Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Occupational asbestos exposure is the main reason for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can be found in shipyards, construction sites and factories.
Asbestos fibres inhaled get trapped in the lining (pleura) of the lungs and cause gene mutations that can result in cancer. The symptoms typically don't appear until 20-60 years after exposure.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms can vary based on the type and the stage of cancer, as well as where tumors develop in the body. For instance, 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 related to their condition, such as weight loss, fatigue and difficulty breathing.
A physical exam and a detailed health history are the first steps to diagnose mesothelioma. Patients should inform their doctor of any asbestos exposure as well as any unusual signs or changes to the body that they have noticed. Doctors may also prescribe 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.
Most often, mesothelioma symptoms do not show up until years after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or swallowed, and they can adhere to the linings of organs like stomach and lungs. These fibers can cause inflammation, which can lead to tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma often don't appear until the cancer spreads to other parts of the.
Once mesothelioma symptoms begin the symptoms can rapidly worsen and affect a patient's quality of life. As the cancer progresses and patients weaken, they can become and bed-bound. Many patients with mesothelioma in the late stages of their disease experience severe pain.
In addition to the physical exam, doctors inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma-related risks. Smoking, military service or mesothelioma history in a family member could increase the likelihood of developing this disease.
Patients with mesothelioma are often at greater risk of developing other forms of cancer, including lung and breast cancer due to the fact that asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the tissues of these patients as well. By avoiding asbestos exposure and maintaining good hygiene at work, the risk are reduced. Employees must shower and change their clothes immediately after leaving work to avoid bringing asbestos fibers home on their clothing or skin. Anyone who lives close to asbestos-contaminated workers should wash and change their clothes prior to entering the home.
Diagnosis
Asbestos is a variety of minerals that are found naturally and are made up of tiny fibres. It can be used in a variety of ways. Asbestos-users may release these fibres into the air and into the lungs of those around them. In time, these fibres can accumulate and cause scarring of the lungs known as asbestosis. It could also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, develops in the protective linings (mesothelium) of organs. It is most prevalent in the linings of the chest (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is frequently a factor in mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can take decades to be diagnosed, which makes it difficult to determine the cause.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma begins with a visit to the doctor and a physical examination. This can help your physician understand the symptoms that you are experiencing and rule out other illnesses. Your doctor may recommend blood tests or imaging scans to look for mesothelioma, or identify symptoms from other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These scans reveal pleural or peritoneal fluid.
These tests can also help doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma which will determine your treatment options. Each stage of mesothelioma has an individual prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma will affect how severe the symptoms are as well as how fast they will progress.
Your doctor might utilize a variety diagnostic tests based on where the mesothelioma occurs. The most commonly used mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, affecting the lungs. Doctors can 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 mesothelioma diagnosis your doctor will inquire about your exposure to asbestos and whether you are suffering from any symptoms. The doctor will perform a physical examination and review your medical documents. If they suspect mesothelioma they will refer you to a specialist for further scans and tests. Those tests will help to diagnose the type and stage of your mesothelioma, as well as revealing how far the cancer has spread.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure is the most prevalent cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a group of minerals that are found in rock and soil. It is a very durable mineral that can be transformed into thin fibers that can be used in many products. In the United States, asbestos was used for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century, before scientists discovered the dangers of asbestos. The exposure to asbestos typically occurs when people inhale or swallow the fibers. They then adhere to organ linings. In time, the tissue can develop tumors and trigger symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing and chest pain. Symptoms do not usually appear until 10 to 50 years after the initial exposure.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma, but some individuals are more at risk than others. You can get mesothelioma from any asbestos exposure that includes para- and occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos by their parents are at a higher risk. If you have a relative with mesothelioma or asbestosis, you should speak to a doctor about your asbestos history.
Different types of mesothelioma may occur in different parts of the body. Around 70 to 80 percent of cases are pleural mesothelioma. It begins in the tissue that covers the lung (pleural msothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma appears less often. It is found in the inner lining (peritoneum) of the abdomen. There are two types of mesothelioma that are malignant: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is more common and develops slower than sarcomatoid mesothelioma. There is a rare mesothelioma type that has both epithelioid- and sarcomatoid-cells. It is called biphasic mesothelioma.
The type of mesothelioma you have can aid your doctor in deciding how to treat you. Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery to ease your symptoms and prolong your life. The type of mesothelioma that you have, its location and your medical history will determine the type of treatment you will receive.
Although mesothelioma is rare but there are some things you can do to reduce the risk. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you should limit your exposure to it and avoid any places where it could be present. It is also advisable to talk to your doctor about any unusual or persistent symptoms that you have.
Recovery
Many patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocked to learn that asbestos exposure in the past is the cause. It is even more disturbing the fact that their former employers did not warn them about the dangers associated with their work or take any measures to safeguard workers against asbestos's harmful material. A mesothelioma lawyer can help the patients seek justice by filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the tissues that line the organs of the body, including the lungs, stomach and the heart. The main reason for this is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a grouping of minerals that creates thin, long fibers that are durable and resistant to fire. Asbestos was widely used in buildings, automobile parts and other items before scientists learned of its health hazards in the 20th century. Mesothelioma is a common occurrence in those who worked on asbestos-containing projects. Shipyard workers, construction workers insulation workers, and asbestos abatement specialists are all at risk. Asbestos also clung to clothing and other personal items, and workers brought asbestos fibers home with them on their bodies, potentially exposing their family members to mesothelioma, too.
The most common type of cancer is pleural mesothelioma. deerfield beach asbestos lawyer affects the linings of lungs and usually starts in the chest. The symptoms include bleeding from the chest, or fluid buildup around the lungs. It can also affect the lining of the stomach (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.
The amount of asbestos exposure and gender are two factors that affect a person's chance of developing mesothelioma. Men are more likely to get this disease than women, and a person's age is a significant factor. A family history is another risk factor. Some asbestos-related diseases have been linked with specific genes. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have experienced chest radiation or have a parent or a sibling with the disease. The majority of mesothelioma cases happen for those over 60 years old.