Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Occupational asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can be found in shipyards, construction and factories.

Inhaled asbestos fibres get trapped in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and cause gene mutations that can lead to cancer. The symptoms typically don't appear until 20-60 years after exposure.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the location where the tumors are located in the body, as well as the type and stage. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and pericardial, peritoneal and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region affect the stomach and the heart. Patients may also experience symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue and difficulty breathing.

A physical examination 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 symptoms or changes in the body that they have observed. In addition to conducting a physical examination doctors may also conduct imaging tests to determine how the disease is progressing, and to rule out other ailments like lung cancer or pneumonia.

Mesothelioma may not be diagnosed until years after asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in, swallowed and adhere to the organ linings, such as the stomach and lungs. Over time the fibers cause inflammation and can lead to tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma often don't manifest until the cancer has spread to other parts.

Once mesothelioma symptoms begin the symptoms can rapidly worsen and affect a patient's quality of life. As the cancer grows, patients can become weaker and bed-bound. Many mesothelioma patients in the late stages of their disease are in extreme pain.

In addition to a physical exam doctors will also inquire about a patient's asbestos claim exposure and mesothelioma-related risk factors. Smoking, military service, or mesothelioma-related history in a family member could increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

Patients with mesothelioma tend to be at higher risk of developing other forms of cancer, including lung and breast cancer because asbestos fibers can irritate the tissues of these patients as well. The risk can be decreased by avoiding exposure to asbestos and maintaining a healthy lifestyle at work. For instance, employees should always change their clothes prior to leaving for work and shower immediately after work to avoid bringing home asbestos fibers on their clothing or skin. Those who live near asbestos-exposed workers should also wash and change their clothes prior to entering the house.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is made up of a grouping of minerals that are found naturally and have tiny fibres. It can be used in a variety of ways. These fibres can be released into air or lungs by people who are using asbestos. As time passes these fibres may build up and cause scarring in the lungs called asbestosis. It can also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma can be a type of cancer that develops within the protective linings of organs, referred to as mesothelium. It is most commonly found in the chest lining (pleura), or abdomen (peritoneum). Patients with mesothelioma can be exposed to asbestos in the workplace. Mesothelioma can take years to be diagnosed, which makes it difficult to determine the cause.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma involves a visit to the doctor and a physical exam. This will help your doctor understand the symptoms that you are experiencing and rule out any other diseases. Your doctor might also recommend blood tests and imaging scans to determine if you have mesothelioma. Or to identify symptoms of other illnesses like lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can help doctors diagnose mesothelioma by identifying pleural effusions or the peritoneal effusion.

These tests can also assist doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma which determines the treatment options you have. There are four mesothelioma stages, and each one has different prognoses. The stage of your mesothelioma determines how severe the symptoms are and the speed at which they progress.

Your doctor might employ a variety of diagnostic tests based on where mesothelioma has been found. The most commonly used mesothelioma type is mesothelioma that affects the lungs. Doctors can diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as well, which targets the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, targeted at the lining of the heart.

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor will ask about your exposure to asbestos as well as whether you are suffering from any symptoms. They will then perform physical examination and examine your medical history. If they suspect you have mesothelioma they will refer you to a specialist who can perform additional tests and scans. Those tests will help to determine the type and stage of your mesothelioma as well as showing how far the cancer has spread.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a group of minerals that are found in rock and soil. It is a strong mineral that can be transformed into thin woven fibers to be used in many products. It was utilized in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century, before scientists realized the dangers it poses to human health. Asbestos is usually exposed when people inhale or swallow the fibers. They then stick to organ linings. In time, the tissue can develop tumors, causing symptoms such as coughing, breathing problems and chest pain. The symptoms are not typically evident for 10-50 years after the initial exposure.

Mesothelioma is a possibility for anyone who has been exposed asbestos, however certain types are more at risk. Mesothelioma can be triggered by any asbestos exposure which includes occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos attorney through their family members are also at risk. If someone in your family has mesothelioma, you should talk to a doctor about your asbestos family history.

Different types of mesothelioma can be found in different parts of the body. About 70 to 80 percent of cases are mesothelioma of the pleural region. It begins in the tissue that covers each lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common. It is found in the lining (peritoneum) of the abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma is found in two types of epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a higher incidence and grows slower than sarcomatoid mesothelioma. There is a rare mesothelioma that contains both epithelioid- and sarcomatoid-cells. It is known as biphasic mesothelioma.

The type of mesothelioma can aid your doctors in deciding which treatment option to use. Your doctors may recommend surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy to ease the symptoms and prolong your life. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the type of mesothelioma you have, the location where it is located, as well as your medical background.

Although mesothelioma is rare however, there are a few ways you can reduce the risk. If you've been exposed to asbestos in the past, try to reduce your exposure and stay away from any places that might have it. Consult your doctor in the event of any unusual or persistent symptoms.

Recovery

Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocked to discover that asbestos exposure in the past is the reason. More troubling is the fact that their former employers did not inform them of the dangers of their job or take any action to safeguard workers against asbestos, a toxic substance. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist those suffering from the disease to get justice by filing an action against the accountable parties.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the tissue that covers organs in the body, including the stomach and lungs. The primary reason for this is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a class of minerals that form thin, long fibers that are tough and resistant to fire. Asbestos was used extensively 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 worked on projects that involved asbestos lawsuit are the most likely to develop mesothelioma. Construction workers, shipyard workers insulation workers, as well as asbestos case elimination specialists are all at risk. asbestos compensation also clung to clothing and other personal items, and workers carried these fibers home on their bodies, potentially exposing their families to mesothelioma too.

The most prevalent type of cancer is mesothelioma of the pleura. It affects the lung's lining, and the symptoms typically begin in the chest, like coughing up blood or an accumulation of fluid around the lung. It can also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.

The likelihood of developing mesothelioma are affected by many factors, including the amount of time they've been exposed to asbestos as well as their gender. Men are more vulnerable to the disease than women. Age is another factor. A family history is also a risk factor. Certain asbestos-related diseases have been linked with specific genes. People who have received radiation to the chest are more likely to develop mesothelioma. The same 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.