Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, develops in the linings of internal organs. It is most common in the abdomen and lungs (peritoneum) but it can also be found in the pleura. The exposure to asbestos causes an increased risk of developing the disease.
The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, which is a non-flammable and heat-resistant fiber. However, symptoms may take years to develop following exposure.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the tissue that lines the lungs, stomach and the heart. Typically, it develops when someone inhales asbestos fibers, which enter the bloodstream and then lodge in the lining of organs. People who have been exposed to asbestos, such as miners, plumbers and carpenters are the most at risk. It also occurs in those who were workers who brought asbestos to their homes on their clothes or their skin. Other people at risk include those who work in a household where asbestos is present and those who disturb asbestos during home renovations or maintenance.
There are four mesothelioma stages. People who are in the early or mid-stages do not have symptoms and may go for a while before they are diagnosed. When cancer is discovered it has progressed and is difficult to treat.
The symptoms of mesothelioma do not typically show up until years after the exposure. The condition is slow to develop due to asbestos fibers that must travel from the lungs to other parts of the body before they can cause mesothelioma. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma) however it could also start in the stomach lining or heart. It can also appear in the linings of reproductive organs.
A biopsy of the area affected is the most effective way to help doctors to determine if mesothelioma is present. The specimen is then examined under microscopes to determine whether the cancer cells are mesothelioma or a different kind of cancer.
Doctors may also order x-rays, CT scans or MRI to determine the cause and determine if there is a tumor, a thickening or enlargement of the lining within the abdomen or chest and fluid in the chest cavity. They can also order lung function tests to determine how well the lungs of a patient are working.
A misdiagnosis of mesothelioma could be dangerous because it can delay the beginning of treatment that can improve the prognosis of a patient. billings asbestos attorney is imperative to see a doctor when you notice any signs. A GP can evaluate the symptoms and signs and determine if a person has a history of exposure to asbestos.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma, a type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the lining that covers organs in the body which include the chest and abdominal cavity. Pleural mesothelioma affects the outer layer (pleura) of the lung. In less frequent instances, mesothelioma may be found in the membrane that runs along the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart sac (pericardium) and, very rarely, it can develop in the testicles (tunica vaginalis mesothelioma or tunica vaginalis mesothelioma of the testicle).
A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma by taking a tissue sample for biopsy or imaging tests. A doctor can then determine the mesothelioma's grade, which indicates the severity of the disease and how likely it is to expand.
Exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk aspect. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring thermal, fire-resistant and heat-resistant fiber that was used in construction and manufacturing activities up to the late 1970s. Mesothelioma is more prevalent for those who worked in asbestos mining, milling pipes, insulators, and pipefitters.
Inhaling tiny asbestos fibers could cause mesothelioma. These tiny asbestos fibers can get trapped in the lungs and cause inflammation that leads to lung scarring. Asbestos exposure can also increase the chances of smoking, which could further increase the risk for mesothelioma.
The risk of mesothelioma is increased as time passes in asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is the most prevalent cancer among those who have been exposed to asbestos at high levels.
Certain risk factors can be modified like the age of a person or whether they smoke. However, the majority of mesothelioma risks are due to exposure to asbestos. Certain risk factors cannot be altered, such as a person's family history or genetics. Mesothelioma is more likely occur if a person has certain health conditions or illnesses like heart disease or diabetes.
Treatment
Mesothelioma affects mesothelium, which forms the lungs and abdomen. Mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos. The disease usually develops decades after asbestos exposure. It is often difficult to identify, since symptoms can mimic other conditions and may change. Those diagnosed with mesothelioma can be compensated through lawsuits or trust funds.
There is no cure for mesothelioma however, there are treatments to treat the disease and improve your 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 determine if there are any symptoms and possible mesothelioma risk factors, like asbestos exposure.
The most common cause of Mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. It is caused by inhaling tiny asbestos fibers suspended in the air. The asbestos fibers can be stuck in the lungs, and could trigger genetic mutations that cause cancer. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is mesothelioma pleural that affects the lung's lining. However, it can be found in the linings of the chest wall (pericardium), abdomen and testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma).
Like all cancers, mesothelioma can be caused by the DNA of cells that are experiencing mutations. The mutations cause the cells to expand in uncontrolled ways, resulting in a tumor. Mesothelioma is the most common type of cancer in those over 75 and those who have served in the U.S. military.
There are various types of mesothelioma, and each has a different rate of survival. Patients must be aware that mesothelioma is a serious one and is a difficult one to treat. The research is making progress however there is possibility. Veterans who have mesothelioma could be eligible to receive VA benefits.
The following is a list with preventions.
Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is largely preventable. Asbestos, a mineral that is naturally occurring, was once widely used in shipbuilding, construction, and other industries due to its unique properties, which include durability, strength, and insulation. However, the tiny asbestos fibers are able to become airborne if disturbed, and if inhaled, they could cause serious health issues such as mesothelioma.
Asbestos is the only way to prevent mesothelioma. Asbestos is the most significant reason for mesothelioma. The majority of people diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at some time or another. Other factors can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma, including smoking, age, and genetics.
Mesothelioma typically affects the abdomen and lungs. (tummy). Rarely, mesothelioma is found in other parts of the body. Mesothelioma can take a long time to develop, and it could not be apparent for 20 or 40 years following exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos should consult their physician regularly if they notice any unusual symptoms. This could include coughing or breath shortness.
Asbestosis symptoms include chest tightness with persistent coughing and a bluish color to the skin. This is due to the body's inability to get enough oxygen. Inhaled asbestos fibers can also cause irritation to the lungs and lead to scarring known as fibrosis. This can cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs and other body parts including the heart. Inflammation can also trigger genetic changes, which could cause cancerous growth in the lungs.
Asbestosis isn't curable however there are treatments to manage symptoms. These treatments can improve the quality of breathing and quality of life for patients.
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lungs, however it can also affect the stomach, testicles, and heart. It is usually not possible to avoid mesothelioma however there are steps that people can take to reduce the risk of being exposed. They should always check for asbestos in the workplace and talk to their employer for safety standards that they should adhere to. Wearing protective gear and washing at home away from work clothes is a good practice to ensure that asbestos fibers do not get found on clothing of family members.