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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Occupational asbestos exposure is the main reason for mesothelioma. The exposure to asbestos can happen in shipyards, construction and factories.

Asbestos fibres that are inhaled become trapped in the lining (pleura) of the lungs and cause gene mutations that 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 within the body and also on the kind and stage. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs while pericardial, peritoneal and mesothelioma affecting the stomach and heart. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue and breathing difficulties.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is a physical examination and a detailed health history. Patients should inform their doctor of any asbestos exposure and any unusual signs or changes to the body that they have noticed. Doctors may also request imaging tests in addition to a physical exam to determine the progression of the disease and rule out any other ailments like pneumonia or lung cancer.

Mesothelioma may not be diagnosed until decades after asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled swallowed, absorbed and stick to the linings of organs like the lungs and stomach. These fibers can cause inflammation, which can lead to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms typically are not evident until cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

When mesothelioma-related symptoms start they can quickly worsen and impact a patient's quality of life. Patients may become weak and bed-bound when the cancer progresses. Many patients suffering from mesothelioma at the last stages of their disease experience extreme pain.

In the course of a physical exam, doctors will ask about a patient's asbestos exposure and mesothelioma risk factors. A history of a family member who was diagnosed with mesothelioma or another type of cancer, smoking cigarettes or military service can all increase the chance of developing the disease.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma are typically at greater risk of developing other forms of cancer, such as lung and breast cancer, because the same asbestos fibers can irritate the tissues of these patients as well. By avoiding asbestos exposure and maintaining a healthy hygiene at work, the risks are reduced. For instance, employees should always change their clothes before leaving work and shower right after work to prevent bringing home any asbestos-containing particles on their clothing or skin. Those who live close to asbestos-contaminated workers should shower and change clothes before entering the home.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is made up of a variety of minerals that are found naturally and are made up of tiny fibres. It can be used in a variety of ways. These fibres are released into the air or into the lungs of those who use asbestos law. Over time these fibres may accumulate and cause scarring in the lungs, a condition known as asbestosis. It could also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the protective linings of organs called mesothelium. It is most common in the linings of the chest (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is frequently a factor in mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can take years to be diagnosed, which makes it difficult to determine the cause.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is to see your doctor and have a physical exam. This will help your doctor understand the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other illnesses. Your doctor might also recommend scans of your blood and imaging to check for mesothelioma, or to identify symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans are a way to diagnose 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 outlook. The stage of mesothelioma determines the severity of your symptoms and how quickly they develop.

Depending on the site of your mesothelioma, your doctor may use different diagnostic tests. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs and is the most common mesothelioma type. Doctors can diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as well, which targets the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, targeted at 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 are suffering from any symptoms. They will then perform physical examination and review your medical history. If they suspect that mesothelioma has developed, they will refer you to a specialist who can perform additional tests and scans. These tests will help diagnose the type and stage of your mesothelioma, as well as showing how the cancer has spread.

Treatment

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

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

Different types of mesothelioma occur in different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma, for instance, is the most frequent type, and affects about 70 to 80% of all cases. It starts in the layers of tissue that line every lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma, which is less common, is more. It is found in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). Malignant mesothelioma is found in two forms that are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a higher incidence and is more prone to growth than mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. There is a very rare mesothelioma type that has both sarcomatoid and epithelioid-cells. It is known as biphasic sarcomatoid mesothelio.

The type of mesothelioma that you have could aid your doctor in deciding how to treat you. Your doctor may suggest chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery to alleviate your symptoms and prolong your life. The type of mesothelioma you have, the location and your medical history will determine the type of treatment that you receive.

There are ways to reduce your risk of developing mesothelioma cancer is rare. If you have been exposed to asbestos, limit your exposure to it and avoid any places where it could be present. Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms.

Recovery

Many patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocked to learn that past exposure to asbestos is the main cause. They may be more shocked to discover that their former employers did not warn them about the risks of their work or take any steps to shield workers from the harmful material. A mesothelioma lawyer can help those suffering from the disease by filing a suit against the responsible parties.

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is located in the tissue that covers the organs of the body, including the stomach and lungs. The main cause is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that forms long, thin fibers that are durable and resistant to fire. Asbestos was widely used in the construction of buildings, automobile parts and other products prior to when scientists realized its health hazards in the 20th century. People who worked on projects that involved asbestos are more likely to develop mesothelioma. Shipyard workers, construction workers, insulation workers and asbestos abatement specialists are all at risk. Asbestos also clung onto clothing and other personal items, and workers took the fibers home on their bodies, potentially exposing their family members to mesothelioma too.

Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent type of cancer. It affects the linings of lung and is usually found in the chest. It is characterized by bleeding from the chest, or fluid buildup around the lung. 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 can affect the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. Men are more susceptible to the disease than women. The age of a person is another factor. A family history is also a risk factor. Certain asbestos litigation-related illnesses have been linked with specific genes. People who have had radiation to the chest are also at greater risk for mesothelioma, as are those who have a relative suffering from this disease. Most mesothelioma patients are older than 60 years old.