Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease
Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is found in the linings of internal organs. It is prevalent in the lungs and abdomen (peritoneum) but it can also occur in the pleura. The likelihood of developing the disease is higher when asbestos is exposed.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a non-flammable and heat-resistant fiber. The symptoms may not manifest for years after exposure.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor that grows in the tissue lining the lungs and heart is caused by asbestos fibers. It usually occurs when a person inhale asbestos fibers that get into the bloodstream, and later get lodged in the lining of organs. People who have been exposed to asbestos, such as miners, plumbers and carpenters, are most at risk. It can also occur in people who lived with asbestos-related workers who brought it to their homes on their clothes or their skin. Other individuals at risk are 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. People in the early and mid-stages don't show any symptoms and may suffer for years before they are diagnosed. By the time cancer is discovered it has progressed and is difficult to treat.
The signs of mesothelioma generally do not show up until decades after exposure. The condition can take an extended time due to the fact that asbestos fibers need to travel from the lungs to other areas of the body before causing mesothelioma. The lining of lungs is the most common place where mesothelioma begins however, it could also begin in the linings of the stomach or the heart. It can even appear in the tissue lining the reproductive organs.
A biopsy of the area affected is the best method to help a doctor diagnose mesothelioma. The specimen is then examined under a microscope to determine if the cancerous cells are mesothelioma, or another kind of cancer.
Doctors may also request x-rays, CT scans or MRI to help identify the problem and determine if there's a tumor, thickening of the lining within the abdomen or chest, and fluid in the chest cavity. They may also order a lung function test to assess how well the lungs of a patient are functioning.
A misdiagnosis for mesothelioma may be detrimental, since it could delay treatment, which could improve the prognosis of a patient. This is why it is important to see a doctor when any symptoms arise. A GP is able to assess the symptoms and examine a patient's asbestos exposure history.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, develops in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the lining that surrounds many of organs inside the body, including the abdominal cavity and chest. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma that affects the outer layer of the lungs (pleura). Mesothelioma is less common in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) and the heart sac (pericardium), or in the testicles.
A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma by taking a tissue sample for imaging or biopsy tests. A doctor will determine the mesothelioma's severity, which indicates the severity of the disease and how likely it is to expand.
The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a natural thermal, fire-resistant and heat-resistant fiber that was used in construction and manufacturing activities until the late 1970s. Mesothelioma is more prevalent among those who worked in asbestos milling, mining pipefitters, insulators and milling.
Inhaling the tiny asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma. These fibers can get trapped in the lungs, which can cause inflammation and scarring. Asbestos exposure may also increase the chances of smoking, which may increase the risk of mesothelioma.
A person's risk for mesothelioma increases with the amount of time they were exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is the most prevalent cancer among those who have been exposed to high levels of asbestos.
Certain risk factors can be altered like the age of an individual or whether they smoke. However, the majority of mesothelioma-related risks are linked to exposure to asbestos. Certain of these risk elements cannot be altered like a person's genes or family history. Mesothelioma can more easily be diagnosed if someone has certain illnesses or health conditions like heart disease or diabetes.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the mesothel connects the lungs and abdomen. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The disease usually develops for decades after exposure. It is often difficult to diagnose since symptoms are often similar to other conditions. They can also occur and disappear. Those diagnosed with mesothelioma can receive compensation via lawsuits or trust funds.
There is no cure for mesothelioma but there are treatment options to control the disease and improve your quality of life. Patients should seek medical care from a doctor who has had experience treating the disease. lansing asbestos attorney will look over a patient's history to look for symptoms and potential mesothelioma risks for asbestos exposure.
The most common cause of Mesothelioma's is exposure to asbestos. It is usually caused by breathing asbestos fibers, which are tiny and float in the air. The asbestos fibers can become lodged in the lungs, leading to genetic mutations that could cause cancer. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and is the most common type of mesothelioma. It can also affect the lining of the chest (pericardium) as well as the abdomen and testicles (peritoneal peritoneal cancer).
Like all cancers, mesothelioma can be caused by DNA of a cell experiencing mutations. The mutations cause the cells to expand uncontrollably, which results in the formation of a tumor. Men over 75 years old and veterans of the U.S. armed forces are most likely to develop mesothelioma.
There are various mesothelioma types, and each one has a different rate of survival. Patients must be aware that mesothelioma diagnosis is serious and is difficult to treat. The research is making progress however there is possibility. Veterans with mesothelioma may also be eligible for VA benefits.
Prevention
Mesothelioma, although rare, is extremely preventable. Asbestos is a mineral that is naturally occurring that was once extensively used in shipbuilding, construction, and other industries because of its unique characteristics of durability, strength, heat insulation and fire resistance. However, the microscopic asbestos fibers can become airborne when disturbed, and if inhaled, they can cause serious health problems such as mesothelioma.
The only way to avoid mesothelioma is to not be exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is the main reason for mesothelioma and most people diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at some time throughout their lives. Other factors can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma, including smoking, age, and genetics.
Most often, mesothelioma affects the lung (tummy) and lungs. It is extremely rare for mesothelioma develop in any other part of the body. Mesothelioma can take a long time to grow, and it might not be apparent for 20 or 40 years after exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed asbestos should see their doctor regularly if have any unusual symptoms. This could include coughing or a shortness of breath.
Asbestosis symptoms include chest tightness as well as persistent coughing and a blue-ish tint to the skin. This is due to the body's struggle to get enough oxygen. Inhaling asbestos fibers may irritate the lungs, leading to scarring referred to as fibrosis. This can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs and in other areas of the body, such as the heart. Inflammation can also trigger genetic changes that can cause cancer to develop in the lung.
There is no cure for asbestosis but there are treatments to manage the symptoms. These treatments can improve breathing and the quality of life for patients.
Mesothelioma most often occurs in the tummy and lungs but can also affect the stomach, heart and testicles. It isn't always possible to prevent mesothelioma from occurring, however, there are steps people can take to reduce the risk of being exposed. Ask your employer for safety guidelines and make sure to be sure to check your workplace for asbestos. Wearing protective equipment and washing work clothes away from home is a good practice to ensure asbestos fibers don't get transferred to the clothing of family members.