Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos fibres inhaled get stuck in the lining (pleura) of the lungs and trigger gene mutations which result in 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 and the location where tumors grow in the body. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs while pericardial, peritoneal and peritoneal mesothelioma affect the heart and stomach. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, 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 and any unusual symptoms or changes in the body that they have observed. Doctors may also request imaging tests in addition to a physical examination to determine the progression of the disease and rule out any other conditions such as lung cancer or pneumonia.

Most often, mesothelioma symptoms don't show up until decades after exposure to asbestos. This is because stray asbestos case fibers can be breathed in or swallowed, and cling to the lining of organs such as the stomach or lungs. Over time these fibers can cause inflammation and eventually tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms usually are not evident until cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

When mesothelioma starts to show signs, they rapidly increase in severity and affect a patient's life quality. As the cancer grows patients may become weaker and bed-bound. Many patients with mesothelioma in the last stages of their disease are in severe pain.

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

The asbestos fibers that cause irritation to the tissues of patients suffering from mesothelioma can also irritate those of patients suffering from breast cancer or lung cancer. By avoiding exposure to Asbestos legal and maintaining a clean environment at work, the risks are reduced. Employees should shower and change their clothes immediately after leaving the office to avoid bringing asbestos-containing fibers home on their clothes or skin. Additionally, people who live with people who are exposed to asbestos should make sure to shower and change their clothing before entering the home.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals containing tiny fibres which are used in a variety of ways. These fibres are 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 type of cancer that grows in the protective linings of organs known as mesothelium. It is most common in the chest lining (pleura), or abdomen (peritoneum). Patients with mesothelioma can be exposed to asbestos in their work environments. Mesothelioma can take years to manifest, making diagnosis difficult.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma begins with a visit to the doctor and a physical exam. This will aid your doctor in understanding the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other diseases. Your doctor can also order scans of your blood and imaging to determine if you have mesothelioma. Or to detect symptoms of other illnesses like lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These scans reveal pleural or peritoneal fluid.

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

Your doctor can utilize a variety diagnostic tests, based on the location the mesothelioma occurs. The most common mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma that affects the lungs. Doctors can diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as well, targeting the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, focused on the lining of the coronary artery.

In the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis your doctor will inquire about your exposure to asbestos and whether you experience any symptoms. The doctor will conduct an examination of your body and look over your medical documents. If they suspect that mesothelioma is present, they will refer you to a specialist who can perform additional tests and scans. These tests can help determine the type and stage of your mesothelioma, as well as revealing how far the cancer has spread.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is most often caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is one of the 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. It was utilized in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century before scientists discovered its health risks to humans. The exposure to asbestos typically occurs when people inhale or swallow the fibers. They then adhere to the linings of organs. As time passes, the organ's tissue may develop tumors, causing symptoms such as chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. The symptoms are not typically evident for 10 to 50 years following initial exposure.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma. However, some individuals are more at risk than others. You can get mesothelioma from any type of asbestos exposure which includes occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are also at greater risk. It is important to inform your doctor if anyone in your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Different types of mesothelioma can be found in different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma, for instance, is the most common type, affecting approximately 70 to 80 percent of cases. It starts in the layers of tissue that surround the lungs (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma is not as common. It occurs in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum). There are two different kinds of malignant mesothelioma: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a higher incidence and grows slower than mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. There is a very rare mesothelioma type that has both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is called biphasic mesothelioma.

The type of mesothelioma you have can help your doctors decide what treatment to give you. Your doctors may recommend chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy to reduce the symptoms and prolong your life. The type of mesothelioma you have, its location and your medical background will determine the kind of treatment you will receive.

There are ways to decrease your risk, even though mesothelioma is a rare cancer. If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, you should try to limit your exposure and stay clear from any places that might contain asbestos. Consult your doctor for any unusual or persistent symptoms.

Recovery

Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma feel shocking to learn that exposure to asbestos in the past is the cause. More troubling is the fact that their former employers failed to warn them about the dangers associated with their work or take any steps to safeguard workers against asbestos, a toxic substance. A mesothelioma lawyer can help the patients seek justice by filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues that line the body's organs, including the stomach, lungs, and heart. The main reason for this is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a class of minerals that form long, thin fibers that are tough and resistant to fire. Before scientists realized its dangers to health asbestos was extensively used in construction materials, automotive parts, and other products. Mesothelioma is most common in those who have worked on asbestos case-containing projects. This includes shipyard workers, construction workers, employees insulation workers asbestos abatement technicians as well as other laborers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos also clung onto clothing and other personal items, and workers brought the fibers home with them on their bodies, exposing their family members to mesothelioma, too.

The most common type of cancer is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the linings of lungs, and typically begins in the chest. It is characterized by bleeding from the chest or fluid accumulation around the lung. It can also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.

The chances of a person developing mesothelioma depend on several 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 an individual's age is another important factor. A family history is also a risk factor. Some asbestos-related diseases have been linked with specific genes. Mesothelioma is more common for those who have had chest radiation or who have a family member with the disease. The majority of mesothelioma patients are older than 60 years old.