Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Occupational asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can occur in shipyards, construction sites and factories.

As asbestos fibres are inhaled, they get caught in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and cause gene mutations that can cause cancer. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 20 to 60 years after exposure.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms vary depending on the kind and stage of cancer as well as the location where tumors develop within the body. For example Pleural mesothelioma symptoms usually affect the lungs, while mesothelioma that affects the pericardial and peritone the stomach and the heart respectively. Patients may also experience symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and breathing difficulties.

A physical examination and a detailed health history are the first steps to diagnose mesothelioma. Patients should tell their doctor about any past exposure to asbestos and report any unusual symptoms or body changes they've observed. Doctors will also order imaging tests in addition to a physical exam to determine the progress of the disease and rule out other diseases like pneumonia or lung cancer.

Most often, mesothelioma symptoms do not show up until decades after exposure asbestos. This is due to asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they cling to the organs' linings like the stomach or lungs. As time passes the fibers cause inflammation and lead to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms often do not appear until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Once mesothelioma symptoms begin the symptoms can rapidly worsen and affect a patient's quality of life. As the cancer progresses, patients can become weaker and bed-bound. As a result, many patients with mesothelioma in the late stages are in great pain towards the end of their lives.

In the course of a physical exam, doctors will ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma-related risk factors. Smoking, military service, or mesothelioma history in a family member can increase the likelihood of developing this disease.

The asbestos fibers that can irritate the tissues of patients suffering from mesothelioma can also irritate those of patients with breast cancer or lung cancer. By avoiding exposure to asbestos and maintaining a clean environment at work, the risk are reduced. For instance, employees should always change their clothes prior to leaving work and shower right after work to avoid bringing home asbestos fibers on their clothing or skin. Additionally, people living with workers who are exposed to asbestos should make sure to shower and change their clothing before they enter the house.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals with tiny fibres which are used in a variety of ways. Asbestos-users may release these fibres into the air and into the lungs of anyone nearby. Over time, these fibers may build up and cause lung scarring known as asbestosis. It can also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, develops in the protective linings (mesothelium) of organs. It is most prevalent in the chest lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Patients with mesothelioma are frequently exposed to asbestos litigation in the workplace. It can take decades for mesothelioma signs to appear, which makes diagnosis difficult.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma begins with a visit to the doctor and a physical exam. This can 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 look for mesothelioma or to determine the symptoms of other conditions like lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can help doctors identify mesothelioma by identifying pleural effusions or the peritoneal effusion.

These tests can also assist doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma, which determines the treatment options you have. Each stage of mesothelioma comes with an individual prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma will affect how severe the symptoms are as well as how quickly they will develop.

Your doctor may employ a variety of diagnostic tests depending on where the mesothelioma is located. The most commonly used type of mesothelioma is mesothelioma of the pleural region, which affects the lungs. Doctors may diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as well, targeting the lining of the abdomen or pericardial mesothelioma targeted at the lining of the heart.

In the event of a diagnosis of mesothelioma, your doctor will ask you about your asbestos exposure and if you exhibit any symptoms. They will then perform physical examination and review your medical history. If they suspect mesothelioma, they will refer you to a specialist to conduct further tests and scans. These tests will help diagnose the type and the stage of your cancer as well as how far it has taken over.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is often caused by exposure to asbestos claim. Asbestos is a group of minerals that are found in rocks and soil. It is a very durable mineral that can be transformed into thin fibers that can be used in many different products. In the United States, asbestos was used in insulation and construction materials in the 20th century until scientists discovered the dangers of asbestos. The exposure to asbestos typically occurs when people inhale or swallow the fibers. They adhere to organ linings. Over time, the lining may develop tumors, causing symptoms like coughing, breathing problems and chest pain. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 10 to 50 years after the initial exposure.

Mesothelioma can strike those who have been exposed to asbestos, but certain people are at a greater risk. Mesothelioma can be triggered by any type of asbestos exposure which includes occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are also at a higher risk. If someone in your family has mesothelioma, it is recommended that you speak to a doctor about your asbestos history.

Different types of mesothelioma occur 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 less common. It occurs in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). Malignant mesothelioma can be found in two forms of epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more common than sarcomatoid and is more prone to growth. There is also a rare mesothelioma type that has both epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid cells. It is known as biphasic sarcomatoid mesothelio.

Your doctor can decide on the best treatment for you based on your type of mesothelioma. Your doctor may suggest chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery to relieve your symptoms and prolong your life span. The type of mesothelioma that you have, its location and your medical history will determine the type of treatment that you receive.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases however, there are a few ways you can lower the risk. If you were exposed to asbestos in the past, try to limit your exposure to asbestos compensation and stay away from any area that may have asbestos. Talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms.

Recovery

Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocked to learn that their asbestos exposure is the cause. They may be even more upset to discover that their former employers didn't inform them about the risks of their work or take any precautions to shield employees from this harmful substance. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist those suffering from the disease by filing a suit against the responsible parties.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the tissues that cover organs in the body, like the stomach and lungs. The most significant reason for this is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a grouping of minerals that creates long, thin fibers that are durable and resistant to fire. Before the discovery of asbestos' health hazards asbestos was used extensively in the manufacture of building materials, automobile parts and other products. Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked on asbestos-containing projects. This includes shipyard employees insulation workers asbestos attorney abatement technicians as well as other laborers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos also adhered to clothing and other personal items, and workers brought these fibers home on their bodies, exposing their families to mesothelioma as well.

Pleural mesothelioma, or pleural mesotheli frequent type of cancer. It affects linings of the lungs, and typically begins in the chest. The symptoms include the coughing up of blood or fluid accumulation around the lung. It can also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.

The likelihood of developing mesothelioma depend on many factors which include the duration they were exposed to asbestos (click home page), as well as their gender. Men are more likely to contract this disease than women, and a person's age is another factor. A family history is also a risk factor. Certain asbestos-related illnesses have been linked to specific genes. Mesothelioma is more prevalent for those who have had radiation to their chest or have a family member who has the disease. Most mesothelioma sufferers are older than 60 years old.