Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
The occupational exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related cause. Exposure to asbestos can occur in construction, shipyards and factories.
Asbestos fibres inhaled get trapped in the lining (pleura) of the lungs and trigger gene mutations which cause cancer. The 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 located within the body, as well as the type and stage. For instance Pleural mesothelioma symptoms usually affect the lungs. However, mesothelioma that affects the pericardial and peritone the stomach and the heart respectively. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue and breathing difficulties.
A physical examination and a thorough health history are among the first steps in diagnosing mesothelioma. Patients should inform their doctor of any asbestos exposure or unusual signs or changes to the body they have noticed. In addition to physical examinations, doctors will likely conduct imaging tests to determine how the disease is progressing and also to rule out other ailments like lung cancer or pneumonia.
Mesothelioma may not be diagnosed until years after asbestos exposure. This is because stray asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and then cling to the organs' linings, such as the lungs or stomach. Over time these fibers can cause inflammation and eventually tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma often don't appear until the cancer spreads to other parts.
As soon as mesothelioma begins to show signs, it can quickly worsen and impact a patient's life quality. Patients may become weak and bed-bound as the cancer spreads. As a result, many mesothelioma patients in late stage are in great pain towards the end of their lives.
In addition to the physical exam, doctors inquire about the patient's asbestos exposure and mesothelioma risk. Smoking, military service or mesothelioma history in a family member may increase the risk of developing the disease.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma are typically at higher risk of developing other forms of cancer, including breast cancer and lung cancer due to the fact that asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the tissues of these patients as well. By avoiding asbestos exposure and maintaining good hygiene at work, the risk are reduced. For instance, employees must change their clothes before leaving for work and shower immediately after work to avoid bringing home any asbestos-containing particles on their clothing or skin. Anyone who lives near asbestos-exposed workers must shower and change their clothes prior to entering the home.
Diagnosis
Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals with tiny fibres that are utilized in many different ways. People who use asbestos may release these fibres into the air and into the lungs of anyone nearby. In time, these fibres may build up and cause lung scarring known as asbestosis. It can also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma can be a type of cancer that is found in the protective linings of organs, referred to as mesothelium. It most commonly develops in the chest's lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is frequently a factor in mesothelioma. It takes decades for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest, which makes diagnosis difficult.
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma involves 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 illnesses. Your doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests 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 help doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, by identifying pleural effusion or peritoneal effusion.
These tests can also help doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma, which determines the treatment options you have. There are four mesothelioma stages, and each one has a different prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma will affect how severe the symptoms are and how quickly they will develop.
Depending on the site of mesothelioma, your doctor may use different diagnostic tests. The most commonly used mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, affecting the lung. Doctors may diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as well, that targets the lining of your abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, targeted at the lining of the coronary artery.
In the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis your doctor will ask about your exposure to asbestos as well as whether you experience any symptoms. The doctor will perform a physical examination and look over your medical documents. If they suspect mesothelioma is present, they will refer to a specialist who can perform additional tests and scans. These tests can help determine the type and stage of your mesothelioma, and also show how far the cancer has spread.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is most often caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is found in rock and soil. It is a very strong mineral that can be turned into thin woven fibers to be used in many different products. In the United States, asbestos was utilized for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century before scientists discovered the dangers of asbestos. The exposure to asbestos typically occurs when people inhale or swallow the fibers. They then cling to organ linings. In time, the lining may develop tumors, causing symptoms like coughing, chest pain and breathing problems. The symptoms usually do not show until 10-50 years after initial exposure.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma. However, certain individuals are more at risk than others. Any asbestos exposure increases your risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos through their parents are at risk. If someone in your family has mesothelioma or asbestosis, you should speak to a doctor about your asbestos background.
Different types of mesothelioma may be found in different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma, for instance, is the most common type, affecting about 70 to 80% of all cases. It starts in the tissues that cover each lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common. It occurs in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). Malignant mesothelioma can be found in two forms of epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a higher incidence and grows slower than mesothelioma with sarcomatoid features. There is a rare mesothelioma form that contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is referred to as biphasic mesothelioma.
The type of mesothelioma you have can aid your doctor in deciding what treatment to give you. Your doctor may recommend radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery to ease your symptoms and prolong your life span. The kind of treatment you will receive will depend on the type of mesothelioma you have, where it is located and your medical history.
Although mesothelioma is rare but there are some things you can do to reduce the risk. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you should limit your exposure to asbestos and avoid any places where it could be present. You should also speak to your doctor regarding any unusual or persistent symptoms you may be experiencing.
Recovery
Many mesothelioma patients are shocked to discover that past exposure to asbestos is the reason. They may be even more irritated to learn that their former employers did not warn them about the risks of their work or take any precautions to protect workers from the harmful material. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist the patients seek justice by filing a lawsuit against the parties responsible.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is found in the tissues that line the body's organs, including the lungs, stomach and the heart. The primary reason for this is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a class of minerals that forms long, thin fibers which are tough and resistant to fire. Before scientists realized its health hazards asbestos was extensively used in the manufacture of building materials, automobile parts, and other products. plano asbestos attorney is a common occurrence in those who worked on asbestos-containing projects. This includes construction workers, shipyard employees insulation workers asbestos abatement technicians as well as other workers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos fibers clung to personal items, clothing and the bodies of workers. This could cause mesothelioma to their families.
The most prevalent type of cancer is mesothelioma pleural. It affects linings of the lungs and usually starts in the chest. The symptoms include bleeding from the chest, or fluid buildup around the lungs. It can also impact the abdomen's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).
A person's chances of developing mesothelioma depend on several factors which include the amount of time they were exposed to asbestos, as well as their gender. Men are more vulnerable to the disease than women. Age is also a factor. A family history is another risk factor. Certain asbestos-related diseases have been linked to specific genes. Patients who have had radiation to the chest are also at greater risk for mesothelioma, as are those with a family member diagnosed with this illness. Most mesothelioma sufferers are older than 60 years.