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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Occupational asbestos exposure is the main reason for mesothelioma. Exposure can be found in shipyards, factories, mining sites and construction.

As asbestos fibres are inhaled, they get caught in the lung's lining (pleura) and trigger gene mutations that cause cancer. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 20 to 60 years after exposure.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms differ based on the type and the stage of cancer as well as the location the site where tumors form within the body. For instance, pleural mesothelioma symptoms typically affect the lungs. However, peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma impact the stomach and the heart, respectively. Patients can also experience other symptoms associated with their condition, like fatigue, weight loss and difficulty breathing.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is to conduct a physical exam and a thorough health history. Patients should tell their doctor about any past exposure to asbestos claim, and also mention any unusual symptoms or body changes they've noticed. Doctors may also prescribe imaging tests in addition to a physical examination to determine the progression of the disease and rule out any other ailments like lung cancer or pneumonia.

Most often, mesothelioma symptoms don't show up until decades after exposure asbestos. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in swallowed, absorbed and stick to the linings of organs such as the lungs and stomach. In time the fibers cause inflammation and can lead to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms usually do not appear until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

When mesothelioma-related symptoms start they can quickly worsen and affect a patient's quality of life. Patients may become weak and bed-bound when the cancer spreads. Many patients with mesothelioma in the final stages of their illness are suffering severe pain.

In the course of a physical exam, doctors will ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma-related risk factors. A family member with mesothelioma or other types of cancer, smoking cigarettes or military service can all increase a person's risk of developing the disease.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma are typically at higher risk of developing other types of cancer, such as breast and lung cancers, because the same asbestos fibers can cause irritation to these tissues too. By avoiding exposure to asbestos and maintaining a healthy hygiene at work, these risks are reduced. Employees should shower and change their clothes immediately after leaving the office to avoid bringing asbestos-containing fibers home onto their clothing or skin. Those who live near asbestos compensation-exposed workers should also wash and change their clothes prior to entering the home.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that have tiny fibres that are utilized in a variety of ways. The people who use asbestos could release these fibres into the air and into the lungs of others around them. Over time the fibres accumulate and cause scarring of the lungs, a condition known as asbestosis. It can also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma can be a type of cancer that grows within the protective linings of organs known as mesothelium. It most commonly develops in the lining of the chest (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Patients with mesothelioma can be exposed to asbestos in the workplace. Mesothelioma may take a long time to manifest, making diagnosis difficult.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is to see an expert doctor and undergo a physical exam. This will aid your doctor in understanding the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other conditions. Your doctor may also order scans of your blood and imaging to look for mesothelioma or to identify symptoms of other illnesses 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 help doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma which determines the treatment options you have. Each stage of mesothelioma comes with a different prognosis. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the severity of your symptoms and how fast they will progress.

Your doctor might employ a variety of diagnostic tests depending on where the mesothelioma occurs. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and is the most prevalent mesothelioma type. Doctors can also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma targeting the lining of the abdomen or pericardial mesothelioma focused on the lining of the heart.

In the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis your doctor will ask about your exposure to asbestos as well as whether you are suffering from any symptoms. The doctor will conduct an examination of your body and review your medical records. If they suspect mesothelioma has developed, they will refer to an expert who can carry out further tests and scans. These tests will help diagnose the type and 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 found in soil and rock. It is extremely durable and can be transformed into fine, woven fibers that are used in many products. It was utilized in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century, before scientists learned of its dangers to human health. The exposure to asbestos typically occurs when people inhale or swallow the fibers. They then stick to the organ's linings. In time, the tissue can develop tumors and trigger symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing and chest pain. Symptoms usually do not appear until 10-50 years after the initial exposure.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma. However, some people are more susceptible than others. Any asbestos exposure increases the chance of getting mesothelioma, including both occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos compensation through their families are also at greater risk. If you have a relative with mesothelioma, you should talk to an expert about your asbestos background.

Different types of mesothelioma can be found in different parts of the body. Around 70 to 80 percent of cases are mesothelioma pleural. It starts in the layers of tissue that surround each lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma is less common. It is found in the inner lining (peritoneum) of the abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma is found in two forms: epithelioid, and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more common than sarcomatoid and is more prone to growth. There is also a rare mesothelioma which contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is called biphasic mesothelioma.

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

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk. If you've been exposed to asbestos, limit your exposure to it and avoid areas in which it is possible to find. Talk to your doctor for any unusual or persistent symptoms.

Recovery

Many people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocking to discover that exposure to asbestos in the past is the cause. They may be even more upset to discover that their former employers did not inform them about the risks of their job or take any precautions to safeguard employees from this harmful substance. A mesothelioma attorney can help those suffering from the disease by filing a lawsuit against the parties responsible.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the tissue that lines the organs of the body, such as the lungs, stomach and heart. The main cause is asbestos case (try this) exposure. Asbestos is a grouping of minerals that forms thin, long fibers that are durable and resistant to fire. Before the discovery of asbestos' dangers to health, asbestos was widely used in the manufacture of building materials, automobile parts and other products. Mesothelioma is a common occurrence in those who have worked on asbestos-containing projects. This includes shipyard workers, construction workers, employees, insulation workers asbestos abatement technicians as well as other workers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos also clung to clothing and other personal items and workers took these fibers home on their bodies, potentially exposing their families to mesothelioma as well.

Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent type of cancer. It affects the lung's lining, and symptoms usually start in the chest, like bleeding from the chest or the accumulation of fluid around the lungs. It can also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.

The likelihood of developing mesothelioma depend on several factors such as the duration they were exposed to asbestos, as well as their gender. Men are more vulnerable to this disease than women. Age is another factor. Family history is also considered an important risk factor, since some asbestos-related illnesses have been linked to certain genes. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have experienced chest radiation or who have a family member with the disease. Most mesothelioma sufferers are older than 60 years old.