Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease

Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is found in the organs' linings. It is most prevalent in the lungs and abdomen (peritoneum) however it can also be found in the pleura. Exposure to asbestos results in an increased risk of developing the disease.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, which is a heat- and fire-resistant mineral fiber. The symptoms may not manifest for many years after exposure.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma, a tumor that is cancerous that grows in the tissue of the lungs and the heart, is caused by asbestos fibers. It usually occurs when someone inhales asbestos litigation fibers, which enter the bloodstream and get absorbed in the organ's lining. The people most likely to suffer from this disease are those who work with asbestos, for example, plumbers, miners, carpenters and welders. It also occurs in people who lived with workers who brought asbestos home on their clothing or the skin. Other individuals at risk are those who live in a home where asbestos is present and those who are disturbed by asbestos during home renovations or maintenance.

There are four stages of mesothelioma. People who are in the early or mid-stages don't show any symptoms and may suffer for a long time before being diagnosed. By the time they get diagnosed the cancer is advanced and difficult to treat.

The signs of mesothelioma generally are not evident until decades after exposure. The condition is slow to develop because asbestos fibers must be transported from the lungs into other parts of the body before they can cause mesothelioma. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) but it can also start in the stomach lining or the heart. It may also be found in the linings of the reproductive organs.

The best method of diagnosing mesothelioma is for the doctor to take a biopsy of the affected area. The specimen is then examined under microscopes to determine if the cancerous cells are mesothelioma or another kind of cancer.

Doctors may also request x-rays, CT scans or MRI to identify the issue and determine if there is a tumor, a thickening or enlargement of the lining in the abdomen or chest, and fluid in the chest cavity. They may also recommend an examination of lung function to determine the extent to which a person's lungs are working.

A misdiagnosis of mesothelioma can be harmful because it can delay the beginning of treatment, which could improve the prognosis of a patient. It is imperative to seek out a physician if you experience any symptoms. A GP can assess the signs and symptoms and examine a person's history of exposure to asbestos.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium. The mesothelium lining covers the body's internal organs which include the chest and abdominal cavity. The most common mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma that affects the outer layer of the lungs (pleura). Less commonly, mesothelioma can occur in the membrane that lines the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart sac (pericardium) and, more rarely, it can arise in the testicles (tunica vaginalis mesothelioma or tunica vaginalis mesothelioma testicular).

A doctor can diagnose the disease by taking a sample of tissue for imaging tests or biopsy. A doctor can then determine the mesothelioma's stage and determine how aggressive it is and how likely it is to grow.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring, heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was employed in the manufacturing and construction industries up to the late 1970s. The people who worked in jobs such as asbestos case mining or milling, insulators, pipefitters plumbers, as well as those who remodelled older homes are at greater risk than others of developing mesothelioma.

Inhaling tiny asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma. These tiny asbestos fibers can get trapped in the lungs, causing inflammation that causes lung scarring. asbestos law exposure can also increase the likelihood of smoking, which may increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The risk of developing mesothelioma rises with the amount of time they've been exposed to asbestos. Those who have been exposed to the highest levels of asbestos are at greatest risk for mesothelioma.

There are risk factors that can be altered like a person's age or whether they smoke, but the majority mesothelioma risk factors are related to asbestos exposure. Some of these risk factors cannot be altered for example, the history of a family member or genetics. Mesothelioma can more easily occur if a person has certain illnesses or health conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the mesothel lines the lungs and abdomen. People who have been exposed to asbestos are at the risk of developing mesothelioma. The disease typically develops over the years after asbestos exposure. It can be hard to identify, since symptoms can mimic other conditions and may change. Patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma can be compensated through lawsuits or trust fund claims.

Mesothelioma has no cure however, treatments are available to manage the disease and improve the quality of life. Patients should seek out physicians who are experts in treating the disease. Doctors will look over the medical history of the patient to look for signs and other mesothelioma-related risk factors, like asbestos exposure.

Exposure to asbestos (visit the next page) is the most common cause mesothelioma. It is usually caused by breathing in tiny asbestos fibers that float in the air. The asbestos fibers can be stuck in the lungs and trigger genetic mutations that result in cancer. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the linings of the lungs and is the most frequent mesothelioma type. It can also affect the chest lining (pericardium), abdomen, and testicles (peritoneal peritoneal cancer).

Mesothelioma, as with all cancers, is caused by DNA mutations in cells. The mutations cause the cells to grow uncontrollably, resulting in an increase in the size of the tumor. People over 75 and veterans of the U.S. armed forces are most likely to develop mesothelioma.

There are a variety of types of mesothelioma, and each type has a different survival rate. Patients must be aware that a diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a serious one and can be very challenging to treat. There is hope, however, as research continues to make advances in extending the duration of survival. Additionally, those suffering from mesothelioma should be aware that they might be eligible for benefits through the VA.

The following is a list of preventions.

Mesothelioma is a rare condition, but it is very preventable. Asbestos is a mineral that is naturally occurring that was once used widely in shipbuilding, construction, and other industries because of its unique characteristics of strength, durability as well as heat insulation and fire resistance. However, the tiny fibers of asbestos settlement become airborne when disturbed and if inhaled, they can cause serious health conditions such as mesothelioma.

The only way to prevent mesothelioma is not to be exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is the main reason for mesothelioma and many people who are diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at some time in their lives. Other factors can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma, such as smoking, age and genes.

Mesothelioma is most often found in the abdomen and lungs. (tummy). It is uncommon for mesothelioma to develop in any other part of the body. Mesothelioma is a lengthy process to develop, and it may not be apparent for 20 or 40 years following exposure to asbestos. It is important that people who have been exposed to asbestos regularly consult their doctor if they're experiencing any unusual symptoms, such as shortness of breath and coughing.

Symptoms of asbestosis include tightness in the chest, persistent coughing, and a blue-ish appearance to the skin due to the body is battling to get enough oxygen. Inhaled asbestos fibers can also irritate the lungs, leading to scarring referred to as fibrosis. This can cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs and other body parts including the heart. Inflammation may also trigger genetic changes that can cause cancer to grow in the lung.

There is no cure for asbestosis, but there are treatments to treat the symptoms. These treatments can improve breathing and the quality of life for patients.

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lungs, but it can also affect the stomach, testicles and heart. It is not usually possible to avoid mesothelioma but there are steps individuals can take to lessen their risk of exposure. Always check for asbestos in the workplace and inquire with their employer about the safety standards they should adhere to. Wearing protective equipment and washing the work clothes away from home is a good idea so that asbestos fibers are not found on clothing of family members.