Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

The occupational exposure to asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma. The exposure to asbestos can happen in shipyards, construction sites and factories.

Inhaled bedford asbestos attorney fibres get trapped in the lung's lining (pleura) and trigger gene mutations that result in cancer. The symptoms usually don't manifest until 20-60 years after exposure.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the location where tumors grow in the body. Pleural mesothelioma is a lung cancer while 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 breathing difficulties.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma involves a physical examination and a thorough health history. Patients should inform their doctor about any prior exposure to asbestos and mention any unusual symptoms or body changes they've noticed. In addition to an examination of the body doctors may order imaging tests to see how the disease is progressing and also to rule out other conditions like pneumonia or lung cancer.

Most often, mesothelioma symptoms do not show up until years after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in, swallowed and adhere to the organ linings, such as stomach and lungs. As time passes, these fibers cause inflammation and can lead to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms often are not evident until cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

When mesothelioma starts to show signs, it can quickly worsen and impact the quality of life of patients. Patients may become weak and bed-bound as the cancer progresses. Many patients suffering from mesothelioma at the late stages of their disease are in severe pain.

In addition to the physical exam, doctors ask about the patient's asbestos exposure as well as mesothelioma risks. A history of a family member who was diagnosed with mesothelioma or another type of cancer, smoking or military service can all increase the risk of developing the disease.

The asbestos fibers that irritate the tissues of patients suffering from mesothelioma also can irritate the tissues of patients suffering from breast cancer or lung cancer. These risks can be reduced by avoiding exposure to asbestos and practicing good hygiene at work. For instance, employees should change their clothes before leaving work and shower right after work to prevent bringing home any asbestos fibers on their skin or clothing. Also, people who live with workers who are exposed to asbestos should be sure to wash and change their clothing before entering the home.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that have tiny fibres which are used in many different ways. Asbestos-users may release these fibres into the air and into the lungs of others around them. In time, these fibres can accumulate and cause lung scarring known as asbestosis. It can also cause cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, develops in the linings that protect (mesothelium) of organs. It most commonly develops in the chest lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is frequently a factor in mesothelioma. It can take decades for mesothelioma signs to appear and is a difficult diagnosis.

The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is to visit the doctor and an examination. This will help your doctor understand the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other diseases. Your doctor may recommend blood tests or imaging scans to look for mesothelioma or identify symptoms from other ailments like lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans are a way to diagnose mesothelioma. These scans identify the presence of peritoneal or pleural fluid.

These tests can also assist doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma, which will determine your treatment options. There are four stages of mesothelioma and each stage has a different outlook. The stage of your mesothelioma determines how severe the symptoms are as well as the speed at which they progress.

Based on the location of your mesothelioma, your doctor may recommend different diagnostic tests. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs and is the most common mesothelioma type. Doctors may also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma that targets the lining of your abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, specifically targeting the lining of the coronary artery.

During a diagnosis of mesothelioma your doctor will inquire with you about your asbestos exposure and if you exhibit any symptoms. The doctor will perform a physical examination and review your medical documents. If they suspect that mesothelioma has developed, they will refer to an expert who can carry out further tests and scans. These tests can help determine the type and the stage of your cancer and also how far it has been able to spread.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is often caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is one of the minerals that are found in rock and soil. It is extremely strong and can be transformed into fine weaved fibers which are used in many products. It was used in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century before scientists learned of the dangers it poses to human health. Asbestos is most often exposed when people inhale, or swallow the fibers. They adhere to organ linings. As time passes, the organ's lining can grow tumors, causing symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing and chest pain. The symptoms usually do not show until 10 to 50 years after the initial exposure.

Mesothelioma can affect those who have been exposed to asbestos, however certain types are at a greater risk. Mesothelioma can result from any type of asbestos exposure which includes occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos by their family members are also at a higher risk. If you have a relative with mesothelioma, it is recommended that you speak to a doctor about your asbestos history.

Different types of mesothelioma may be found in different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent type, and affects about 70 to 80% of all cases. It starts in the tissues that cover each lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma is less common. It is found in the interior (peritoneum) of the abdomen. There are two kinds of malignant mesothelioma: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more frequent than sarcomatoid and is more prone to growth. There is a rare mesothelioma type that has both epithelioid- and sarcomatoid-cells. It is called biphasic Mesothelioma.

Your doctor will determine the best treatment for you based upon the type of mesothelioma. Your doctors may recommend chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy to reduce the symptoms and prolong your life. The kind of treatment you will receive will depend on the type of mesothelioma you have, where it is located and your medical history.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases but there are some things you can do to lower your risk. If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, try to limit your exposure and stay clear from any area that may have asbestos. It is also advisable to talk to your doctor regarding any unusual or persistent symptoms you experience.

Recovery

Many patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocked to discover that past exposure to asbestos is the cause. They may be even more shocked to discover that their former employers did not inform them about the risks of their jobs or take any measures to safeguard workers from this toxic material. A mesothelioma lawyer can help the patients seek justice by filing an action against the accountable parties.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that forms in the tissue that lines the body's organs, including the stomach, lungs, and heart. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a class of minerals that form long thin fibers that are tough and fire resistant. Before scientists discovered its health hazards, asbestos was widely used in the manufacture of building materials, automobile parts and other products. Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among people who have worked on asbestos-containing projects. This includes construction workers, shipyard employees insulation workers asbestos abatement technicians as well as other laborers who were exposed to Lewiston Asbestos Attorney dust. Asbestos also clung onto clothing and other personal items and workers carried asbestos fibers home on their bodies, exposing their family members to mesothelioma, too.

The most frequent form of this cancer is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs, and symptoms usually start in the chest, such as the coughing up of blood or an accumulation of fluid around the lung. It can also affect the abdomen's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).

The amount of asbestos exposure and gender are two elements that affect the chance of a person developing mesothelioma. Men are more likely to contract this condition than women, and the person's age is another factor. Family history is also an important risk factor, since certain asbestos-related illnesses have been linked to certain genes. Patients who have had radiation to the chest are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. So are those who have a family member who has been diagnosed with the disease. Most mesothelioma sufferers are older than 60 years old.