Mesothelioma - An Asbestos Illness

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, occurs in the linings of protection which surround certain organs. It is usually found in the lungs but it can also develop in the chest wall or abdomen.

People who have been exposed to asbestos for a prolonged period and at high levels are at the risk of developing this disease. It could take between 10 to 50 years for mesothelioma to show symptoms.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of a few of the body's organs which is usually triggered by exposure to asbestos. It is usually found in the lung linings however, it can also be found in the linings of the heart and stomach. It's most common in people between the ages of 60 and 80, and it's more prevalent in men than women.

The exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma and symptoms of the cancer typically manifest between 10 and 50 years after exposure to the mineral. This is due to the fact that asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed can remain dormant in organ linings prior to when they cause health problems.

Early mesothelioma signs are often confused with other illnesses like influenza, pneumonia, or lung problems. This makes it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition and can result in delays in treatment.

In the latter stages of mesothelioma patients may suffer more severe and painful symptoms. The type of symptoms that manifest depend on the location of the cancer mesothelioma, with pleural mesotheliom causes chest pain and breathing problems, whereas peritoneal mesothelioma can cause abdominal pain or swelling.

Patients with mesothelioma that is in its late stage may also experience fatigue, nausea and weight loss. Cancer cells can spread from the lymph nodes into the bloodstream in some cases. This can aggravate existing symptoms and trigger new ones to develop.

Doctors can help to diagnose mesothelioma by looking at a patient and asking about their past exposure to asbestos. The doctor will refer the patient for further tests, including imaging technology that allow for a visual inspection of the body, and determine the extent to which cancer spread. These technologies can also be used to analyze the treatment plan, monitor the patient's response to treatments and even stage a cancer.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can affect the lining of certain internal organs. It is triggered by exposure to asbestos. It can take anywhere between 15 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma develop. It is most common in the pleura, but can also be found in the peritoneum and pericardium. Mesothelioma cannot be cured however treatment can help alleviate symptoms.

People who work in industries that use asbestos compensation are more at chance of developing the disease. People who have been exposed to asbestos in other ways, like living in a home or school that has been exposed asbestos claim, are also at risk. Mesothelioma is the most common cancer among people over 75, and males are more likely to get it than women.

Mesothelioma has been linked with various jobs, however the majority involve those who worked directly with asbestos or who worked in areas that had substantial asbestos exposure, such as mines, construction sites and asbestos insulation plants. This includes miners, shipyard workers, electricians painting and other tradespeople.

Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that form small fibers. It can be found in soil and rocks around the world. When asbestos is disturbed it releases its fibers into the atmosphere and can be inhaled. When these fibers are breathed in, they can damage the lungs and trigger respiratory diseases like asbestosis. Over time, they can cause malignant mesothelioma, a type of cancer.

A doctor will first assess and collect an medical history of the patient. They will ask questions regarding the person's exposure to asbestos and will do a chest X-ray and a CT scan.

The doctor will make use of a needle to take the fluid from the affected area. This will be tested for mesothelioma. They can also take a biopsy of the affected tissue to confirm mesothelioma.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will likely refer the patient to a specialist. The specialist will conduct further tests and establish the treatment plan.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a life-threatening and serious illness. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should discuss their experiences with a doctor and get regular screenings. Mesothelioma symptoms typically show up years after exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma can have a long time of latency that can make it difficult to diagnose. The prognosis for mesothelioma is generally good when the disease is diagnosed early and promptly treated.

Asbestos is a class of minerals with microscopic, thin fibers. They are impervious to fire, heat, and chemicals and do not conduct electricity. Asbestos was once used widely in construction and other industries because of its properties. However the health hazards associated with asbestos were not fully understood until the last few years.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should inform their doctors if they experience persistent symptoms, such as dry cough, difficulty breathing or changes in the shape of the fingers and toes (finger clubbing). Mesothelioma is also a cause of other illnesses, including pulmonary fibrosis. This is an inflammation lung disease that causes scarring of the lung. This can cause severe respiratory problems, and reduce the quality of life for patients.

There are three kinds: malignant pleural the peritoneal, and sarcomatoid. The type of mesothelioma a patient has will determine the treatment options and outlook.

The most common type of mesothelioma is mesothelioma of the pleural region, which affects the lining of the lungs (pleura). Asbestos exposure can cause this cancer, which can take up 50 years to develop, and may cause noticeable symptoms. It can cause chest pain and swelling of fluid in the pleura.

Pleural mesothelioma is often diagnosed through tests such as the CT scan, an MRI and a biopsy. These tests can detect bumps or lumps within the pleura. They can also help doctors determine the kind of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from.

Mesothelioma forms differ according to the type of cells and the growth rate. The most common type of mesothelioma epithelioid is responsible for 60 to 80% of all cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, which is less common, and grows faster than epithelioid mesothelioma. Biphasic mesothelioma is uncommon and is composed of epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. The type of mesothelioma may also influence the recurrence rates.

Prevention

Workers who work with asbestos or live in an area where materials containing asbestos are disposed of are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However, mesothelioma could also be caused by living near an asbestos mine or factory or exposure to airborne asbestos fibers from natural asbestos deposits or simply having a relative who worked with asbestos.

Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals that contain tiny microscopic fibers. The mineral was used in a variety of construction materials because it is durable and fire-resistant. Workers who work with asbestos are exposed to small particles of the mineral when the products they use are broken up or when removing the products from their work. When asbestos case fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they could cause irritation to the lining of the organ where they enter. Mesothelioma usually develops following years of heavy and prolonged exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be reminiscent of more common diseases such as lung cancer, pneumonia or bronchitis. Due to this, mesothelioma is often not properly diagnosed. In the end, patients are treated incorrectly or are not receiving the treatment they require. A biopsy is the most effective way to detect mesothelioma. During this procedure, physicians remove tissue from the suspected tumor or mass, and then study it under a microscope to determine whether it is cancerous.

The majority of mesothelioma cases are related to workplace asbestos exposure. The most at risk are miners, those who work in the manufacture of asbestos legal-containing products such as insulation railway and automotive workers, ship builders, and gas mask makers. However, it has been found that relatives of those who worked with asbestos legal are also at risk of an increased risk of developing mesothelioma because of exposure to asbestos from the clothes they used to wear at home.

It is not fully understood what causes mesothelioma and the reason why certain people are more susceptible of developing the disease than others. Researchers believe that a mix of factors are at play for mesothelioma risk, such as the amount and how long the person was exposed to asbestos, the person's genetics, and whether they have received radiation treatments in the past.