Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, occurs in the organs' linings. It is prevalent in the abdomen and lungs (peritoneum) however it can also be found in the pleura. Exposure to asbestos results in an increased risk of developing the disease.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos, which is a heat- and fire-resistant mineral fiber. The symptoms may not show up until years after exposure.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor that develops in the tissue of the lungs and the heart, is caused by asbestos fibers. Typically, it occurs when a person inhale asbestos fibers that get into the bloodstream and get absorbed in the organ's lining. The people most likely to suffer from this condition are those who worked around asbestos, like miners, plumbers, carpenters and welders. It also occurs in people who worked with workers who brought asbestos to their homes on their clothes or the skin. Other people at risk include those who work in a household where asbestos is present and those who are disturbed by asbestos during renovations to their homes or maintenance.

There are four stages to mesothelioma. The early and mid-stages might not show any symptoms, and it could be years before they are diagnosed. When they are diagnosed the cancer is advanced and difficult to treat.

The signs of mesothelioma generally are not evident until years after exposure. The disease is slow to develop because asbestos fibers must be transported from the lungs into other parts of the body before they can cause mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases start in the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) but it can be found in the lining of the stomach or the heart. It may also be found in the linings of the reproductive organs.

A biopsy of the affected area is the best method to help doctors to determine if mesothelioma is present. The biopsy is then examined under microscopes to determine if the cancer cells are mesothelioma or a different kind of cancer.

Doctors can also order x-rays, CT scans or MRI to help identify the problem and determine if there's a tumor, a thickening or enlargement of the lining in the abdomen or chest, and fluid in the chest cavity. They can also request an examination of lung function to determine how well the lungs of a patient are functioning.

A mesothelioma misdiagnosis could be dangerous because it may delay the beginning of treatment, which could improve the prognosis of a patient. This is why it is essential to consult a doctor whenever symptoms begin to manifest. A GP will evaluate the symptoms and signs and determine if a person has a history of exposure to asbestos.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma, a type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the lining which surrounds many of the body's internal organs which include the chest and abdominal cavity. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma that affects the lung's outer layer (pleura). Mesothelioma is not as common in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) as well as the heart sac (pericardium) as well as in the testicles.

A doctor can diagnose the disease by taking a tissue sample for imaging tests or a biopsy. The doctor can determine the severity of mesothelioma. It is an indication of how invasive and likely it will grow.

The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos legal. Asbestos is a natural, heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was employed in the manufacturing and construction industries until the late 1970s. People who worked in occupations such as asbestos mining or milling, insulators, pipefitters, plumbers, and those who renovated homes are at greater risk than other people of developing mesothelioma.

Inhaling tiny asbestos fibers could cause mesothelioma. These tiny asbestos fibers can get trapped in the lungs, causing inflammation that causes lung scarring. asbestos lawyer exposure may also increase the likelihood of smoking, which may further increase the risk for mesothelioma.

A person's risk for mesothelioma increases with the length of time they were exposed to asbestos. Those who have been exposed to the highest levels of asbestos are at greatest risk for mesothelioma.

There are risk factors that can be altered for example, the age of a person or whether they smoke, however the majority of the mesothelioma risk factors are related to asbestos exposure. Certain risk factors aren't changeable for example, the history of a family member or genetics. Mesothelioma can more easily occur in people with certain health issues or illnesses, such as heart disease or diabetes.

Treatment

Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium that forms the lungs and abdomen. People who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The disease usually develops decades after asbestos exposure. It can be difficult to recognize because symptoms can be similar to other conditions and come and go. Mesothelioma patients can receive compensation via lawsuits or trust funds.

Mesothelioma has no cure however, treatment options are available to control the disease and improve quality of life. Patients should seek medical treatment from doctors who have had experience treating the disease. Doctors will examine the medical history of a patient to check for symptoms and possible mesothelioma risk factors, including asbestos exposure.

Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. It is usually caused by breathing in tiny asbestos fibers that float in the air. The asbestos fibers can be trapped in the lungs, and could trigger genetic mutations that result in cancer. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining. However, it can occur in the lining of the chest wall (pericardium), abdomen and testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma).

Like all cancers, mesothelioma is caused by the DNA of a cell experiencing mutations. The mutations cause the cells to grow uncontrollably, resulting in an increase in the size of the tumor. Mesothelioma is found most often in men over the age of 75 and those who have served in the U.S. military.

There are a variety of mesothelioma types and each has a distinct survival rate. Patients must be aware that mesothelioma diagnosis is grave and difficult to treat. There is hope, however, as research continues to make progress in prolonging the life expectancy. Veterans with mesothelioma may also be eligible for VA benefits.

Prevention

Mesothelioma Although rare, it is highly preventable. Asbestos is a natural mineral that was previously used extensively in shipbuilding, construction, and other industries due to its unique properties of durability, strength, heat insulation, and fire resistance. However, the microscopic fibers of asbestos are able to become airborne if disturbed, and if inhaled, they can cause serious health conditions like mesothelioma.

The only way to prevent mesothelioma is not to be exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is the main reason for mesothelioma and the majority of people diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at some point in their lives. Other factors can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. These include smoking, age, and genetics.

Most often, mesothelioma affects the lung (tummy) and lungs. It is extremely rare for mesothelioma to develop in any other area of the body. Mesothelioma can take a long time to grow, and it might not be apparent for 20 or 40 years after exposure to asbestos case. It is important that people who have been exposed to asbestos legal regularly visit their doctor if they are experiencing any unusual symptoms, such as breathlessness and coughing.

Symptoms of asbestosis include tightness in the chest, frequent coughing, and a blue appearance of the skin because the body is struggling to get enough oxygen. Inhaled asbestos fibers can also cause irritation to the lungs, leading to scarring, which is known as fibrosis. This could cause fluid to build up in the lungs, as well as other organs including the heart. Inflammation can trigger genetic changes that can cause cancer to develop in the lung.

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

Mesothelioma most often occurs in the tummy and lungs but it can also affect the heart, stomach and testicles. It is usually not possible to avoid mesothelioma however there are steps that individuals can take to lessen the risk of being exposed. It is important to check for asbestos in the workplace and talk to their employer about the safety guidelines they must follow. Wearing protective gear and washing the work clothes away from home is a good idea to ensure that asbestos fibers are not found on clothing of family members.