Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure at work is the most significant cause of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can occur in construction, shipyards and factories.
As asbestos fibres are inhaled, they get caught in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and cause gene mutations that can lead to cancer. The signs typically don't show up until 20 to 60 years after exposure.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms differ based on the type and stage of cancer and where tumors develop within the body. For instance, pleural mesothelioma symptoms typically affect the lungs, whereas mesothelioma that affects the pericardial and peritone the stomach and the heart, respectively. Patients may also experience symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue and breathing difficulties.
A physical examination and a thorough health history are among the first steps in diagnosing mesothelioma. Patients should inform their doctor about any past exposure to asbestos, and also mention any unusual symptoms or body changes they've noticed. Doctors may also prescribe imaging tests in addition to a physical exam to determine the progression of the disease and rule out any other conditions such as pneumonia or lung cancer.
Often, mesothelioma symptoms don't manifest until decades after exposure to asbestos. This is due to the fact that asbestos fibers can be breathed in or swallowed, and they cling to the organs' linings, such as the stomach or lungs. These fibers can cause inflammation, leading to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't manifest until cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
When mesothelioma symptoms first begin to manifest they can quickly worsen and affect a patient's quality of life. Patients may become weak and bed-bound as the cancer spreads. This is why many mesothelioma patients in late stage suffer severe pain towards the end of their lives.
In addition to a physical examination doctors will also inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos 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 tend to be at higher risk of developing other forms of cancer, such as breast and lung cancers due to the fact that asbestos fibers can irritate these tissues as well. By avoiding asbestos exposure and maintaining good hygiene at work, the risk are reduced. For instance, employees should change their clothes prior to leaving work and shower immediately after work to prevent bringing home any asbestos fibers on their skin or clothing. Additionally, people living with workers who are exposed to asbestos should be sure to wash and change their clothes before entering the home.
Diagnosis
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that have tiny fibres that are used in a variety of ways. These fibres can be released into air or into the lungs of those who use asbestos. In manchester asbestos attorney , these fibres may build up and cause scarring of the lungs known as asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, grows in the linings of protection (mesothelium) of organs. It most commonly develops in the chest lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is often a factor in mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may take a long time to manifest, making diagnosis difficult.
The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma begins with a visit to the doctor and a physical examination. This will help your doctor recognize the symptoms you are experiencing and rule out any other conditions. Your doctor might order blood tests or imaging scans to check for mesothelioma, or to identify symptoms from other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans can be used to identify 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 has an individual prognosis. The stage of mesothelioma determines the severity of your symptoms and how quickly they develop.
Depending on the location of your mesothelioma, your doctor may recommend different diagnostic tests. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and is the most prevalent mesothelioma form. Doctors can also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma which targets the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, targeted at the lining of the heart.
In the event of a diagnosis of mesothelioma your doctor will inquire with you about your exposure to asbestos and if you exhibit any symptoms. The doctor will perform an examination of your body and review your medical documents. If they suspect mesothelioma is present, they will refer you to an expert who can carry out further tests and scans. These tests will help determine the type and stage of your mesothelioma, and also show how the cancer has spread.
Treatment
The exposure to asbestos is the most frequent mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos can be found in soil and rock. It is a very durable mineral that can be made into thin woven fibers for various products. In the United States, asbestos was used in construction materials and insulation in the 20th century, before scientists realized its dangers. Asbestos is typically exposed when people inhale or swallow the fibers. They then cling to the organ's lining. As time passes, the organ's lining may develop tumors and trigger symptoms like coughing, breathing difficulties and chest pain. Symptoms usually do not appear until 10-50 years after the initial exposure.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma. However, some people are at greater risk than others. Any exposure to asbestos increases the chance of getting mesothelioma, including both para- and occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos through their relatives are also at risk. It is important to inform your doctor if someone in your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Different types of mesothelioma are found in different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent type, affecting around 70-80% of all cases. It begins in the layers of tissue that line the lungs (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma is less common. It occurs in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). There are two different kinds of malignant mesothelioma that are epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more prevalent than sarcomatoid, and it grows more slowly. There is also a very rare mesothelioma type that has both epithelioid as well as 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 might recommend radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery to relieve your symptoms and prolong your life span. The type of mesothelioma that you have, its location and your medical history will determine the type of treatment that you receive.
There are ways to reduce your risk, even though mesothelioma is a rare cancer. If you've been exposed to asbestos in the past, try to limit your exposure to asbestos and stay away from any areas that could contain it. Talk to your doctor for any unusual or persistent symptoms.
Recovery
Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocking to learn that exposure to asbestos in the past was the reason. Even more upsetting is the fact that their former employers failed to inform them of the dangers associated with their work or take any measures to safeguard workers from asbestos's harmful material. A mesothelioma attorney can help the 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, including the stomach, lungs, and heart. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos which is a family of minerals that form long, thin fibers that are strong and fire resistant. Asbestos was widely used in buildings, automobile parts and other products prior to when scientists learned of its health risks in the 20th century. Mesothelioma is most common in those who been involved in asbestos-related 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 these fibers home on their bodies, exposing their family members to mesothelioma as well.
Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent type of cancer. It affects the linings of lung and is usually found in the chest. The symptoms include the coughing up of blood or fluid accumulation around the lungs. It can also affect the lining of the stomach (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.
The amount of exposure to asbestos and gender are two factors that affect a person's chance of developing mesothelioma. Men are more prone to this condition than women. Age is also a factor. A family history is also a risk factor. Certain asbestos-related illnesses have been linked with specific genes. Mesothelioma is more prevalent for those who have had radiation to their chest or have a parent or a sibling with the disease. The majority of mesothelioma cases happen for those over 60 years old.