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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can occur in shipyards, construction and factories.

Asbestos fibers inhaled are stuck in the lining (pleura) of the lungs and cause gene mutations that cause cancer. Symptoms usually don't show up until 20-60 years after exposure.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the location where the tumors are located in the body, as well as the type and stage. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs while pericardial, peritoneal and mesothelioma affecting the heart and stomach. Patients may also experience symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue and breathing difficulties.

A physical examination and thorough health history are among the first steps to diagnose mesothelioma. Patients should tell their doctor about any previous exposure to asbestos, and also mention any unusual symptoms or body changes they've noticed. Doctors will also order imaging tests in addition to a physical exam to determine the severity of the disease and rule out any other diseases like lung cancer or pneumonia.

The majority of mesothelioma-related symptoms don't show up until decades after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in, swallowed and adhere to the linings of organs such as the lungs and stomach. These fibers can cause inflammation, which can lead to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms often don't manifest until cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

When mesothelioma starts to show signs, it rapidly increase in severity and affect the quality of life of a patient. As asbestos attorney progresses patients may become weaker and bed-bound. Many mesothelioma patients in the final stages of their disease are in intense pain.

In addition to a physical exam, doctors will ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma risk factors. Smoking, military service or mesothelioma history in a family member could increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

The same asbestos fibers that irritate the tissues of patients with mesothelioma also can irritate the tissues of patients suffering from breast cancer or lung cancer. By avoiding asbestos exposure and maintaining a clean environment at work, these risks can be reduced. For instance, employees must change their clothes before leaving work and shower right after work to avoid bringing home asbestos-containing particles on their skin or clothing. Additionally, people who live with people who are exposed to asbestos should be sure to shower and change their clothing prior to entering the house.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals containing tiny fibres that are used in many different ways. People who use asbestos may release these fibres into the air and into the lungs of anyone nearby. As time passes the fibres build up and cause scarring of the lungs known as asbestosis. It can also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the linings that protect (mesothelium) of organs. It is most commonly found in the chest lining (pleura), or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is often a factor in mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can take years to become apparent, making diagnosis difficult.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is visiting an expert doctor and undergo an examination. This will allow your physician to identify the symptoms you are experiencing and rule out other conditions. Your doctor may also order blood tests and imaging scans to check for mesothelioma, or to identify symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans are a way to diagnose mesothelioma. These scans identify pleural or peritoneal fluid.

These tests can also help doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma which will determine your treatment options. Each stage of mesothelioma comes with a different prognosis. The stage of mesothelioma determines how severe your symptoms are and how quickly they develop.





Your doctor can use a variety of diagnostic tests depending on where the mesothelioma occurs. The most common mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma that affects the lung. Doctors can also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma targeting the lining of the abdomen or pericardial mesothelioma specifically targeting the lining of the coronary artery.

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor will inquire about your exposure to asbestos as well as whether you experience any symptoms. They will then conduct a physical exam and examine your medical background. If they suspect mesothelioma they will refer you to an expert for further scans and tests. Those tests will help to determine the type and stage of your mesothelioma as well as showing how the cancer has spread.

Treatment

Exposure to asbestos is the most frequent mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a group of minerals that are found in rock and soil. It is a very durable mineral that can be turned into thin fibers that can be used in many products. In the United States, asbestos was used in construction materials and insulation in the 20th century until scientists discovered the dangers of asbestos. Exposure to asbestos usually happens when people inhale or swallow the fibers. They cling to the lining of organs. As time passes, the organ's tissue can develop tumors, causing symptoms like chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 10-50 years after initial exposure.

Mesothelioma can affect anyone who has been exposed to asbestos, however certain types are at greater risk. Mesothelioma can be triggered by any asbestos exposure, including occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos through their parents are at a higher risk. If you or someone in your family has mesothelioma, you should talk to an expert about your asbestos family history.

Different types of mesothelioma may occur in different parts of the body. About 70-80% of cases are mesothelioma of the pleural region. It starts in the tissues that cover each lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma is less common. It occurs in the abdominal lining (peritoneum). There are two kinds of mesothelioma that are malignant that are epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more common than sarcomatoid and is more prone to growth. There is a rare mesothelioma form that contains both epithelioid- and sarcomatoid-cells. It is called biphasic Mesothelioma.

Your doctor will determine the best treatment for you based upon the mesothelioma type. Your doctor might recommend radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery to relieve your symptoms and prolong your life. The type of mesothelioma you have, its location and your medical background will determine the kind of treatment that you receive.

Although mesothelioma is rare, there are some things you can do to lower the risk. If you have been exposed to asbestos, limit your exposure to it and avoid any places in which it is possible to find. Consult your doctor for any unusual or persistent symptoms.

Recovery

Many people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma find it shocking to discover that asbestos exposure in the past is the reason. More troubling is the fact that their former employers did not inform them of the dangers associated with their work or take any action to safeguard workers against asbestos, a toxic substance. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist those suffering from the disease by filing a lawsuit against the parties responsible.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is found in the tissues that line the organs of the body, including the lungs, stomach and the heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals that form long thin fibers that are tough and fire resistant. Before scientists discovered its health hazards asbestos was extensively used in the manufacture of building materials, automobile parts, and other products. People who worked on projects that involved asbestos are the most likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes construction workers, shipyard employees, insulation workers asbestos abatement technicians, and other workers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos also clung to clothing and other personal items and workers brought the fibers home with them on their bodies, potentially exposing their families to mesothelioma too.

Pleural mesothelioma, or pleural mesotheli prevalent form of this cancer. It affects linings of the lungs, and typically begins in the chest. The symptoms include bleeding from the chest or fluid accumulation around the lungs. It may also affect the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).

The amount of asbestos exposure and gender are two factors that affect a person's chance of developing mesothelioma. Men are more likely to contract this disease than women, and an individual's age is another important factor. Family history is also considered a risk factor, as certain asbestos-related diseases have been linked to specific genes. Mesothelioma is more frequent in those who have experienced radiation to their chest or who have a family member who has the disease. The majority of mesothelioma patients are older than 60 years.