Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the lining of internal organs, most commonly the lung (pleura) and, less frequently the abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos results in an higher risk of developing this disease.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, which is a non-flammable and heat-resistant fiber. Symptoms may not appear for years after exposure.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor that grows in the tissue that surrounds the lungs and the heart, is caused by asbestos fibers. It usually occurs when someone inhales asbestos fibers, which enter the bloodstream, and later get lodged in the lining of organs. People most likely to have this disease are those who worked around asbestos, like plumbers, miners carpenters, welders, and carpenters. It can also occur in those who were workers who brought asbestos home on their clothing or skin. Other individuals at risk are those who work in households where asbestos settlement is present and those who are disturbed by asbestos during renovations to their homes or maintenance.

There are four stages of mesothelioma. Mid- and early-stage mesothelioma may not be symptom-free and it could take years before they're diagnosed. When they are diagnosed, the cancer is more advanced and difficult to treat.

The signs of mesothelioma generally do not show up until years after exposure. The disease can take a long time to develop because asbestos fibers must be transported from the lungs into other body parts before they can cause mesothelioma. The lining of lungs is the most typical place where mesothelioma begins, but it can also begin in the linings of the stomach or heart. It can also show up in the linings of reproductive organs.

The most effective method to identify mesothelioma is for the doctor to take a biopsy of the affected area. The specimen is examined under a microscope in order to determine if the cells are of mesothelioma type or another type.

Doctors can also order x-rays, CT scans or MRI to determine the cause and determine if there is a tumor, a thickening or enlargement of the lining within the abdomen or chest, and fluid in the chest cavity. They may also order an examination of lung function to assess the extent to which a person's lungs are functioning.

A mesothelioma diagnosis mistake can be harmful because it can delay the start of treatment that could improve the prognosis of a patient. This is why it's important to see a doctor when any symptoms arise. A GP can evaluate the signs and symptoms and examine a person's history of exposure to asbestos claim.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer, develops in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a protective layer that covers many internal organs of the body, including the chest cavity and abdominal cavity. Pleural mesothelioma affects the outer layer (pleura) of the lungs. Less commonly, mesothelioma can be found in the membrane that runs along the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart sac (pericardium) and, very rarely, it can arise in the testicles (tunica vaginalis mesothelioma, or tunica vaginalis testicular mesothelioma).

A doctor can identify the disease by taking a tissue sample for imaging tests or a biopsy. The doctor will determine the degree of mesothelioma, which is a measure of how aggressive and likely it will spread.

The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring resistant to heat and fire fiber that was employed in manufacturing and construction up to the late 1970s. The people who worked in jobs such as asbestos mining or milling, pipefitters, insulators, plumbers, and those who renovated homes are at higher risk than others of developing mesothelioma.

Inhaling the microscopic asbestos fibers can lead to mesothelioma. These tiny asbestos fibers can get trapped in the lungs and cause inflammation that leads to lung scarring. Asbestos exposure can also increase the likelihood of smoking, which can increase the risk of mesothelioma.

A person's risk for mesothelioma rises with the amount of time they've been exposed to asbestos. People who have been exposed to the highest levels of asbestos legal are at greatest chance of developing mesothelioma.

There are a few risk factors that can be changed, such as the age of a person or whether they smoke, but the majority of the mesothelioma risk factors are linked to asbestos exposure. Some of these factors are not changeable such as a person's genetics or family history. The risk of mesothelioma in a person is also elevated if they have certain medical conditions or illnesses like diabetes or heart disease.

Treatment

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects mesothelium, which is the line that runs through the abdomen, lungs and the heart. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The disease usually develops for decades after asbestos exposure. It can be hard to identify, since symptoms can mimic other conditions and can change. Those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma could be compensated through lawsuits or trust fund claims.

There is no cure for mesothelioma however, there are treatments to control the disease and improve your quality of life. Patients should seek out physicians who are experts in treating the disease. Doctors will examine a patient's medical history to look for signs and other mesothelioma-related risk factors, like asbestos exposure.

Exposure to asbestos is the most common cause mesothelioma. It usually occurs due to breathing in tiny asbestos fibers that float in the air. The asbestos fibers can be trapped in the lungs and trigger genetic mutations that result in cancer. The most common form of mesothelioma is mesothelioma pleural which affects the lining of the lungs. However, it can also be found in the linings of the chest wall (pericardium), abdomen, and testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma).

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by DNA mutations within a cell. The mutations cause the cells to expand uncontrollably, which results in an increase in the size of the tumor. Mesothelioma is most commonly found in males over 75 and those who have served in the U.S. military.

There are many types of mesothelioma and each has a distinct survival rate. Patients should know that a mesothelioma diagnosis can be grave and difficult to treat. The research is progressing however, there is hope. In addition, veterans with mesothelioma must be aware that they could be entitled to benefits through the VA.

Prevention

Mesothelioma is a rare condition, but it is very preventable. Asbestos is a natural mineral that was previously used extensively in shipbuilding, construction and other industries due to its unique qualities of strength, durability as well as heat insulation and fire resistance. However, the tiny fibers of asbestos become airborne when disturbed, and if inhaled, can cause serious health conditions like mesothelioma.

The only way to avoid mesothelioma is not to be exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma, and most people diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at one point in their lives. Other factors can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma, such as smoking, age and genetics.

The majority of mesothelioma cases affect the lung (tummy) and the lungs. It is extremely rare for mesothelioma develop in any other area of the body. Mesothelioma takes many years to develop, and it could not manifest for 20 or 40 years following exposure to asbestos. It is important that people who have been exposed to asbestos regularly see their doctor if they are experiencing any unusual symptoms, including coughing and shortness of breath.

Symptoms of asbestosis include tightness in the chest, frequent coughing, and a blue appearance to the skin because the body is battling to get enough oxygen. Inhaled asbestos fibers can also cause irritation to the lungs, leading to scarring known as fibrosis. This can lead to a build-up of fluid in the lungs as well as other parts of the body, like the heart. Inflammation can also trigger genetic changes that can cause cancerous growth to the lungs.

There is no cure for asbestosis but there are treatments available to treat the symptoms. These treatments can improve the quality of breathing and quality of life for patients.

Mesothelioma most often occurs in the tummy and lungs but it can also affect the stomach, heart and testicles. There is no way to stop mesothelioma. However, there are ways to reduce the risk. Always check for asbestos in the workplace and inquire with their employer for safety standards they should follow. Wearing protective equipment and washing the work clothes away from home is a good idea so that asbestos fibers are not brought home on the clothing of family members.