Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
The occupational exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related cause. Exposure to asbestos can be found in construction, shipyards and factories.
As asbestos fibres are inhaled, they get caught in the lung's lining (pleura) and cause gene mutations that can result in cancer. The symptoms usually don't manifest until 20-60 years after exposure.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms differ based on the type and the stage of cancer, as well as where tumors develop within the body. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs while pericardial, peritoneal and mesothelioma affecting the stomach and heart. Patients may also experience symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma involves a physical examination and a thorough health history. Patients should inform their doctor about any previous exposure to asbestos and report any unusual symptoms or body changes they've observed. In addition to performing an examination of the body, doctors will likely conduct imaging tests to determine how the disease is progressing and also to rule out other conditions like pneumonia or lung cancer.
Often, mesothelioma symptoms do not show up until decades after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in swallowed, absorbed and stick to the organ linings, such as stomach and lungs. These fibers can cause inflammation, leading to tumors. The signs of mesothelioma usually don't appear until the cancer spreads to other parts.
When mesothelioma symptoms first begin to manifest, they can worsen rapidly and impact a patient's quality of life. As the cancer progresses patients may become weaker and bed-bound. Many mesothelioma patients in the late stages of their disease experience intense pain.
In addition to the physical exam, doctors inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos as well as mesothelioma risks. A history of a family member who had mesothelioma or another type of cancer, smoking cigarettes, or military service can all increase the risk of developing the disease.
Patients with mesothelioma are often at greater risk of developing other types of cancer, including breast and lung cancers, because the same asbestos fibers can cause irritation to these tissues too. These risks can be reduced by not being exposed to asbestos and practicing good hygiene in the workplace. For instance, employees should change their clothes prior to leaving work and shower right after work to avoid bringing home asbestos-containing particles on their skin or clothing. Those who live near asbestos-exposed workers should also wash and change their clothes prior to entering the house.
Diagnosis
Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that have tiny fibres which are used in many different ways. The people who use asbestos could release these fibres into the air and into the lungs of others around them. As time passes, these fibres can accumulate and cause scarring in the lungs called asbestosis. It can also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma can be a type of cancer that grows in the linings that protect organs, referred to as mesothelium. It most commonly develops in the lining of the chest (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is frequently a factor in mesothelioma. It takes decades for mesothelioma signs to appear making diagnosis difficult.
The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma involves a visit to the doctor and a physical examination. This will help your doctor recognize the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other diseases. Your doctor may recommend blood tests or imaging scans to look for mesothelioma or identify symptoms from other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can assist doctors diagnose mesothelioma by identifying pleural effusion or the peritoneal effusion.
These tests can also help doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma which determines the treatment options you have. Each mesothelioma stage has an individual prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma will affect how severe the symptoms are and how fast they will progress.
Your doctor may employ a variety of diagnostic tests, based on the location mesothelioma has been found. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and is the most frequent mesothelioma form. Doctors can diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as well, which targets the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, specifically targeting the lining of the coronary artery.
In the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis your doctor will ask about your exposure to asbestos and whether you experience any symptoms. The doctor will perform an examination of your body and review your medical records. If they suspect mesothelioma is present, they will refer you to an expert who can carry out further tests and scans. These tests can help determine the type and stage of your cancer, and also the extent to which it has been able to spread.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is most often caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a class of minerals that are found in rock and soil. It is a very durable mineral that can be made into thin fibers that can be used in many different products. It was used in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century, before scientists realized the dangers it poses to human health. Exposure to asbestos usually happens when people swallow or inhale the fibers. They cling to the organ's lining. As temecula asbestos attorneys , the organ's tissue may develop tumors, causing symptoms like chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Symptoms do not usually appear for 10-50 years after initial exposure.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma. However, certain people are at greater risk than others. Mesothelioma can result from any type of asbestos exposure that includes para- and occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are also at risk. If you or someone in your family has mesothelioma, it is recommended that you speak to an expert about your asbestos history.
Different types of mesothelioma can be found in different areas of the body. About 70-80% of cases are mesothelioma of the pleural region. It begins in the tissue that covers the lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma is not as common. It is found in the inner lining (peritoneum) of the abdomen. There are two different kinds of malignant mesothelioma that are epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is more common and grows slower than mesothelioma with sarcomatoid features. There is a very rare mesothelioma that contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is called biphasic mesothelioma.
Your doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment for you based on the type of mesothelioma. Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy to lessen your symptoms and prolong your life span. The type of mesothelioma that you have, the location of it and your medical history will determine the type of treatment you receive.
There are ways to reduce your risk, even though mesothelioma cancer is rare. If you were exposed to asbestos in the past, try to limit your exposure and stay clear from any areas that could contain it. Consult your physician for any unusual or persistent symptoms.
Recovery
Many mesothelioma patients are shocked to discover that their asbestos exposure is the reason. Even more upsetting is the fact that their former employers did not warn them about the dangers of their job or take any action to protect workers against this toxic material. A mesothelioma lawyer can help the patients seek justice by filing an action against the accountable parties.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that forms in the tissue that lines the organs of the body, including the lungs, stomach and heart. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals that form long thin fibers that are durable and fire resistant. Asbestos was widely used in automobile parts, buildings and other products before scientists discovered its health hazards in the 20th century. Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who been involved in asbestos-related projects. Shipyard workers, construction workers insulation workers, as well as asbestos elimination specialists are all at risk. Asbestos fibers stick to personal items, clothing, and workers' bodies. This could expose their families to mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma, or pleural mesotheli common type of this cancer. It affects the lung's lining and symptoms usually start in the chest, such as the coughing up of blood or an accumulation of fluid around the lung. It can also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.
The amount of asbestos exposure and gender are two factors that affect the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. Men are more prone to the disease than women. Age is another factor. Family history is also an important risk factor, since certain asbestos-related illnesses have been linked to specific genes. Patients who have had radiation to the chest are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. So are those who have a family member who has been diagnosed with the disease. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in those who are more than 60 years old.