Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
The occupational exposure to asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can be found in construction, shipyards and factories.
As asbestos fibres are inhaled, they get caught in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and cause gene mutations that can result in cancer. Symptoms typically don't appear until 20 to 60 years after exposure.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the location where the tumors are situated in the body and also on the type and stage. For example Pleural mesothelioma symptoms usually affect the lungs, whereas peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma impact the stomach and the heart, respectively. Patients may also experience other symptoms associated with their condition, like fatigue, weight loss and breathing problems.
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is a physical examination and detailed health history. Patients should inform their doctor about any asbestos exposure or unusual symptoms or changes in the body that they have observed. Doctors may also prescribe imaging tests in addition to a physical exam to determine the progression of the disease and rule out any other ailments like pneumonia or lung cancer.
Most often, mesothelioma symptoms don't show up until decades after exposure asbestos. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled, swallowed and adhere to the organ linings, such as the lungs and stomach. These fibers can cause inflammation, which can lead to tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma often don't appear until the cancer spreads to other parts.
When mesothelioma starts to show signs, they quickly progress and can negatively impact the quality of life of a patient. Patients may become weak and bed-bound as their 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 as well as mesothelioma risks. Smoking, military service, or a history of mesothelioma in a family member could increase the chance of developing this disease.
The same asbestos fibers that irritate the tissues of patients suffering from mesothelioma may also cause irritation to the tissues of patients with breast cancer or lung cancer. These risks can be reduced by staying away from asbestos and ensuring good hygiene at work. Employees should shower and change their clothes immediately after leaving work to avoid bringing asbestos-containing fibers home on their clothes or skin. Anyone who lives near asbestos-exposed workers must wash and change their clothes prior to entering the home.
Diagnosis
Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals containing tiny fibres that are used in many different ways. These fibres can be released into the air or into the lungs of those who are using asbestos. As time passes these fibres may accumulate and cause scarring of the lungs called asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer, develops in the protective linings (mesothelium) of organs. It is most often found in the lining of the chest (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Patients with mesothelioma can be exposed to asbestos in their work environments. Mesothelioma may take a long time to be diagnosed, which makes it difficult to determine the cause.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is visiting a doctor and have an examination. This will help your doctor recognize the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other diseases. Your doctor might order blood tests or imaging scans to test for mesothelioma or identify symptoms from other conditions like lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These scans reveal pleural or peritoneal fluid.
These tests will help doctors determine the mesothelioma stage and determine your treatment options. Each mesothelioma stage has a different prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma determines how severe the symptoms are as well as the speed at which they progress.
Depending on the location of your mesothelioma, your doctor may use different diagnostic tests. The most commonly used type of mesothelioma is mesothelioma that affects the lung. Doctors can diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as well, that targets the lining of your abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, focused on the lining of the heart.
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma the doctor will ask you about your asbestos exposure and if you have any symptoms. The doctor will perform an examination of your body and review your medical records. If they suspect mesothelioma has developed, they will refer to an expert who can carry out additional tests and scans. These tests can help determine the type and stage of your mesothelioma as well as showing how far the cancer has spread.
Treatment
The exposure to asbestos is the most prevalent cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a group of minerals that are found in rock and soil. It is very strong and can be made into fine weaved fibers which are used in numerous products. It was utilized in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century before scientists realized its health risks to humans. Asbestos exposure is usually when people inhale or swallow the fibers. They then adhere to the organ's linings. As time passes, the organ's lining may develop tumors that cause symptoms like chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. The symptoms usually do not show until 10-50 years after the initial exposure.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma, but some individuals are more at risk than others. You can get mesothelioma from any asbestos exposure which includes occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are at greater risk. You should tell your doctor if someone in your family is diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Different types of mesothelioma occur in different areas of the body. About 70-80% of cases are mesothelioma pleural. It begins in the layers of tissue that line the lungs (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma occurs less frequently. It is found in the inner lining (peritoneum) of the abdomen. There are two kinds of mesothelioma malignancy: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a higher incidence and is more prone to growth than sarcomatoid mesothelioma. There is a very rare mesothelioma that contains both sarcomatoid and epithelioid-cells. It is called biphasic Mesothelioma.
Your doctor can decide on the best treatment for you based upon the mesothelioma type. Your doctors may suggest surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy to lessen your symptoms and prolong your lifespan. The kind of treatment you will receive will depend on the type of mesothelioma, the location it is located, and your medical history.
Although mesothelioma is rare but there are some things you can do to lower your risk. If you've been exposed to asbestos in the past, try to limit your exposure to asbestos and stay away from any areas that could contain it. Consult your physician if you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms.
Recovery
Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocking to learn that exposure to asbestos in the past is the reason. More troubling is the fact that their former employers did not warn them about the dangers they face in their job or take any steps to safeguard workers against this toxic material. A mesothelioma lawyer can help those suffering from the disease to get justice by filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is located in the tissue that covers organs in the body, like the lungs and stomach. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos which is a group of minerals that create long, thin fibers that are strong and fire resistant. Before scientists discovered its dangers to health asbestos was extensively used in building materials, automobile parts and other products. People who were involved in projects that required asbestos are most likely to develop mesothelioma. Shipyard workers, construction workers insulation workers, and asbestos abatement specialists are all at risk. Asbestos particles clung to clothing, personal items and even the bodies of workers. This could cause mesothelioma to their families.
The most frequent form of this cancer is mesothelioma of the pleura. It affects the lining of the lungs, and the symptoms typically start in the chest, such as coughing up blood or the accumulation of fluid around the lung. It can also affect the lining of the stomach (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.
The amount of exposure to asbestos and gender are two aspects that can impact the chance of a person developing mesothelioma. Men are more susceptible to this disease than women. Age is also a factor. A family history is another risk factor. Certain asbestos-related diseases have been linked to specific genes. People who have had radiation to the chest are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Burbank asbestos lawsuit is true for those who have a relative who has been diagnosed with the disease. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur for those over 60 years old.