Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure in the workplace is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Exposure can be found in factories, shipyards mining sites, construction sites and mines.
Asbestos fibers inhaled are stuck in the lining (pleura) of the lungs and cause gene mutations that can result in cancer. The signs typically don't show up until 20 to 60 years after exposure.
Symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma differ depending on the location where the tumors are located within the body and the type and stage. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs while peritoneal, pericardial, and peritoneal mesothelioma affect the stomach and heart. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and difficulty breathing.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is a physical examination and a thorough health history. Patients should inform their doctor about any previous exposure to asbestos and mention any unusual symptoms or body changes they've noticed. 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 often not diagnosed until decades after asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or swallowed, and they can adhere to the organ linings, such as the lungs and stomach. In time the fibers cause inflammation and eventually tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't manifest until cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
When mesothelioma starts to show symptoms, they quickly progress and can negatively impact a patient's life quality. Patients may be weak and bed-bound as the cancer grows. Many patients suffering from mesothelioma at the final stages of their illness are suffering extreme pain.
In addition to the physical exam, doctors inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos as well as mesothelioma risks. A history of a family member who had mesothelioma, or any other type of cancer, smoking or military service can all increase a person's likelihood of developing the disease.
The asbestos fibers that cause irritation to the tissues of patients with mesothelioma also can irritate the tissues of patients suffering from lung or breast cancer. The risk of developing cancer can be minimized by avoiding exposure to asbestos and practicing good hygiene in the workplace. Employees should shower and change clothes immediately after leaving work to avoid bringing asbestos fibers home on their clothes or skin. Also, people who live with workers who are exposed to asbestos should be sure to shower and change their clothing before entering the home.
Diagnosis
Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals containing tiny fibres that are used in a variety of ways. These fibres can be released into the air or lungs by people who use asbestos. As time passes these fibres may build up and cause scarring of the lungs called asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma can be a type of cancer that grows within the protective linings of organs called mesothelium. It is most commonly found in the chest lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). People with mesothelioma are often exposed to asbestos at work. It can take decades for mesothelioma signs to appear making diagnosis difficult.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma involves a visit to the doctor and a physical exam. This will help your doctor recognize the symptoms you're 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 like lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These scans reveal the presence of peritoneal or pleural fluid.
These tests can also help doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma, which determines the treatment options you have. Each mesothelioma stage has an individual prognosis. The stage of mesothelioma will determine how severe your symptoms are and how quickly they progress.
Depending on the location of mesothelioma, your doctor may use different diagnostic tests. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs and is the most frequent form of mesothelioma. Doctors can also diagnose peritoneal or pericardial the pericardial, pericardial, peritoneal and the peritoneal, pericardial, peritoneal and peritoneal peritoneal peritoneal pericardial pericardial the pericardial, pericardial, pericardial and pericardial pericardial
During a mesothelioma diagnosis, your doctor will ask about your exposure to asbestos as well as whether you have any symptoms. They will then conduct a physical exam and review your medical history. If they suspect that you have mesothelioma they will refer to an expert who can carry out additional tests and scans. These tests can help determine the type and the stage of your cancer, and also how far it has spread.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a class of minerals that are found in rocks and soil. It is a strong mineral that can be made into thin woven fibers for various products. In the United States, asbestos was used in insulation and construction materials in the 20th century before scientists discovered its dangers. Asbestos is usually exposed when people breathe or swallow the fibers. They then stick to organ linings. As time passes, the organ's lining may develop tumors and trigger 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 anyone who has been exposed to asbestos, however certain types are at greater risk. Any exposure to asbestos increases the chance of getting mesothelioma, including both occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are at risk. If you have a relative with mesothelioma or asbestosis, you should speak to an expert about your asbestos family history.
Different types of mesothelioma occur in different parts of the body. About 70 to 80 percent of cases are pleural mesothelioma. It begins in the layers of tissue that surround each lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma is less common. It is found in the abdominal lining (peritoneum). Malignant mesothelioma comes in two forms: epithelioid, and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more frequent than sarcomatoid and grows slower. There is also a rare mesothelioma type that includes both epithelioid and 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 might recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery to relieve your symptoms and prolong your life. The kind of treatment you will receive will depend on the type of mesothelioma you have, the location where it is located, as well as your medical history.
There are ways to reduce your risk, even though mesothelioma cancer is rare. If you have been exposed to asbestos, limit your exposure to asbestos and avoid any areas where it could be present. You should also speak to your doctor about any unusual or persistent symptoms that you have.
Recovery
Many patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocked to learn that their asbestos exposure is the reason. They may be more shocked to discover that their former employers didn't inform them of the dangers of their jobs or take any measures to safeguard workers from this toxic material. A mesothelioma lawyer can help these patients find justice by filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties.
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is located in the tissue that covers organs of the body, such as stomach and lungs. The primary reason for this is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a class of minerals that form long, thin fibers that are strong and resistant to fire. Asbestos was widely used in the construction of buildings, automobile parts and other products prior to when scientists learned of its health risks in the 20th century. People who were involved in projects that required asbestos are most likely to develop mesothelioma. Construction workers, shipyard workers insulation workers, and asbestos elimination specialists are all at risk. Asbestos fibers clung to personal items, clothing and even the bodies of workers. lawrence asbestos law firm could cause mesothelioma to their families.
The most frequent type of 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 accumulation around the lung. It can also affect the lining of the stomach (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.
A person's chances of developing mesothelioma is affected by many factors, including the duration they were exposed to asbestos, as well as their gender. Men are more vulnerable to this disease than women. Age is also a factor. Family history is also considered as a risk factor since certain asbestos-related diseases have been linked to specific genes. Mesothelioma is more common in people who have had chest radiation or have a family member with the disease. Most mesothelioma patients are older than 60.