Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure at work is the most significant reason for mesothelioma. Exposure can occur in shipyards, factories mining sites, construction sites, and other.
As asbestos fibres inhale, they are trapped in the lung's lining (pleura) and cause gene mutations that can lead to cancer. Symptoms usually don't show up until 20-60 years after exposure.
Symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma differ depending on where the tumors are situated in the body and also on the stage and type. For instance the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma typically affect the lungs, whereas mesothelioma affecting the pericardial region and peritone the heart and stomach, respectively. Patients may also experience symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and breathing difficulties.
A physical examination and a thorough health history are the first steps to determine if you have mesothelioma. Patients should inform their doctor about any previous exposure to asbestos, and also mention any unusual symptoms or body changes they've observed. Doctors may also prescribe imaging tests in addition to a physical examination to determine the progress of the disease and rule out other diseases like pneumonia or lung cancer.
Mesothelioma is not always diagnosed until decades after asbestos exposure. This is because stray asbestos fibers can be breathed in or swallowed, and then cling to the lining of organs such as the stomach or lungs. These fibers can cause inflammation, which leads to tumors. visalia asbestos attorney don't manifest until cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
Once mesothelioma symptoms begin, they can worsen rapidly and impact a patient's quality of life. Patients may become weak and bed-bound when the cancer grows. This is why many patients with mesothelioma in the late stages suffer severe pain towards the end of their lives.
In addition to the physical exam, doctors ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma risk. Smoking, military service, or mesothelioma-related history in a family member may increase the chance of developing this disease.
The asbestos fibers that can irritate the tissues of patients suffering from mesothelioma may also cause irritation to the tissues of patients suffering from breast cancer or lung cancer. By avoiding asbestos exposure and maintaining a clean environment at work, the risk can be minimized. Employees should shower and change clothes immediately after leaving the office to avoid bringing asbestos-containing fibers home on their clothes or skin. People who live near asbestos-exposed workers should also wash and change their clothes prior to entering the home.
Diagnosis
Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals with tiny fibres which are used in many different ways. These fibres can be released into the air or lungs by people who use asbestos. Over time the fibres accumulate and cause scarring of the lungs known as asbestosis. It can also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings of organs known as mesothelium. It is most commonly found in the chest lining (pleura), or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is frequently a factor in mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can take years to become apparent, making diagnosis difficult.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma involves a visit to the doctor and a physical exam. This can help your doctor recognize the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other conditions. Your doctor may recommend blood tests or imaging scans to test for mesothelioma, or to determine the symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can aid doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, by identifying pleural or peritoneal effusion.
These tests can also assist doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma which determines the treatment options you have. There are four stages of mesothelioma and each stage has different prognoses. The stage of your mesothelioma determines how severe the symptoms are as well as the speed at which they progress.
Depending on the location of mesothelioma, your doctor may recommend different diagnostic tests. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, affecting the lung. Doctors may also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma targeting the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, specifically targeting the lining of the heart.
During a diagnosis of mesothelioma your doctor will inquire with you about your asbestos exposure and if you have any symptoms. The doctor will conduct a physical examination and review your medical records. If they suspect that mesothelioma is present, they will refer you to an expert who can carry out further tests and scans. These tests will help determine the type and stage of your mesothelioma as well as showing how far the cancer has spread.
Treatment
The exposure to asbestos is the most common mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is one of the minerals that are found in rock and soil. It is extremely durable and can be transformed into thin weaved fibers which are used in many products. In the United States, asbestos was used for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century, before scientists discovered the dangers of asbestos. Asbestos is most often exposed when people breathe, or swallow the fibers. They cling to the lining of organs. As time passes, the organ's tissue can develop tumors, which can cause symptoms like coughing, chest pain and breathing problems. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 10 to 50 years after the initial exposure.
Mesothelioma can strike those who have been exposed to asbestos, however certain types are at greater risk. Mesothelioma can result from any asbestos exposure which includes occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are at a higher risk. You should tell your doctor if someone in your family is diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Different types of mesothelioma occur in different areas of the body. About 70-80% of cases are pleural mesothelioma. It starts in the tissue that covers each lung (pleural msothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma is less common. It is found in the inner lining (peritoneum) of the abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma comes in two types of epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more prevalent than sarcomatoid, and it grows more slowly. There is also a rare form of mesothelioma that includes both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is known as biphasic sarcomatoid mesothelio.
Your doctor will decide the best treatment for you based on your mesothelioma type. Your doctors may suggest chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy to lessen your symptoms and extend your life span. The kind of treatment you will receive will depend on the type of mesothelioma you have, the location where it is located, as well as your medical history.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk. If you've been exposed to asbestos, you should limit your exposure to it and avoid any areas where it may be present. Talk to your doctor in the event of any unusual or persistent symptoms.
Recovery
Many people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma feel shocking to discover that exposure to asbestos in the past was the reason. They could be even more shocked to discover that their previous employers did not inform them about the risks of their work or take any measures to protect workers from the harmful material. A mesothelioma lawyer could help the patients seek justice by filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that forms in the tissue that lines the organs of the body, such as stomach, lungs and the heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos which is a family of minerals that form long thin fibers that are strong and fire resistant. Asbestos was used extensively in automobile parts, buildings and other items before scientists discovered its health hazards in the 20th century. Mesothelioma is most common in those who worked on asbestos-containing projects. Construction workers, shipyard workers insulation workers, as well as asbestos specialists are all at risk. Asbestos also clung to clothing and other personal items, and workers brought the fibers home on their bodies, potentially exposing their family members to mesothelioma as well.
The most frequent form of this cancer is mesothelioma of the pleura. It affects the lung's lining and the symptoms typically start in the chest, like coughing up blood or the accumulation of fluid around the lung. It can also affect the lining of the stomach (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.
The amount of exposure to asbestos and gender are two elements that affect the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. Men are more prone to this condition than women. Age is another factor. A family history is another risk factor. Certain asbestos-related illnesses have been linked to specific genes. Mesothelioma is more common in people who have had chest radiation or who have a family member with the disease. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in people who are over 60 years old.