Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Exposure can be found in shipyards, factories mining sites, construction sites and mines.
Inhaled asbestos fibres get trapped in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and trigger gene mutations that result in cancer. The symptoms typically don't appear until 20-60 years after exposure.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms can vary based on the kind and stage of cancer as well as the location the site where tumors form within the body. For example Pleural mesothelioma symptoms usually affect the lungs, while peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma impact the stomach and the heart respectively. Patients may also experience other symptoms that are associated with their condition, including fatigue, weight loss and difficulty breathing.
The first step to diagnosing 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 body changes they've observed. Doctors may also request 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 asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can adhere to the linings of organs such as the lungs and stomach. These fibers can cause inflammation, leading to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms often 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 overall quality of life. As the cancer progresses patients may become weaker and bed-bound. This is why many patients with mesothelioma in the late stages are in great pain towards the end of their lives.
In addition to a physical examination doctors will inquire about a patient's asbestos exposure and mesothelioma risk factors. A family member who had mesothelioma or other types of cancer, smoking or military service can all increase a person's likelihood of developing the disease.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma are typically at higher risk of developing other forms of cancer, including lung and breast 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 a healthy hygiene at work, the risks are reduced. Employees should shower and change clothes immediately after leaving the office to avoid bringing asbestos-containing fibers home onto their clothing or skin. People who live close to asbestos-contaminated workers should shower and change their clothes prior to entering the home.
Diagnosis
Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that have tiny fibres that are used in a variety of ways. Asbestos-users may release these fibres into the air and into the lungs of others around them. Over time, these fibres can build up and cause scarring of the lungs called asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, is a form that develops in the linings that protect (mesothelium) of organs. It is most common in the chest lining (pleura), or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is a common cause in mesothelioma. It takes decades for mesothelioma signs to appear and is a difficult diagnosis.
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is to visit your doctor and have a physical exam. This will help your doctor identify the symptoms you are experiencing and rule out other illnesses. Your doctor might also recommend scans of your blood and imaging to determine if you have mesothelioma. Or to detect symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These scans reveal pleural or peritoneal fluid.
These tests also allow doctors to determine the stage of mesothelioma, which determines your treatment options. Each stage of mesothelioma has an individual prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma will affect how severe the symptoms are as well as the speed at which they progress.
Your doctor can employ a variety of diagnostic tests depending on where the mesothelioma is located. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and is the most common mesothelioma type. Doctors can also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma targeting the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, targeted at the lining of the coronary artery.
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor will ask about your exposure to asbestos as well as whether you are suffering from any symptoms. They will then conduct a physical exam and examine your medical background. If they suspect mesothelioma they will refer you to a specialist for further 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
The exposure to asbestos is the most common mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a class of minerals that are found in rocks and soil. It is very strong and can be transformed into thin weaved fibers which are used in a variety of products. It was utilized in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century, before scientists realized its health risks to humans. The exposure to asbestos typically occurs when people swallow or inhale the fibers. They then stick to the organ's linings. As time passes, the organ's tissue may develop tumors that cause symptoms such as coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 10 to 50 years after the initial exposure.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma. However, some individuals are more at risk than others. You can get mesothelioma from any asbestos exposure, including occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos through their relatives are also at a higher risk. It is important to inform your doctor if anyone in your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Different types of mesothelioma may occur in different parts of the body. About 70-80% of cases are pleural mesothelioma. It starts in the layers of tissue that line each lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common. It occurs in the abdominal lining (peritoneum). There are two different kinds of malignant mesothelioma: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a higher incidence and develops slower than sarcomatoid mesothelioma. There is also miramar asbestos attorneys which has both epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid cells. It is known as biphasic Mesothelioma.
Your doctor will decide the best treatment for you based on the mesothelioma type. Your doctor might recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery to alleviate your symptoms and prolong your life span. The kind of treatment you are offered will depend on the type of mesothelioma you have, the location where it is located, as well as your medical history.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk. If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, try to limit your exposure and stay away from any area that may contain it. Consult your physician for any unusual or persistent symptoms.
Recovery
Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma feel shocking to learn that asbestos exposure in the past was the cause. They may be even more upset to discover that their former employers didn't warn them about the risks of their job or take any measures to protect workers from the harmful material. A mesothelioma attorney can help 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 organs of the body, such as the stomach, lungs, and the heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos which is a group of minerals that form long, thin fibers that are tough and fire resistant. Before the discovery of asbestos' health hazards, asbestos was widely used in building materials, automobile parts and other products. Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who been involved in asbestos-related projects. This includes shipyard workers, construction workers, employees, insulation workers, asbestos abatement technicians and other laborers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos also clung to clothing and other personal items and workers brought asbestos fibers home on their bodies, which could expose their family members to mesothelioma too.
The most frequent form of this cancer is mesothelioma of the pleura. It affects the linings of lung and is usually found in the chest. Symptoms include bleeding from the chest, or fluid buildup around the lung. It may also affect the abdomen's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).
The amount of exposure to asbestos and gender are two factors that can impact a person's chance of developing mesothelioma. Men are more prone to this disease than women. Age is another factor. Family history is also as a risk factor since some asbestos-related illnesses have been linked to certain genes. People who have had radiation to the chest are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. The same is true for those who have a family member suffering from this disease. Most mesothelioma patients are older than 60.