Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure at work is the primary reason for mesothelioma. Exposure can be found in shipyards, factories, mining sites and construction.
Asbestos fibers inhaled are stuck in the lining (pleura) of the lungs and trigger gene mutations which cause cancer. The symptoms usually don't 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 site where tumors form within the body. For example, pleural mesothelioma symptoms typically affect the lungs, while mesothelioma that affects the pericardial and peritone the stomach and the heart, respectively. Patients may also experience other symptoms associated with their condition, including fatigue, weight loss and difficulty breathing.
A physical examination and thorough health history are the first steps in diagnosing mesothelioma. Patients should tell their doctor about any past 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 progress of the disease and rule out any other conditions such as lung cancer or pneumonia.
Mesothelioma is not always diagnosed until years after asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can adhere to the linings of organs like stomach and lungs. In time, these fibers cause inflammation and lead to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms typically do not appear until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
When mesothelioma-related symptoms start, they can worsen rapidly and affect a patient's quality of life. As the cancer progresses, patients can become weaker and bed-bound. This is why many late-stage mesothelioma patients are in great pain towards the end of their lives.
In the course of a physical exam doctors will also inquire about a patient's asbestos exposure and mesothelioma risk factors. Smoking, military service, or mesothelioma-related history in a family member may increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
The same asbestos fibers that cause irritation to the tissues of patients with mesothelioma may also cause irritation to the tissues of patients suffering from lung or breast cancer. The risk can be decreased by not being exposed to asbestos and ensuring good hygiene in the workplace. Employees should shower and change their clothes immediately after leaving the office to avoid bringing asbestos-containing fibers home onto their clothing or skin. People who live near asbestos-exposed workers should also shower and change their clothes prior to entering the house.
Diagnosis
Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals containing tiny fibres which are used in many different ways. The people who use asbestos could release these fibres into the air and into the lungs of others around them. As time passes, these fibres can build up and cause scarring of the lungs known as asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, develops in the linings of protection (mesothelium) of organs. It is most commonly found in the chest lining (pleura), or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is a common cause in mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may take a long time to become apparent, making diagnosis difficult.
The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is to visit the doctor and an examination. This can help your physician identify the symptoms you are experiencing and rule out any other conditions. Your doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests to check for mesothelioma, or to determine the symptoms of other illnesses like lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can aid doctors identify mesothelioma by identifying pleural effusion or the peritoneal effusion.
These tests can help doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma in which you are and determine your treatment options. Each mesothelioma stage has an individual prognosis. The stage of mesothelioma determines the severity of your symptoms and how quickly they develop.
Your doctor may employ a variety of diagnostic tests, based on the location the mesothelioma occurs. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and is the most common form of mesothelioma. Doctors can also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma that targets the lining of your abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, specifically targeting the lining of the heart.
During a mesothelioma diagnosis, your doctor will ask about your exposure to asbestos as well as whether you experience any symptoms. They will then perform an examination and examine your medical background. If they suspect that mesothelioma is present, they will refer you to a specialist who can perform further tests and scans. These tests can help determine the type and stage of your mesothelioma as well as revealing how far the cancer has spread.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos can be found in rocks and soil. It is very strong and can be made into fine weaved fibers which are used in numerous products. In the United States, asbestos was used in construction materials and insulation in the 20th century until scientists discovered its dangers. Asbestos is most often exposed when people breathe in, or swallow the fibers. They cling to the organ's lining. Over time, the lining can grow tumors, causing symptoms like coughing, breathing problems and chest pain. Symptoms do not usually appear until 10 to 50 years after initial exposure.
Mesothelioma can affect anyone who has been exposed asbestos, but certain people are more at risk. Any type of asbestos exposure increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. This includes both para- and occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos through their relatives are also at risk. It is important to inform your doctor if anyone in your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Different types of mesothelioma are found in different areas of the body. About 70 to 80 percent of cases are mesothelioma pleural. It starts in the layers of tissue that surround every lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma, which is less common, is more. It is found in the interior (peritoneum) of the abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma is found in two forms: epithelioid, and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a higher incidence and develops slower than mesothelioma with sarcomatoid features. There is also a rare mesothelioma which has both epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid cells. It is called biphasic mesothelioma.
Your doctor can decide on the most appropriate treatment for you based on your type of mesothelioma. Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy to reduce your symptoms and extend your life. The type of mesothelioma that you have, its location and your medical history will determine the type of treatment you will receive.
There are ways to lower your risk of developing mesothelioma is a rare cancer. If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, you should try to limit your exposure and stay away from any places that might contain it. Consult your physician if you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms.
Recovery
Many mesothelioma patients are shocked to discover that past exposure to asbestos is the cause. They may be even more upset to discover that their former employers didn't warn them about the risks of their work or take any steps to safeguard workers from the harmful material. tempe asbestos lawsuit can help these patients seek justice by filing a suit against the parties responsible.
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is located in the tissue that covers organs of the body, such as stomach and lungs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos which is a group of minerals that make long, thin fibers that are strong and fire resistant. Before the discovery of asbestos' health hazards asbestos was used extensively in building materials, automobile parts and other products. Mesothelioma is a common occurrence in people who have been involved in asbestos-related projects. This includes construction workers, shipyard employees, insulation workers asbestos abatement technicians, and other workers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos particles clung to clothing, personal items and even the bodies of workers. This could cause mesothelioma to their families.
The most common type of cancer is mesothelioma of the pleura. It affects linings of the lungs, and typically begins in the chest. Symptoms include coughing up blood or fluid accumulation around the lungs. It can also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.
The amount of asbestos exposure and gender are two aspects that can impact the chance of a person developing mesothelioma. Men are more vulnerable to this disease than women. Age is another factor. Family history is also a risk factor, as certain asbestos-related illnesses have been linked to specific genes. People who have had radiation to the chest are more likely to develop mesothelioma. The same is true for those with a family member who has been diagnosed with the disease. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in people who are over 60 years old.