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Mesothelioma From Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when the linings around the organs of the body, such as the lungs, stomach, heart and reproductive organs, grow out of control. The majority of cases are related to working with asbestos, which is a group of minerals with microscopic fibers that can withstand the effects of heat and chemicals.

After exposure, symptoms may take a long time to manifest. It can be difficult to diagnose because the early symptoms are similar to symptoms of other conditions.

Exposure

Many people in the US are exposed to asbestos while at work or at home. The most frequent type of exposure is from handling or installing asbestos-containing materials at a job site. Asbestos is an naturally occurring fibrous mineral. In the United States it has been extensively used for its insulating qualities in construction and other sectors like shipbuilding.

Asbestos was a popular product due to its long-lasting and low cost. It is a risk to inhale or swallow. When it breaks apart or is agitated, tiny fibers may float in the air and can be easily inhaled by unwary individuals. Inhaling these fibers can cause mesothelioma in a person. The symptoms of mesothelioma might not appear for 30 to 50 years following first exposure to asbestos.

When asbestos is breathed in, it is absorbed into the lining of the chest cavity (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). As time passes asbestos case fibers can lead to the formation of tumors, called mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

Exposure to asbestos is also linked to a non-cancerous condition, called asbestosis. People who are at risk of developing mesothelioma are miners, asbestos workers, electricians, insulation workers, construction workers and military veterans. Other risk factors include smoking, which can increase the risk of mesothelioma for a person but is not the cause.

The first documented mesothelioma diagnosis was made public in 1931, however the disease was not widely known until medical evidence that was significant linked it to asbestos law exposure. By the 1940s, a link was confirmed and laws began to regulate safety of workers and ban most uses of asbestos. Unfortunately, by the time this was done, many people had already contracted asbestos compensation-related illnesses and passed away.

The danger of malignant mesothelioma rises with the amount and duration of asbestos exposure. This is why it is essential for people who have had occupational or residential exposure to asbestos to be aware of their levels of exposure and any possible symptoms. Those who have experienced symptoms should immediately consult their physician. A doctor can help determine if they have mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness.

Symptoms

Asbestos is a very dangerous substance and exposure can cause a variety of symptoms. The asbestos fibers can enter the lung and cause scar tissue known as plaques in the pleural region. These plaques can stiffen the lung tissues, making it difficult to breath. The plaques may transform into malignant pleural msothelioma over time. Mesothelioma, which is a cancerous growth of the mesothelium covering the exterior surface of many organs, is the most common type of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can also be found in the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) and, less frequently in the membrane that surrounds the testicles (peritoneum). It usually develops 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. It is usually not identified because it is so rare.

It is important to see an expert as soon as possible if you are experiencing any unusual or persistent signs and symptoms, particularly if you have been exposed to asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to those of other conditions and can be difficult to diagnose. A shortness of breath and chest pain, coughing up blood, weight loss, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and fever are among the earliest symptoms. It is not uncommon for mesothelioma symptoms to be found in people who are over the age of 65.

Mesothelioma occurs most often in the lung (pleura) but it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum) and, very rarely in the testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma). The majority of cases of mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos fibres or dust but certain cases have been linked to other minerals, such as silica and erionite.

The most common symptoms of mesothelioma include fatigue, shortness-of-breath, and a cough that is dry. A buildup of fluid inside the lungs (pleural effusion) is another common sign. The fluid can also build up in the abdomen, causing stomach bloating and abdominal pain, weight loss and nausea.

Asbestos is a cause of other serious health issues, including lung cancer and asbestosis, which is a non-cancerous, non-cancerous scarring of lungs. If you've been exposed to asbestos, it is important to let a doctor know about your past exposure. This will help them determine the best way to evaluate and treat any new symptoms.

Diagnosis

When diagnosing mesothelioma doctors must also determine the stage. Staging relates to the extent of the cancer and helps them predict how it will respond to treatment.

The symptoms of a patient and their work history are the first step in determining if mesothelioma is present. A physical examination can reveal lumps in the abdomen or chest. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's family history and health medical history. This information can aid in determining the probable reason for the symptoms, including asbestos exposure.

Once doctors have this information, they are able to run tests to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis. A chest X-ray and CT scan are a way to determine the presence of mesothelioma such as pleural plaques, a thickened pleura, or fluid between the lung wall and the chest, also known as a Pleural effusion. Other imaging tests may be beneficial, such as an MRI scan, FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) mediastinoscopy (used for examining and sampling lymph nodes in the middle of the chest) and endobronchial ultrasonography.

A thoracoscopy may be used to detect mesothelioma. This is accomplished by making a small cut between two ribs. The doctor then inserts a flexible tube with cameras at the end. The tube can be inserted through the mouth or throat with an injection of sedation. It's connected to a large LCD so that the doctor is able to see pictures of the area they're examining. The doctor can then use the tube to take tissue samples (biopsies) from the pleura.

Doctors can examine the biopsies to determine if they are epithelioid mesothelioma, mixed mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for about 60% to 70 percent of all cases and has a better chance of survival than sarcomatoid or mixed mesothelioma. The type of mesothelioma relates to the length of duration the patient was exposed to asbestos. Patients who were exposed to asbestos for a longer amount of time are more likely to have mixed or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. This is because the mesothelioma cells are more active than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Treatment

In certain cases mesothelioma tumors can transform into cancerous tumors that infiltrate surrounding organs or tissues. The cancer can also be carried through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to different parts of the body. Cancerous tumors can cause severe symptoms that affect the quality of life of an individual.

Mesothelioma is usually located in the chest cavity's lining the abdomen, chest or heart. It may also occur in the lining of the testicles. Other parts of the body are less likely to develop mesothelioma.

Exposure to asbestos increases a person's risk of developing mesothelioma. The cancer can occur when tiny asbestos fibers enter the body and are inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. The irritation that follows can trigger genetic changes within the body, and could lead to cancer.

Mesothelioma signs aren't always obvious and can take up to 50 years for symptoms to manifest. Because of this, patients with mesothelioma typically are diagnosed after other health complications have been discovered. A buildup of fluids, chest discomfort or breathing issues are just a few possible symptoms. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common type of mesothelioma and is responsible for 85 percent of all cases. It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma pleural because the initial symptoms, like chest pain and shortness of breath, are similar to many other conditions.

Patients with mesothelioma are at an increased risk of developing other forms of cancer. They are also more likely to have an ancestor with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses. People who live with workers exposed to asbestos are at greater risk since they can carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Radiation therapy can increase the risk of mesothelioma for patients who have received it. This is because radiation therapy may cause DNA mutations of cells.

Mesothelioma can be fatal to those who are diagnosed. There is no cure for mesothelioma, however, there are a variety of ways patients can improve their health and quality. The most important thing is to find the best treatment for the individual situation. Doctors can assist patients in deciding the best treatment option based on their fitness, health, and medical background.