Mesothelioma – A Rare Asbestos Disease
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, occurs in the organs’ linings. It is most common in the lungs and abdomen (peritoneum) however it can also occur in the pleura. Exposure to asbestos results in an increased risk of developing the disease.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a non-flammable and heat-resistant fiber. Symptoms may not appear for decades after exposure.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma, a tumor that is cancerous that develops in the tissues lining the lungs and heart is caused by asbestos fibers. It usually occurs when people inhale asbestos fibers that enter the bloodstream, and later get lodged in the lining of organs. The most susceptible to contracting this condition are those who worked around asbestos, for example, plumbers, miners, carpenters and welders. It can also occur in those who were workers who brought asbestos home on their clothes or their skin. Other people at risk include those who live in a home where asbestos is present and those who are disturbed by 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 a long time before being diagnosed. By the time cancer is discovered it has progressed and is difficult to treat.
The symptoms of mesothelioma typically are not evident until decades after exposure. The condition takes a long time to develop because asbestos fibers must be transported from the lungs to different parts of the body before they can cause mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases start in the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however it could be found in the stomach lining or heart. It may also be found in the tissues of the reproductive organs.
A biopsy of the area affected is the most effective way to help a doctor diagnose mesothelioma. The sample is examined under a microscope to determine if the cells are mesothelioma or another kind.
Doctors can also order x-rays, CT scans or MRI to determine the cause and determine if there’s a tumor, a thickening or enlargement of the lining within the chest or abdomen and fluid in the chest cavity. They can also order lung function tests to see the extent to which the lungs of an individual are functioning.
A misdiagnosis of mesothelioma could be dangerous because it may delay the beginning of treatment that could improve the patient’s chances of survival. It is crucial to see a doctor if you experience any symptoms. A GP can assess the symptoms and signs and determine if a person has a history of exposure to asbestos.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma, a type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium. The mesothelium surrounds many internal organs in the body including the abdominal cavity and the chest cavity. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma that affects the outer layer of the lungs (pleura). Less commonly, mesothelioma can be found in the membrane that lines 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 diagnose the disease by taking a sample of tissue for imaging tests or a biopsy. A doctor can then determine the mesothelioma’s stage and determine how aggressive it is and how likely to spread.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos lawsuit. Asbestos is a natural resistant to heat and fire fiber that was employed in the manufacturing and construction industries until the late 1970s. The people who worked in jobs such as asbestos mining or milling, pipefitters, insulators, plumbers, and those who remodelled older homes are at higher risk than other people of developing mesothelioma.
Inhaling tiny asbestos fibers could cause mesothelioma. These tiny asbestos fibers can get trapped in the lungs and cause inflammation that can lead to lung scarring. Asbestos exposure may also increase a person’s chances of smoking, which can further increase the risk for mesothelioma.
A person’s risk for mesothelioma rises with the amount of time they were exposed to asbestos attorney. People who have been exposed to the highest levels of asbestos are at greatest risk for mesothelioma.
There are risk factors that can be changed like a person’s age or whether they smoke, but most mesothelioma-related risk factors are linked to asbestos exposure. Some of these elements cannot be altered, like a person’s genetics or family history. A person’s mesothelioma risk is also increased if they suffer from certain illnesses or health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.
Treatment
Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium that forms the lungs and abdomen. People who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The disease usually develops for decades after asbestos exposure. It is often difficult to identify, since symptoms are often similar to other conditions and may change. Those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma may be compensated through lawsuits or trust fund claims.
There is no cure for mesothelioma, however there are options to manage the disease and improve your quality of life. Patients should seek out physicians who are skilled in treating the disease. Doctors will look over the medical history of the patient to check for symptoms and possible mesothelioma risk factors, such as asbestos exposure.
Exposure to asbestos is the main cause mesothelioma. It is usually caused by breathing in tiny asbestos fibers that hang in the air. The asbestos fibers can be stuck in the lungs, and could trigger genetic mutations that cause cancer. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the linings of the lung and is the most frequent mesothelioma. However, it can also occur in the lining of the chest wall (pericardium) as well as the abdomen and testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma).
Like all cancers, mesothelioma is caused by DNA of cells that are experiencing mutations. The mutations cause the cell to grow uncontrollably and result in an increase in the size of the tumor. Mesothelioma is found most often in those over the age of 75 and those who have been in the U.S. military.
There are many types of mesothelioma and each one has a different rate of survival. Patients should know that a mesothelioma diagnosis can be grave and difficult to treat. There is hope, however as research continues to make advancements in extending survival. Veterans with mesothelioma may be eligible to receive VA benefits.
The following is a list with preventions.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, but is highly preventable. Asbestos is a mineral that is naturally occurring that was previously used extensively in construction, shipbuilding and other industries because of its unique characteristics of durability, strength, heat insulation and fire resistance. However, the tiny fibers of asbestos become airborne when disturbed and if breathed in, they can cause serious health problems such as mesothelioma.
The only way to prevent mesothelioma is to avoid being exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, and the majority of people diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at some point throughout their lives. Smoking or aging, as well as genetics can increase the risk of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma typically affects the abdomen and lungs. (tummy). It is extremely rare for mesothelioma development to occur in any other part of the body. Mesothelioma is a lengthy process to develop, and it could not manifest for 20 or 40 years following exposure to asbestos. It is crucial that those who have been exposed to asbestos lawsuit regularly consult their physician if they are experiencing any unusual symptoms, especially coughing and shortness of breath.
Symptoms of asbestosis include tightness in the chest, frequent coughing, and a blue appearance to the skin because the body is struggling to get enough oxygen. Inhaled asbestos fibers can also cause irritation to the lungs and lead to scarring referred to as fibrosis. This can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, as well as other body parts including the heart. Inflammation can also trigger genetic changes that can cause cancer to grow in the lung.
There is no cure for asbestosis but there are treatments available to treat the symptoms. These treatments can improve the quality of life and air quality for patients.
Mesothelioma is found most often in the lungs, but it can also affect the stomach, testicles, and heart. There is no way to prevent mesothelioma. However there are ways to lower the risk. They should always check for asbestos in the workplace and ask their employer for safety guidelines they must follow. Wearing protective gear and washing at home away from work clothes is a good idea so that asbestos fibers are not transferred to the clothing of family members.