelioma that affects the pericardial and peritone the stomach and the heart, respectively. Patients may also experience symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.
A physical exam and a thorough health history are among the first steps in diagnosing mesothelioma. Patients should tell their doctor about any previous exposure to asbestos, and also mention any unusual symptoms or changes in their body they've observed. Doctors may also prescribe imaging tests in addition to a physical examination to determine the progression of the disease and rule out other ailments like pneumonia or lung cancer.
Mesothelioma is often not diagnosed until decades after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or swallowed, and they can adhere to the organ linings, such as stomach and lungs. These fibers can cause inflammation, which can lead to tumors. The signs of mesothelioma usually don't show up until the cancer has spread to other parts.
When mesothelioma symptoms first begin to manifest the symptoms can rapidly worsen and impact a patient's quality of life. As the cancer spreads, patients can become weaker and bed-bound. Many mesothelioma patients in the last stages of their disease experience severe pain.
In addition to a physical examination, doctors will ask about a patient's asbestos exposure and mesothelioma-related risk factors. Smoking, military service or a history of mesothelioma in a family member may increase the likelihood of developing this disease.
Patients with mesothelioma tend to be at higher risk of developing other forms of cancer, including lung and breast cancer, because the same asbestos fibers can irritate these tissues as well. The risk can be decreased by not being exposed to asbestos and maintaining a healthy lifestyle at work. Employees should shower and change their clothes immediately after leaving work to avoid bringing asbestos fibers home onto their clothing or skin. In addition, those who live with workers who are exposed to asbestos should be sure to wash and change their clothes before they enter the house.
Diagnosis
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals containing tiny fibres which are used in many different ways. Asbestos-users may release these fibres into the air and lungs of anyone nearby. Over time the fibres build up and cause scarring in the lungs, a condition known as asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer, develops in the linings that protect (mesothelium) of organs. It is most common in the linings of the chest (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is a common cause in mesothelioma. It takes a long time for mesothelioma signs to appear, which makes diagnosis difficult.
The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is to visit the doctor and an examination. This will help your doctor identify the symptoms you are experiencing and rule out other conditions. Your doctor may order blood tests or imaging scans to check for mesothelioma, or to identify symptoms from other ailments like lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can help doctors identify mesothelioma by identifying pleural effusion or peritoneal effusion.
These tests will help doctors determine your stage of mesothelioma and determine your treatment options. There are four mesothelioma stages, and each one has different prognoses. The stage of mesothelioma determines the severity of your symptoms and how quickly they develop.
Your doctor may utilize a variety diagnostic tests, based on the location the mesothelioma occurs. The most frequent mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma of the pleural region, which affects the lungs. Doctors can diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as well, targeting the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, targeted at the lining of the heart.
During a diagnosis of mesothelioma the doctor will ask you about your exposure to asbestos and whether you experience any symptoms. They will then perform physical examination and review your medical history. If they suspect that you have mesothelioma they will refer you to a specialist who will perform additional tests and scans. These tests will help diagnose the type and stage of your cancer and also how far it has spread.
Treatment
The exposure to asbestos is the most frequent mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is one of the minerals that are found in rocks and soil. It is a strong mineral that can be made into thin woven fibers for various products. It was used in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century, before scientists discovered the dangers it poses to human health. The exposure to asbestos typically occurs when people inhale or swallow the fibers. They cling to organ linings. Over time, the lining can grow tumors and cause symptoms such as coughing, breathing problems and chest pain. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 10-50 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 which includes occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos by their relatives are also at a higher risk. If someone in your family has mesothelioma or asbestosis, you should speak to a doctor about your asbestos family history.
Different types of mesothelioma may occur in different parts of the body. Around 70 to 80 percent of cases are mesothelioma of the pleural region. It starts in the layers of tissue that cover every lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma, which is less common, is more. It occurs in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). There are two different kinds of malignant mesothelioma: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a higher incidence and is more prone to growth than mesothelioma with sarcomatoid features. There is a very rare mesothelioma that contains both epithelioid- and sarcomatoid-cells. It is known as biphasic Mesothelioma.
The type of mesothelioma you have can help your doctors decide what treatment to give you. Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy to reduce the symptoms and prolong your life. elizabeth asbestos attorneys of treatment you are offered will depend on the type of mesothelioma, the location it is located, and your medical background.
There are ways to decrease your risk, even though mesothelioma cancer is not common. If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, try to limit your exposure and stay clear from any areas that could have it. Talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms.
Recovery
Many mesothelioma patients are shocked to learn that their asbestos exposure is the cause. It is even more disturbing the fact that their former employers did not inform them of the dangers of their job or take any measures to safeguard workers from this toxic material. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist the patients seek justice by filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties.
Mesothelioma, a cancer, is located in the tissue that covers the organs of the body, like the lungs and stomach. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals that form long, thin fibers that are tough and fire resistant. Asbestos was widely used in buildings, automobile parts and other products before scientists realized its health hazards in the 20th century. Mesothelioma is a common occurrence in people who have been involved in asbestos-related projects. Shipyard workers, construction workers, insulation workers and asbestos elimination specialists are all at risk. Asbestos also clung onto clothing and other personal items, and workers carried these fibers home on their bodies, exposing their families to mesothelioma as well.
Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common type of this cancer. It affects the lining of the lungs, and the symptoms typically begin in the chest, like bleeding from the chest or an 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 factors that affect the chance of a person developing mesothelioma. Men are more vulnerable to this condition than women. The age of a person is another factor. Family history is also an important risk factor, since certain asbestos-related illnesses have been linked to specific genes. Mesothelioma is more prevalent for those who have had chest radiation or who have a family member who has the disease. The majority of mesothelioma cases happen for those over 60 years old.