Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos at work is the most significant reason for mesothelioma. The exposure to asbestos can happen in shipyards, construction sites and factories.
Asbestos fibers inhaled are trapped in the lining (pleura) of the lungs and cause gene mutations that lead to cancer. The symptoms typically don't appear until 20-60 years after exposure.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the location where the tumors are located in the body, as well as the type and stage. Pleural mesothelioma is a lung cancer while peritoneal, pericardial, and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region affect the heart and stomach. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue and difficulty breathing.
A physical exam and a thorough health history are the first steps to determine if you have mesothelioma. Patients should inform their doctor of any asbestos exposure or unusual symptoms or changes in their body that they have observed. In addition to an examination of the body doctors may also order imaging tests to see how the disease is progressing and also to rule out other conditions such as lung cancer or pneumonia.
Mesothelioma is often not diagnosed until years after asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in swallowed, absorbed and stick to the organ linings, such as the lungs and stomach. These fibers can cause inflammation, leading to tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma often don't appear until the cancer spreads to other parts.
When mesothelioma symptoms first begin to manifest, they can worsen rapidly and affect a patient's quality of life. Patients can become weak and bed-bound when the cancer progresses. Many patients suffering from mesothelioma at the last stages of their disease experience extreme pain.
In addition to the physical exam, doctors inquire about the patient's asbestos exposure and mesothelioma risk. A family member who was diagnosed with mesothelioma or other types of cancer, smoking cigarettes or military service can all increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma are typically at a higher risk of developing other forms of cancer, such as breast cancer and lung cancer due to the fact that asbestos fibers can irritate these tissues too. By avoiding exposure to asbestos and maintaining a healthy hygiene at work, the risks can be reduced. Employees should shower and change clothes immediately after leaving the office to avoid bringing asbestos fibers home on their clothing or skin. Also, people who live with workers who are exposed to asbestos should be sure to shower and change their own clothes before they enter the house.
Diagnosis
Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that have tiny fibres which are used in a variety of ways. These fibres can be released into air or the lungs of people who use asbestos. Over time, these fibers may build up and cause lung scarring known as asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, develops in the linings that protect (mesothelium) of organs. It usually develops in the chest's lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is a common cause in mesothelioma. It takes decades for mesothelioma signs to appear, which makes diagnosis difficult.
The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is to visit the doctor and a physical exam. This will aid your doctor in understanding the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other diseases. Your doctor may order blood tests or imaging scans to check for mesothelioma, or to determine the symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can help doctors identify mesothelioma by identifying pleural effusions or peritoneal effusion.
These tests also allow doctors to determine the stage of mesothelioma which will determine your treatment options. There are four mesothelioma stages, and each one has a different outlook. The stage of mesothelioma determines the severity of your symptoms and how quickly they progress.
Depending on the location of your mesothelioma doctor may recommend different diagnostic tests. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, affecting the lungs. Doctors can also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, which targets the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, targeted at the lining of the coronary artery.
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor will ask about your exposure to asbestos and whether you have any symptoms. The doctor will perform an examination of your body and look over your medical documents. If they suspect mesothelioma has developed, they will refer to a specialist who will perform additional tests and scans. These tests will help diagnose the type and stage of your mesothelioma, as well as showing how far the cancer has spread.
Treatment
Exposure to asbestos is the most common mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos can be found in soil and rock. It is a very durable mineral that can be transformed into thin fibers that can be used in many different products. In the United States, asbestos was used for construction materials and insulation in the 20th century, before scientists discovered its dangers. Asbestos exposure is usually when people swallow or inhale the fibers. They cling to the lining of organs. As time passes, the organ's lining may develop tumors and cause symptoms like coughing, breathing difficulties and chest pain. The symptoms usually do not show until 10-50 years after initial exposure.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma. However, some individuals are more at risk than others. Mesothelioma can result from any asbestos exposure that includes para- and occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos through their relatives are also at a higher risk. It is important to inform your doctor if someone in your family is diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Different types of mesothelioma can be found in different parts of the body. Around 70 to 80 percent of cases are mesothelioma of the pleural region. It begins in the layers of tissue that surround each lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma is not as common. It is located in the inner lining (peritoneum) of the abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma can be found in two forms: epithelioid, and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more prevalent than sarcomatoid and is more prone to growth. There is a rare mesothelioma that contains both sarcomatoid and epithelioid-cells. It is referred to as biphasic mesothelioma.
The type of mesothelioma can help your doctors decide which treatment option to use. Your doctor may suggest radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery to alleviate your symptoms and prolong your life. The type of mesothelioma you have, the location of it and your medical history will determine the type of treatment you will receive.
There are ways to lower your risk, even though mesothelioma cancer is not common. If you've been exposed to asbestos in the past, try to reduce your exposure and stay clear from any places that might contain it. Talk to your doctor for any unusual or persistent symptoms.
Recovery
Many people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocking to discover that asbestos exposure in the past was the cause. Even more upsetting is the fact that their former employers did not inform them of the dangers of their job or take any steps to safeguard workers from asbestos, a toxic substance. A mesothelioma attorney can help those suffering from the disease by filing a suit against the responsible parties.
Mesothelioma, a cancer, is found in the tissues that cover organs in the body, such as the lungs and stomach. It is caused by exposure to asbestos which is a family of minerals that form long thin fibers that are strong and fire resistant. Before scientists realized its health hazards asbestos was extensively used in building materials, automobile parts, and other products. Mesothelioma is a common occurrence in people who have been involved in asbestos-related projects. This includes construction workers, shipyard 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 asbestos fibers home with them on their bodies, potentially exposing their family members to mesothelioma as well.
The most common type of cancer is mesothelioma of the pleura. It affects the lung's lining, and the symptoms typically begin in the chest, such as bleeding from the chest or a buildup of fluid around the lungs. It can also affect the abdomen's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).
The amount of asbestos exposure and gender are two aspects that affect the chance of a person developing mesothelioma. Men are more vulnerable to the disease than women. The age of a person is another factor. A family history is also a risk factor. Certain asbestos-related diseases have been linked to specific genes. Mesothelioma is more common in people who have had chest radiation or have a family member with the disease. longmont asbestos lawyer of mesothelioma cases happen in those who are more than 60 years old.