Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

The occupational exposure to asbestos is the most common mesothelioma-related cause. Exposure can be seen in shipyards, factories, mining sites and construction.

Asbestos fibres that are inhaled become trapped in the lining (pleura) of the lungs and cause gene mutations that can lead to cancer. Symptoms typically don't appear until 20 to 60 years after exposure.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where the tumors are located within the body, as well as the stage and type. For example the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma typically affect the lungs. However, mesothelioma affecting the pericardial region and peritone the stomach and the heart respectively. Patients may also experience symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma involves a physical examination and a thorough health history. Patients should inform their doctor about any asbestos exposure or unusual symptoms or changes in the body that they have observed. Doctors may also request imaging tests in addition to a physical examination to determine the severity of the disease and rule out other diseases like lung cancer or pneumonia.

Often, mesothelioma symptoms don't manifest until years after exposure to asbestos. This is because stray asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and cling to the lining of organs such as the lungs or stomach. Over time, these fibers cause inflammation and eventually tumors. The signs of mesothelioma usually don't show up until the cancer has spread to other parts.

As soon as mesothelioma begins to show signs, they quickly progress and can negatively impact the quality of life of a patient. Patients may become weak and bed-bound as the cancer grows. As a result, many mesothelioma patients in late stage suffer severe pain at the end of their lives.

In the course of a physical exam, doctors will ask about a patient's asbestos exposure and mesothelioma risk factors. A history of a family member with mesothelioma lawsuits or another type of cancer, smoking cigarettes, or military service can all increase a person's chance of developing the disease.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma are typically at a higher risk of developing other types of cancer, including breast and lung cancers because asbestos fibers can cause irritation to these tissues as well. The risk can be decreased by staying away from asbestos and maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the workplace. Employees should shower and change their clothes immediately after leaving work to avoid bringing asbestos fibers home on their clothes or skin. Additionally, people who live with people who are exposed to asbestos should make sure to wash and change their own clothes before they enter the house.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals with 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. Over time, these fibers may build up and cause lung scarring known as asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, grows in the linings of protection (mesothelium) of organs. It is most often found in the chest's lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is frequently a factor in mesothelioma. It can take decades for mesothelioma signs to appear making diagnosis difficult.

The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is to visit the doctor and an examination. This will help your doctor understand the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other illnesses. Your doctor can also order blood tests and imaging scans to look for mesothelioma or to determine the symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These scans identify the presence of peritoneal or pleural fluid.

These tests can also help doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma which will determine your treatment options. There are four stages of mesothelioma and each stage has different prognoses. The stage of your mesothelioma will affect how severe the symptoms are and the speed at which they progress.

Your doctor may employ a variety of diagnostic tests depending on where the mesothelioma is located. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and is the most common mesothelioma form. Doctors may also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, targeting the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, focused on the lining of the coronary artery.

In the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis your doctor will ask about your exposure to asbestos and whether you experience any symptoms. The doctor will perform an examination of your body and review your medical documents. If they suspect you have mesothelioma they will refer to a specialist who will perform further tests and scans. These tests can help determine the type and stage of your cancer and also how far it has been able to spread.

Treatment

Exposure to asbestos is the most prevalent mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos can be found in rock and soil. It is a very durable mineral that can be turned into thin woven fibers for many products. It was utilized in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century, before scientists learned of its dangers to human health. Asbestos is typically exposed when people inhale or swallow the fibers. They then adhere to organ linings. In time, the lining can grow tumors and trigger symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing and chest pain. Symptoms do not usually appear for 10 to 50 years following the initial exposure.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma. However, certain individuals are more at risk than others. You can get mesothelioma from any asbestos exposure, including occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are at a higher risk. If you have a relative with mesothelioma or asbestosis, you should speak to an expert about your asbestos background.

Different types of mesothelioma are found in different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma, for instance, is the most frequent type, and affects approximately 70 to 80 percent of all cases. It starts in the tissue that covers each lung (pleural msothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma occurs less frequently. It is found in the abdominal lining (peritoneum). There are two types of malignant mesothelioma that are epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more prevalent than sarcomatoid, and it grows more slowly. There is also a very rare form of mesothelioma that includes both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is referred to as biphasic mesothelioma.

The type of mesothelioma lawyer that you have could aid your doctor in deciding how to treat you. Your doctor may suggest chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery to relieve your symptoms and prolong your life span. The type of mesothelioma that you have, its location and your medical background will determine the kind of treatment you receive.

Although mesothelioma is rare however, there are a few things you can do to lower your risk. If you've been exposed to asbestos in the past, try to limit your exposure to asbestos and stay away from any areas that could have asbestos. Talk to your doctor in the event of any unusual or persistent symptoms.

Recovery

Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocked to discover that past exposure to asbestos is the reason. They could be even more shocked to discover that their former employers didn't warn them about the risks of their work or take any precautions to protect workers from this toxic material. A mesothelioma lawyer - click here to investigate, could help those suffering from the disease to get justice by filing an action against the accountable parties.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues that line the organs of the body, including the lungs, stomach and heart. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos which is a family of minerals that form long thin fibers that are strong and fire resistant. Before scientists realized its dangers to health asbestos was used extensively in building materials, automobile parts, and other products. People who were involved in projects that required asbestos are the most likely to develop mesothelioma. Construction workers, shipyard workers insulation workers, as well as asbestos abatement specialists are all at risk. Asbestos fibers clung to clothing, personal items and the bodies of workers. This can expose their families to mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent form of this cancer. It affects the linings of the lung and is usually found in the chest. It is characterized by coughing up blood, or fluid buildup around the lungs. It may also affect the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).

The chances of a person developing mesothelioma are affected by various factors, including the duration they were exposed to asbestos, as well as their gender. Men are more likely to develop this condition than women, and an individual's age is another important factor. Family history is also considered an important risk factor, since certain asbestos-related diseases have been linked to specific genes. Mesothelioma is more common in people who have had chest radiation or who have a parent or a sibling with the disease. The majority of mesothelioma patients are older than 60 years.