Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Occupational asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma-related cause. Exposure can be seen in factories, shipyards mining sites, construction sites and mines.

Inhaled asbestos case fibres get trapped in the lung's lining (pleura) and trigger gene mutations that cause cancer. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 20 to 60 years after exposure.

Symptoms

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where the tumors are located in the body and also on the kind and stage. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs while pericardial, peritoneal and mesothelioma affecting the heart and stomach. Patients may also experience symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and breathing difficulties.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma involves a physical examination and a detailed health history. Patients must inform their physician of any asbestos exposure or unusual symptoms or changes in the body that they have noticed. Doctors may also prescribe imaging tests in addition to a physical examination to determine the severity of the disease and rule out any other ailments like lung cancer or pneumonia.

Mesothelioma may not be diagnosed until years after exposure to asbestos. This is due to asbestos fibers can be breathed in or swallowed, and then cling to the lining of organs such as the lungs or stomach. In time these fibers can cause inflammation and eventually tumors. The signs of mesothelioma usually don't manifest until the cancer has spread to other parts.

When mesothelioma symptoms first begin to manifest the symptoms can rapidly worsen and affect a patient's overall quality of life. Patients may be weak and bed-bound as the cancer grows. In the end, many mesothelioma patients in late stage are in great pain at the end of their lives.

In addition to the physical exam, doctors inquire about the patient's asbestos exposure and mesothelioma risk. A family member who had mesothelioma, or any other type of cancer, smoking or military service can all increase the risk of developing the disease.

The same asbestos fibers that irritate the tissues of patients suffering from mesothelioma may also cause irritation to the tissues of patients with lung or breast cancer. By avoiding exposure to asbestos and maintaining a clean environment at work, the risks can be reduced. Employees should shower and change their clothes immediately after leaving work to avoid bringing asbestos fibers home on their clothes or skin. Also, people living with workers who are exposed to asbestos should be sure to wash and change their own clothes before entering the home.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals containing 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. In time, these fibres may build up and cause scarring of the lungs known as asbestosis. It can also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that protect organs, referred to as mesothelium. It most commonly develops in the lining of the chest (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). People with mesothelioma are often exposed to asbestos at work. It takes a long time for mesothelioma signs to appear and is a difficult diagnosis.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is to see your doctor and have a physical exam. This can help your doctor recognize the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other conditions. Your doctor can also order imaging scans and blood tests to determine if you have mesothelioma. Or to identify symptoms of other conditions like lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These scans identify pleural or peritoneal fluid.

These tests can also help doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma, which will determine your treatment options. Each mesothelioma stage has a different prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma determines how severe the symptoms are and how fast they will progress.

Depending on the location of your mesothelioma doctor may use different diagnostic tests. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and is the most frequent mesothelioma form. Doctors can also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, targeting the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, targeted at the lining of the coronary artery.

During a diagnosis of mesothelioma your doctor will inquire with you about your exposure to asbestos lawyer and whether you experience any symptoms. They will then perform an examination and review your medical history. If they suspect mesothelioma they will refer you to an expert for further scans and tests. Those tests will help to diagnose the type and stage of your mesothelioma and also show how the cancer has spread.

Treatment

Asbestos exposure is the most frequent mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is one of the minerals that are found in rock and soil. It is very strong and can be made into fine weaved fibers that are used in a variety of products. In the United States, asbestos was used for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century before scientists discovered the dangers of asbestos. Asbestos is usually exposed when people inhale or swallow the fibers. They cling to the lining of organs. Over time, the tissue may develop tumors, causing symptoms like chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. The symptoms are not typically evident for 10 to 50 years following the initial exposure.

Mesothelioma can affect those who have been exposed to asbestos, however certain types are at greater risk. Any exposure to asbestos can increase your chances of getting mesothelioma, including both para- and occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos by their family members are also at a higher risk. If you or someone in your family has mesothelioma or asbestosis, you should speak to an expert about your asbestos background.

Different types of mesothelioma be found in different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type, affecting approximately 70 to 80 percent of cases. It begins in the layers of tissue that surround every lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma is less common. It is located in the interior (peritoneum) of the abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma can be found in two types of epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more prevalent than sarcomatoid and is more prone to growth. There is also a very rare mesothelioma type that contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is known as biphasic sarcomatoid mesothelio.

Your doctor will determine the best treatment for you based on the type of mesothelioma. Your doctor might recommend radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery to alleviate your symptoms and prolong your life. The kind of treatment you will receive will depend on the type of mesothelioma, the location where it is located, as well as your medical background.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence however, there are a few things you can do to lower your risk. If you've been exposed to asbestos litigation, you should limit your exposure to it and avoid any areas in which it is possible to find. You should also talk with your doctor about any unusual or persistent symptoms you may be experiencing.

Recovery

Many people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma feel shocking to learn that exposure to asbestos in the past was the reason. They could be even more shocked to discover that their former employers didn't inform them of the dangers of their job or take any steps to protect workers from the harmful material. A mesothelioma attorney can help those suffering from the disease by filing a suit against the responsible parties.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is located in the tissues that cover organs in the body, like the lungs and stomach. The most significant cause is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a class of minerals that form long, thin fibers that are durable and resistant to fire. Before the discovery of asbestos' health hazards, asbestos was widely used in the manufacture of building materials, automobile parts, and other products. People who worked on projects that involved asbestos are the most likely to develop mesothelioma. Construction workers, shipyard workers, insulation workers and asbestos elimination specialists are all at risk. Asbestos also clung to clothing and other personal items, and workers brought these fibers home with them on their bodies, exposing their families to mesothelioma, too.

Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent form of this cancer. It affects linings of the lungs, and typically begins in the chest. It is characterized by the coughing up of blood, or fluid buildup around the lungs. It can also affect the lining of the stomach (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.

The amount of asbestos attorney exposure and gender are two elements that can affect the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. Men are more likely to develop this condition than women, and the person's age is another important factor. Family history is also as a risk factor since some asbestos-related illnesses have been linked to certain genes. Patients who have had radiation to the chest are at greater risk for mesothelioma, as are those who have a family member who has been diagnosed with the disease. The majority of mesothelioma patients are older than 60 years.