Mesothelioma From Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when the linings around the organs of the body, such as the lungs, stomach, reproductive organs and the heart, expand beyond their limits. The majority of cases are linked to asbestos, a class of minerals with microscopic fibers resistant to heat and chemicals.

After exposure, symptoms may take years to manifest. The early signs are often difficult to diagnose due to the fact that they can be similar to other conditions.

Exposure

In the US asbestos is a common substance found in homes and workplaces. The most frequent type of exposure occurs through handling or installing asbestos-containing materials on a job site. Asbestos, which is a fibrous mineral that is naturally occurring, is the most common type of exposure. In the United States, it was used for its insulating properties for a long time in construction and other industries, such as shipbuilding.

Asbestos is a popular material because of its low cost and long-lasting properties. However, it is very risky if swallowed or breathed in. It is easy to inhale when it is broken apart or disturbed. Inhaling these fibers can lead mesothelioma in a person. The symptoms of mesothelioma can take up to 50 years to appear after the initial asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is absorbed by the lungs and becomes embedded in the linings of the chest cavity or abdomen (peritoneum). Over time the fibers cause the growth of tumors called mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is caused by asbestos exposure.

Asbestos exposure is also linked with asbestosis, a non-cancerous disease. Miners, asbestos workers and electricians are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Smoking is another risk factor, but it does not cause mesothelioma.

In 1931, the first mesothelioma case was discovered. However it wasn't until evidence from a medical professional was gathered that asbestos exposure was linked to the disease. In the 1940s, the link was established and laws were enacted to regulate safety of workers and ban most uses of asbestos. Unfortunately, by the time this was done, many individuals had already developed asbestos-related illnesses and passed away.

The risk of malignant mesothelioma increases with the amount and duration of exposure to asbestos. It is therefore important that those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or at their homes are aware of the degree of exposure and any symptoms that may occur. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms should seek out a physician immediately. A doctor can help determine if they have mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease.

Signs and symptoms

Asbestos may cause a myriad of symptoms. The asbestos fibers can penetrate the lungs and cause scar tissue, referred to as plaques in the pleural region. These plaques can stiffen the lung tissues, making it difficult to breathe. In time these plaques can turn into malignant mesothelioma of the pleural region. Mesothelioma is a cancer of mesothelium, a layer of tissue that lines the exterior of many organs. Mesothelioma can be found in the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) and, less commonly, in the membrane around the testicles (peritoneum). It typically develops between 30 and 50 years after exposure to asbestos and is often misdiagnosed as it is a rare condition.

If you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms, it's important to consult a doctor immediately especially if asbestos has been inhaled. The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to those of other illnesses and are often difficult to diagnose. The earliest mesothelioma symptoms can include shortness of breath and chest pain, coughing, difficulty breathing, weight loss and fatigue, fever, and. Mesothelioma is most common among people over 65.

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lungs (pleura) but it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum) and, more rarely, in the testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma). The majority of mesothelioma cases can be traced back to asbestos dust or fibres, but others have been linked to silica or erionite.

The most frequent mesothelioma-related symptoms are fatigue and breathlessness and dry cough. www.youtube.com of fluid inside the lungs (pleural effusion) is a frequent manifestation. Fluid can also gather in the abdomen causing stomach bloating and weight loss, abdominal pain and nausea.

Asbestos can cause a number of other serious health problems such as asbestosis and lung cancer. a non-cancerous scarring of the lung. It is essential to inform your doctor if ever been exposed to asbestos. This will allow them to determine the best method to assess and treat any new symptoms.

Diagnosis

When doctors diagnose mesothelioma they must also determine the stage. The stage determines the severity of the cancer and helps them determine the extent to which it will respond to treatment.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for a patient to speak to their doctor about their symptoms and work history. A physical examination may reveal lumps in the abdomen or chest. The doctor will also ask about the patient's family background and health medical history. This information will aid in determining the probable cause of the symptoms, including asbestos exposure.

Once doctors have this information, they can conduct tests to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. These include a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect evidence of mesothelioma in lungs, like plaques of the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) or a build-up of fluid between the lung and the chest wall, called an effusion of the pleura. Other imaging tests that may aid include an MRI, FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) mediastinoscopy (used to study and sample lymph nodes located in the heart's center) and endobronchial ultrasound.

A thoracoscopy is a method to test for mesothelioma. It is performed by making a small cut between two ribs. A doctor then inserts a flexible tube with an end camera. The tube can be inserted in the mouth or throat under the influence of sedation. It is connected to a screen that lets the doctor see images of the area being examined. The doctor can then use the tube to take tissue samples (biopsies) from the pleura.

Doctors can analyze the biopsies and determine whether they are epithelioid mesothelioma, mixed mesothelioma, or sarcomatoid meso. Epithelioid is the most common type of mesothelioma 60 70 % to 70 percent of all cases and has a better prognosis than sarcomatoid or mixed mesothelioma. The type of mesothelioma also is a function of the time the patient was exposed to asbestos. Patients who were exposed to it for a longer period of time are more likely to develop mixed or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. The mesothelioma is more aggressive than epithelioid.

Treatment

Certain mesothelioma tumor cells can grow into tumors that infiltrate nearby tissues or organs. Cancer may also spread to other areas of your body through the lymphatic or bloodstream. Cancerous tumors can cause severe symptoms that could affect the quality of life of a person.

Mesothelioma is typically found in the chest cavity's lining the abdomen, chest or heart. It may also grow around the testicles. It is rare for mesothelioma to develop in other parts of the body.

Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Cancer can develop if asbestos fibers are breathed in, taken in, or absorbed by the skin. The irritation that results can cause genetic changes in the body, which can result in cancer.

Mesothelioma signs aren't always obvious and can take up to 50 years before they be evident. Patients with mesothelioma tend to be diagnosed after other health problems have been discovered. These include fluid accumulation and chest pain, as well as breathing problems. The most frequent type of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma accounts for 85 percent. It is sometimes difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma pleural because the initial symptoms, like chest discomfort and breath shortness are similar to other conditions.

Mesothelioma sufferers have an increased chance of developing other forms of cancer. They are more likely to have a family history of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases in their family. People who live near asbestos-exposed workers are at a higher risk, as they can carry asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. In addition, mesothelioma patients who receive radiation therapy are at greater risk since this could cause mutations in the DNA of their cells.

Mesothelioma is a serious illness that can be fatal for those diagnosed. There is no known cure, but patients can take various strategies to improve their health and quality of life. The right treatment is crucial. Depending on their health, fitness and medical history, doctors can assist patients decide on the best treatment options.
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