Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is found in the lining of internal organs typically the lungs (pleura) and, less frequently the abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos can result in an increased risk of developing this disease.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma involves exposure to asbestos, which is a non-flammable and heat-resistant fiber. However, symptoms can take years to develop following exposure.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma, a tumor that is cancerous that grows in the tissue that surrounds the lungs and the heart is caused by asbestos fibers. It usually occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled and are absorbed into the organ's lining. People who worked with asbestos, like plumbers, miners and carpenters, are most at risk. It can also occur in people who lived with asbestos workers who brought it home on their clothes or skin. Other people at risk include those who work in a household where asbestos is present and those who disturb asbestos during renovations to their homes or maintenance.
There are four stages of mesothelioma. Patients in the early and middle stages do not show symptoms and may suffer for years before they are diagnosed. By the time cancer is detected it is advanced and is difficult to treat.
The signs of mesothelioma do not typically appear until decades after exposure. The condition can last for a long time because asbestos fibers have to travel from the lungs to other parts of the human body before they can cause mesothelioma. The lining of lungs is the most typical place where mesothelioma begins however it could start in the linings of the heart or stomach. It may also be found in the linings of the reproductive organs.
The best way to diagnose mesothelioma is for a doctor to take a biopsy from the affected area. The specimen is examined under a microscope to determine if the cancer cells are of mesothelioma type or another kind.
Doctors can also order x-rays, CT scans or MRI to help identify the problem and see whether there is a tumor, thickening of the lining in the abdomen or chest, and fluid in the chest cavity. They may also recommend an examination of lung function to assess how well a person's lungs are working.
A misdiagnosis for mesothelioma may be detrimental, since it could delay treatment, which could improve the outlook of a patient. It is imperative to see a doctor whenever you experience any signs. A GP is able to assess the symptoms and examine the history of asbestos exposure for a patient.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, develops in the mesothelium. The mesothelium covers a variety of internal organs of the body, including the chest cavity and abdominal cavity. Pleural mesothelioma is a disease that affects the outer layer (pleura) of the lung. In less frequent instances, mesothelioma may occur in the membrane that runs along the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart sac (pericardium) and, very rarely, it can arise in the testicles (tunica vaginalis mesothelioma or vaginalis testicular mesothelioma).
A doctor can identify the disease by taking a sample of tissue for imaging tests or a biopsy. Antioch asbestos attorneys will then determine the mesothelioma's stage that indicates how aggressive it is and how likely to grow.
The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral fiber that is resistant against heat and fire and was extensively used in construction and manufacturing activities up to the 1970s. Mesothelioma is more common for those who worked in asbestos mining, milling pipes, insulators, and pipefitters.
Inhaling tiny asbestos fibers could cause mesothelioma. These tiny fibers can become trapped in the lungs, causing inflammation that leads to lung scarring. Asbestos exposure may also increase the likelihood of smoking, which may further increase the risk for mesothelioma.
A person's risk for mesothelioma rises with the amount of time they were exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is most common in those who have been exposed to asbestos at high levels.
There are risk factors that can be altered like the age of a person or whether they smoke, however the majority mesothelioma risk factors are a result of asbestos exposure. Certain risk factors aren't changeable for example, a person's family history or genetics. Mesothelioma can more easily occur if a person has certain illnesses or health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the mesothel lines the lungs and abdomen. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The disease usually develops for decades after exposure. It is often difficult to identify, since symptoms are often similar to other conditions and can change. Patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma could be compensated through lawsuits or trust fund claims.
Mesothelioma is not curable however, treatment options are available to control the condition and improve quality of life. Patients should seek out physicians who are experts in treating the disease. Doctors will review a patient's history to look for symptoms and mesothelioma-related risks, such as asbestos exposure.
The most commonly cited cause of Mesothelioma's is exposure to asbestos. It is caused by inhaling tiny asbestos fibers that are floating in the air. These fibers can become lodged in the lungs, and could cause genetic mutations that can result in cancer. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and is the commonly diagnosed type of mesothelioma. It can also affect the tissue of the chest (pericardium) and abdomen and testicles (peritoneal peritoneal cancer).
Like all cancers, mesothelioma can be caused by the DNA of a cell experiencing mutations. These mutations cause the cell to expand uncontrollably, which results in a tumor. Over 75-year-olds and veterans of the U.S. armed forces are most likely to develop mesothelioma.
There are various types of mesothelioma and each one has a different rate of survival. Patients must be aware that a diagnosis of mesothelioma can be very serious and is a difficult one to treat. The research is progressing however there is possibility. Veterans with mesothelioma may also be eligible to receive VA benefits.
Prevention
Mesothelioma is a rare condition however it is highly preventable. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once used widely in shipbuilding, construction, and other industries because of its unique characteristics of strength, durability, fire resistance and heat insulation. The microscopic asbestos fibers become airborne when disturbed and may cause serious health conditions such as mesothelioma when inhaled.
The only way to avoid mesothelioma is to not be exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is the primary reason for mesothelioma and the majority of people diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at some point in their lives. Other factors can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma, such as smoking, age and genetics.
Mesothelioma typically affects the lungs and abdomen (tummy). Rarely, mesothelioma is found in other parts of the body. Mesothelioma is a lengthy process to grow, and it might not appear for 20 or 40 years following exposure to asbestos. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should consult their doctor regularly if they experience any unusual symptoms. This includes coughing or a shortness of breath.
Asbestosis symptoms include tightness in your chest, persistent coughing, and a blueish hue to the skin. This is because the body struggles to get enough oxygen. Inhaling asbestos fibers can irritate the lungs, leading to scarring, which is known as fibrosis. This could cause fluid to build up in the lungs and other body parts including the heart. Inflammation can cause genetic changes, which could cause cancerous growth to the lungs.
There is no cure for asbestosis, but there are treatments available to treat the symptoms. These treatments can improve the quality of life and breathing for patients.
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs, however it can also affect the stomach, testicles and heart. There is no way to avoid mesothelioma. However there are ways to lower the risk. It is important to look for asbestos in the workplace and inquire with their employer for safety standards that they should follow. It is also a good idea to wear protective equipment and wash their workplace clothes outside of their home so that they're not carried home on clothing belonging to family members.