Mesothelioma

Construction workers, industrial workers, military veterans and others who worked with asbestos-contaminated products are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Repeated exposure to asbestos litigation fibers creates chronic inflammation that damages the mesothelium and causes DNA changes.

The chance of developing malignant mesothelioma rises proportionally to cumulative exposure and to the third or fourth power since first exposure. The symptoms may manifest between 10 and fifty years after exposure.

Signs and symptoms

The mesothelium comprises the cells that line the body. The mesothelium lining protects organs as well as other tissue by lubricating them so they slide against each other without difficulty. The mesothelioma malignancy can spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs, heart and abdomen. Other symptoms include chest pain and fatigue.

The symptoms of mesothelioma may take 10 to 50 years to appear, which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the disease. It may also be confused with other conditions such as pneumonia or the flu.

Patients may experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, persistent coughing and chest pain, or a change in the form of the fingers and nails, called clubbing. Patients with mesothelioma may also develop an accumulation of fluids in the chest (peritoneal) or belly. This condition is called an pleural effusion.

Contrary to lung cancer, mesothelioma cannot be detected by imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans until the cancer has grown for a number of years. Often, doctors need to conduct an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis. This can be done with the use of a bronchoscopy or needle biopsy.

These diagnostic procedures aid doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and decide the best treatment option for the patient. Doctors can review a patient’s asbestos exposure history to determine if is at risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses.

The people who are exposed to asbestos at work are at chance of developing mesothelioma as well as other diseases. The most at-risk occupations are those in construction, shipbuilding and other blue-collar sectors as well as veterans of the United States Armed Forces. People who have asbestos-exposed workers also are at risk of developing mesothelioma especially if the worker brings asbestos fibers home on their clothing.

Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma can benefit from regular visits to their doctor of choice to have a check-up and talk about any asbestos law-related health concerns. This is particularly important since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases, such as asbestosis.

Diagnosis

The initial symptoms of mesothelioma can appear to be flu-like, pneumonia or intestinal trouble. The long time of latency means that patients can be afflicted for 10 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Its similarity to other ailments also makes it hard to identify. The location of the affected body part may also influence the symptoms.

The first step is to consult a primary care physician or a doctor who can determine the reason for these symptoms. They will request your medical history and look to see if asbestos exposure is mentioned. They will also conduct physical examinations and perform basic tests like blood work or Xrays.

A biopsy may be required to confirm a diagnosis, depending on the type of mesothelioma. A biopsy is performed by inserting a needle into the abdomen or chest, and taking a small sample. The tissue is then analyzed to determine if it has cancerous mesothelioma. Both types of mesothelioma are malignant, regardless of whether they are epithelioid, or sarcomatoid. 70% of all mesothelioma is epithelioid, and the rest is sarcomatoid.

Once a mesothelioma biopsy has been completed, doctors can come up with a treatment plan. They will refer the patient to an expert who will determine the best treatment for their condition.

Mesothelioma can be caused by the inhalation of microscopic asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a class of minerals that look like small thin, slender fibers. These fibers are found in rock and soil and are often released into the air during mining, construction and other activities. When inhaled, these fibers become stuck in the lungs and cause inflammation. In time, this may result in scarring (asbestosis) and eventually mesothelioma. The majority of cancers are located in the lungs, however it can also grow in the lining of the tummy (peritoneal mesothelioma) or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma).

Treatment

Mesothelioma also referred to as cancer is an abnormal growth of cells that invades the tissues and organs of the surrounding area. Cancerous cells may also expand to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.

The treatment options for mesothelioma are different depending on its type and location. Doctors are currently using surgery and chemotherapy to treat mesothelioma. The use of radiation therapy is typically in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy. It is used to reduce swelling and pain caused by mesothelioma, and eliminate cancerous cells.

Asbestos exposure can cause asbestosis. This is a non-cancerous condition that causes scarring to the lungs and on other organs of the body. Asbestos exposure can also lead to mesothelioma - a more severe form of asbestos lawsuit disease that is usually fatal. Mesothelioma is a virulent cancer that typically affects the lungs and abdomen. It can cause breathing problems, coughing and chest pain. X-rays or CT scans can diagnose mesothelioma. The images that result highlight areas of greater density that could be a sign of scar tissue or a tumor mass. Doctors may perform a bronchoscopy or needle biopsy to determine the difference.

A bronchoscopy is done by inserting an extremely thin flexible tube into the respiratory passages to observe the tissue and take samples to test. A needle biopsy involves injecting liquid into the area in order to remove the tissue to test. Both procedures are painful, but they help doctors diagnose mesothelioma or asbestosis.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be compared to the symptoms of other diseases and can take as long as 50 years to develop after the initial exposure. The time lag between asbestos exposure and onset of symptoms can make it difficult to identify the disease. It's not uncommon for people to be misdiagnosed as having other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu.

Scientists don't know exactly what causes mesothelioma but they do know that asbestos exposure increases the risk. Asbestos is a risk in industries such as asbestos mining, manufacturing and construction. As well, asbestos-containing products are often transported by workers to homes and other workplaces where fibers are ingested or inhaled. Amphibole asbestos fibers and snakeine asbestos are the most prevalent types of asbestos in mesothelioma. The type of asbestos known as serpentine is less cancerous than the amphibole type, however both are capable of causing illness.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that line internal organs. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals that are tough and resistant to heat. It is believed that asbestos fibres enter the lungs, irritate the membranes and cause cancer. This irritation can cause genetic mutations which eventually result in the growth of tumours.

Asbestos is exposed in many different ways, such as during mining, manufacturing, cleaning or repairing asbestos products. You can also be exposed at home through washing or putting on asbestos-containing clothing. Certain people are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma because of their family history or genetic predisposition.

Mesothelioma patients may experience a number of symptoms that frequently resemble other diseases. This can make it difficult for doctors to recognize mesothelioma earlier. It is crucial for those who have been exposed to asbestos to discuss their medical history to their doctor and request regular examinations.

The majority of cases of mesothelioma are the result of asbestos exposure at work. However, studies show that exposure to asbestos from the environment can also cause mesothelioma. Asbestos dust can be spread from work sites to places where people live. Mesothelioma is more common in people who live within 2000 meters of an asbestos mine or cement plant.

Before developing mesothelioma, some people develop asbestosis. Asbestosis can cause the lungs to thicken and make it difficult to breathe. This condition can make people need oxygen at home, and they may have to undergo lung procedures such as an lung lobectomy.

Additionally, a few people suffering from mesothelioma may be treated for symptoms of their cancer. People with mesothelioma may be given drugs to help breathe or take part in clinical studies for treatments that are experimental. Mesothelioma is still a deadly disease, but early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of survival. Some patients who have received multiple rounds of chemotherapy as well as surgery have been able to extend their lives for up to 10 years.