Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure at work is the primary reason for mesothelioma. The exposure to asbestos can happen in construction, shipyards and factories.

Asbestos fibers inhaled are trapped in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. They cause gene mutations that cause cancer. Symptoms usually don't show up until 20-60 years after exposure.

Symptoms

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary according to where the tumors are located in the body and the kind and stage. For example the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma typically affect the lungs. However, mesothelioma that affects the pericardial and peritone the stomach and the heart, respectively. Patients may also experience symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and breathing difficulties.

A physical exam and a thorough health history are the first steps to diagnose mesothelioma. Patients should inform their doctor about any asbestos exposure as well as any unusual symptoms or changes in the body that they have observed. Doctors will also order imaging tests in addition to a physical examination to determine the progress of the disease and rule out other conditions such as lung cancer or pneumonia.

The majority of mesothelioma-related symptoms don't show up until years after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled, swallowed and adhere to the linings of organs such as the stomach and lungs. These fibers can cause inflammation, which can lead to tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma often don't manifest until the cancer has spread to other parts.

When mesothelioma symptoms first begin to manifest, they can worsen rapidly and affect a patient's quality of life. Patients can become weak and bed-bound when the cancer grows. This is why many patients with mesothelioma in the late stages are suffering a lot at the end of their lives.

In the course of a physical exam doctors will also inquire about a patient's asbestos settlement exposure and mesothelioma-related risk factors. Smoking, military service or mesothelioma history in a family member may increase the chance of developing this disease.

The same asbestos fibers that cause irritation to the tissues of patients with mesothelioma also can irritate the tissues of patients with breast cancer or lung cancer. By avoiding exposure to asbestos and maintaining good hygiene at work, the risks are reduced. For instance, employees must change their clothes prior to leaving work and shower immediately after work to avoid bringing home any asbestos-containing particles on their clothing or skin. Those who live close to asbestos-contaminated workers should shower and change their clothes prior to entering the house.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals with tiny fibres which are used in many different ways. These fibres can be released into the air or into the lungs of those who are using asbestos. In time, these fibres can accumulate and cause scarring of the lungs known as 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 often found in the chest lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is often a factor in mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can take years to become apparent, making diagnosis difficult.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is to visit the doctor and a physical exam. This can help your physician recognize the symptoms you are experiencing and rule out any other illnesses. Your doctor can also order imaging scans and blood tests to look for mesothelioma or to determine the symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can help doctors identify mesothelioma by identifying pleural or peritoneal effusion.

These tests can also assist doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma which determines the treatment options you have. Each stage of mesothelioma comes with an individual prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma affects how severe the symptoms are as well as how quickly they will develop.

Based on the location of mesothelioma, your doctor may recommend different diagnostic tests. Pleural mesothelioma is a lung cancer and is the most frequent mesothelioma form. Doctors may also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma which targets the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, focused on the lining of the heart.

During a mesothelioma diagnosis, your doctor will ask about your exposure to asbestos and whether you experience any symptoms. The doctor will conduct an examination and review your medical documents. If they suspect mesothelioma they will refer you to an expert for further tests and scans. 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 frequent mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is one of the minerals that are found in rock and soil. It is a very durable mineral that can be turned into thin woven fibers to be used in many different products. It was utilized in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century, before scientists discovered the dangers it poses to human health. Exposure to asbestos usually happens when people swallow or inhale the fibers. They then cling to the lining of organs. Over time, the tissue can develop tumors, causing symptoms such as coughing, breathing problems and chest pain. The symptoms are not typically evident until 10 to 50 years after initial exposure.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma. However, some individuals are more at risk than others. Mesothelioma can result from any asbestos exposure, including occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos case through their families are at a higher risk. If someone in your family has mesothelioma, you should talk to an expert about your asbestos family history.

Different types of mesothelioma can be found in different parts of the body. About 70-80% of cases are mesothelioma of the pleural region. It begins in the tissue that covers each lung (pleural msothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma appears less often. It is located in the interior (peritoneum) of the abdomen. There are two types of mesothelioma malignancy that are epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more frequent than sarcomatoid, and it grows more slowly. There is a very rare mesothelioma that contains both epithelioid- and sarcomatoid-cells. It is known as biphasic mesothelioma.

Your doctor can decide on the best treatment for you based upon the type of mesothelioma. Your doctor may suggest chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery to relieve your symptoms and prolong your life span. The kind of treatment you are offered will depend on the type of mesothelioma, where it is located and your medical background.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, there are some ways you can lower your risk. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you should limit your exposure to asbestos and avoid areas where it could be present. You should also talk with your doctor about any unusual or persistent signs and symptoms you experience.

Recovery

Many mesothelioma patients are shocked to discover that past exposure to asbestos is the cause. More troubling is the fact that their former employers failed to warn them of the dangers associated with their work or take any steps to protect workers against this toxic material. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist these patients find justice by filing an action against the accountable parties.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the tissue that lines the organs of the body, including stomach, lungs and heart. The most significant cause is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a class of minerals that forms long, thin fibers which are durable and resistant to fire. Before the discovery of asbestos' dangers to health asbestos was used extensively in the manufacture of building materials, automobile parts and other products. Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have worked on asbestos-containing projects. Shipyard workers, construction workers insulation workers, and asbestos specialists are all at risk. Asbestos also adhered to clothing and other personal items and workers took asbestos fibers home with them on their bodies, exposing their families to mesothelioma, too.

The most common form of this cancer is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the linings of lung and is usually found in the chest. It is characterized by coughing up blood or fluid buildup around the lungs. It can also affect the lining of the stomach (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.

The chances of a person developing mesothelioma is affected by various factors which include the duration they were exposed to asbestos and their gender. Men are more susceptible to this disease than women. The age of a person is another factor. A family history is also a risk factor. Some asbestos-related diseases have been linked to specific genes. Mesothelioma is more common for those who have had radiation to their chest, or those who have a parent or a sibling with the disease. Most mesothelioma patients are older than 60 years old.