Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Occupational asbestos exposure is the primary reason for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can be found in shipyards, construction sites and factories.
Inhaled asbestos fibres get trapped in the lung's lining (pleura) and trigger gene mutations that lead to cancer. The symptoms typically don't appear until 20-60 years after exposure.
Symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on where the tumors are located in the body and also on the kind and stage. For instance the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma typically affect the lungs. However, mesothelioma affecting the pericardial region and peritone the stomach and the heart respectively. Patients may also experience other symptoms related to their condition, such as fatigue, weight loss and breathing problems.
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma involves a physical examination and detailed health history. Patients should inform their doctor of any asbestos exposure and any unusual symptoms or changes in their body that they have noticed. In addition to a physical examination, doctors will likely request imaging tests to determine how the disease is progressing and to rule out other conditions like pneumonia or lung cancer.
Often, mesothelioma symptoms do not show up until decades after exposure to asbestos. This is due to the fact that asbestos fibers can be breathed in or swallowed, and cling to the organs' linings, such as the stomach or lungs. These fibers can cause inflammation, leading to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms often do not appear until the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
When mesothelioma-related symptoms start the symptoms can rapidly worsen and impact a patient's quality of life. As the cancer progresses patients may become weaker and bed-bound. Many patients with mesothelioma in the final stages of their illness are suffering intense pain.
In addition to a physical examination doctors will inquire about a patient's asbestos exposure and mesothelioma-related risk factors. Smoking, military service, or a history of mesothelioma in a family member may increase the risk of developing this disease.
Patients with mesothelioma are often at a higher risk of developing other forms of cancer, including breast and lung cancers due to the fact that asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the tissues of these patients as well. The risk of developing cancer can be minimized by staying away from asbestos and ensuring good hygiene at work. Employees should shower and change clothes immediately after leaving the office to avoid bringing asbestos fibers home onto their clothing or skin. Also, people who live with people who are exposed to asbestos should be sure to wash and change their clothing before entering the home.
Diagnosis
Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals containing tiny fibres that are utilized in a variety of ways. Asbestos-users may release these fibres into the air and lungs of those around them. As time passes, these fibres can build up and cause scarring of the lungs known as asbestosis. It can also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found within the protective linings of organs called mesothelium. It usually develops in the chest lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is frequently a factor in mesothelioma. It can take decades for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest making diagnosis difficult.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is to see an expert doctor and undergo an examination. This can aid your doctor in understanding the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other conditions. Your doctor may recommend blood tests or imaging scans to check for mesothelioma, or identify symptoms from other ailments like lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can aid doctors diagnose mesothelioma by identifying pleural effusion or the peritoneal effusion.
These tests will help doctors determine the mesothelioma stage and help determine the best treatment options for you. There are four stages of mesothelioma and each stage has different prognoses. The stage of your mesothelioma affects how severe the symptoms are as well as the speed at which they progress.
Based on the location of mesothelioma, your doctor may use different diagnostic tests. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma. Doctors may also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, that targets the lining of your abdomen or pericardial mesothelioma focused on the lining of the heart.
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor will inquire about your exposure to asbestos and whether you have any symptoms. They will then perform an examination and review your medical background. 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 showing how far the cancer has spread.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure is the most common mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a group of minerals that are found in rock and soil. It is extremely strong and can be made into thin weaved fibers that are used in a variety of products. In the United States, asbestos was utilized for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century before scientists discovered the dangers of asbestos. Asbestos is most often exposed when people breathe in or swallow the fibers. They cling to the organ's lining. Over time, the lining can grow tumors and trigger symptoms like coughing, breathing problems and chest pain. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 10-50 years after the initial exposure.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma. However, certain people are at greater risk than others. Mesothelioma can be triggered by any asbestos exposure, including occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos by their parents are at risk. You should inform your doctor if someone in your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Different types of mesothelioma 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 line every lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma is less common. It is found in the abdominal lining (peritoneum). Malignant mesothelioma comes in two forms: epithelioid, and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common and develops slower than mesothelioma with sarcomatoid features. There is a rare mesothelioma form that contains both sarcomatoid and epithelioid-cells. It is known as biphasic mesothelioma.
The type of mesothelioma can help your doctors decide which treatment option to use. Your doctors may recommend chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy to lessen the symptoms and prolong your life. The kind of treatment you are offered will depend on the type of mesothelioma you have, where it is located and your medical history.
Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk. If Pharr asbestos attorney were exposed to asbestos in the past, try to reduce your exposure and stay away from any areas that could contain asbestos. It is also advisable to talk with your doctor regarding any unusual or persistent symptoms you experience.
Recovery
Many mesothelioma patients are shocked to discover that their asbestos exposure is the cause. More troubling is the fact that their former employers failed to warn them about the dangers associated with their work or take any steps to protect workers against asbestos, a toxic substance. A mesothelioma lawyer can help these patients seek justice by filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that forms in the tissue that lines the organs of the body, such as the lungs, stomach and heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos which is a family of minerals that form long, thin fibers that are durable and fire-resistant. Before scientists discovered its health hazards asbestos was extensively used in the manufacture of building materials, automobile parts and other products. People who worked on projects that involved asbestos are most likely to develop mesothelioma. Construction workers, shipyard workers, insulation workers and asbestos abatement specialists are all at risk. Asbestos also clung onto clothing and other personal items, and workers carried these fibers home with them on their bodies, which could expose their family members to mesothelioma too.
The most frequent form of this cancer is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the linings of the lungs and usually starts in the chest. The symptoms include the coughing up of blood or fluid accumulation around the lungs. It can also impact the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).
The amount of exposure to asbestos and gender are two aspects that affect a person's chance of developing mesothelioma. Men are more vulnerable to this disease than women. Age is also a 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 chest radiation, or those who have a parent or a sibling with the disease. Most mesothelioma sufferers are older than 60 years.