Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, is found in the organs' linings. It is prevalent in the abdomen and lungs (peritoneum), but can also occur in the pleura. Exposure to asbestos results in an higher risk of developing this disease.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a heat- and fire-resistant mineral fiber. However, symptoms can take decades to develop after exposure.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor that develops in the tissue of the lungs and the heart, is caused by asbestos fibers. Typically, it develops when a person inhale asbestos fibers, which enter the bloodstream and then lodge in the organ's lining. People most likely to have this condition are those who worked with asbestos, for example, miners, plumbers carpenters, welders and carpenters. It can also occur in people who worked with workers who brought asbestos home on their clothes or the 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 mesothelioma stages. Patients in the early and mid-stages do not have symptoms and may go for a while before they are diagnosed. When cancer is detected it is advanced and is difficult to treat.

The symptoms of mesothelioma may not usually appear until decades after exposure. The disease is slow to develop because asbestos fibers must be transported from the lungs into different parts of the body before they can cause mesothelioma. The lining of lungs is the most typical place where mesothelioma begins, but it can be found in the linings of the stomach or heart. It can also show up in the linings of the reproductive organs.

A biopsy of the affected area is the most effective way to help doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. The sample is then tested under microscopes to determine if the cancerous cells are mesothelioma, or another kind of cancer.

Doctors may also order x-rays, CT scans or MRI to help identify the problem and determine if there is an abnormality, a thickening of the lining within the abdomen or chest and fluid in the chest cavity. They may also order an examination of lung function to determine how well a person's lungs are working.

A misdiagnosis for mesothelioma may be harmful, as it could delay treatment, which could improve the outlook of a patient. This is why it is crucial to consult a physician when any symptoms arise. A GP can assess the symptoms and signs and examine a person's history of exposure to asbestos.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a protective layer that covers many internal organs in the body including the abdominal cavity and the chest cavity. The most common mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the outer layer of the lungs (pleura). In less frequent instances, mesothelioma may occur in the membrane that lines the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart sac (pericardium), and very rarely, it can arise in the testicles (tunica vaginalis mesothelioma or tunica vaginalis mesothelioma of the testicle).

A doctor can identify the disease by taking a sample of tissue for imaging tests or a biopsy. The doctor can determine the grade of mesothelioma. It is an indication of how aggressive and likely it is to spread.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring resistant to heat and fire fiber that was employed in manufacturing and construction until the late 1970s. The people who worked in jobs such as asbestos lawsuit mining or milling, pipefitters, insulators, plumbers, and those who renovated homes are more at risk than other individuals of developing mesothelioma.

Inhaling the microscopic asbestos fibers can lead to mesothelioma. These tiny asbestos fibers can get trapped in the lungs, causing inflammation that leads to lung scarring. Asbestos exposure may also increase the chances of smoking, which could further increase the risk for mesothelioma.

The risk of mesothelioma for a person increases with the amount of time they were exposed to asbestos. People who have been exposed to the highest levels of asbestos are at the highest risk for mesothelioma.

There are some risk factors that can be altered for example, the age of a person or whether they smoke, however the majority mesothelioma-related risk factors are a result of asbestos exposure. Certain risk factors cannot be altered, such as the family history of a person or genetics. Mesothelioma is more likely to occur in people with certain health issues or illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease.

Treatment

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the mesothelium that forms the abdomen, lungs, and heart. People who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The disease usually develops decades after asbestos exposure. It is often difficult to identify since symptoms are often similar to other conditions and appear and disappear. Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma can receive compensation through lawsuits or trust fund claims.

There is no cure for mesothelioma, however there are options to manage the disease and improve the quality of your life. Patients should seek medical care from a doctor who has had experience treating the disease. Doctors will review the medical history of the patient to look for signs and possible mesothelioma risk factors, such as asbestos exposure.

Exposure to asbestos is the main cause mesothelioma. It is usually caused by breathing in tiny asbestos fibers that float in the air. The asbestos fibers can be lodged in the lungs and can cause genetic mutations that result in cancer. Pleural mesothelioma affects the linings of the lungs and is the common type of mesothelioma. However, it can be found in the linings of the chest wall (pericardium), abdomen, and testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma).

Like other cancers, mesothelioma caused by the DNA of a cell that has mutations. These mutations cause the cells to expand in uncontrolled ways and eventually result in an increase in the size of the tumor. People over 75 and veterans of the U.S. armed forces are more likely to develop mesothelioma.

There are many types of mesothelioma, and each has a different rate of survival. Patients must be aware that a mesothelioma diagnosis can be serious and is difficult to treat. There is hope, though, as research continues to make advances in prolonging the duration of survival. Veterans with mesothelioma may be eligible for VA benefits.

Prevention

Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is largely preventable. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once extensively used in construction, shipbuilding and other industries because of its unique characteristics of durability, strength, heat insulation, and fire resistance. However, the tiny fibers of asbestos are able to become airborne if disturbed, and if inhaled, they can cause serious health conditions such as mesothelioma.

The only way to avoid mesothelioma is to avoid being exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, and many people who are diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at one point throughout their lives. 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 areas of the body. Mesothelioma can take a long time to develop, and it may not manifest for 20 or 40 years after exposure to asbestos. It is essential that those who have been exposed to asbestos (visit this web page link) regularly visit their doctor if they're experiencing any unusual symptoms, such as breathlessness and coughing.

Symptoms of asbestosis include tightness in the chest, frequent coughing, and a blue-ish appearance of the skin because the body is battling to get enough oxygen. Inhaled asbestos fibers can also irritate the lungs, leading to scarring, which is known as fibrosis. This can cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs, and other parts of your body including the heart. Inflammation can trigger genetic changes that can cause cancer to grow in the lung.

There is no cure for asbestosis, but there are treatments available to alleviate the symptoms. These treatments can improve the quality of breathing and quality of life for patients.

Mesothelioma is found most often in the lungs, but it can also affect the stomach, testicles and the heart. It isn't always possible to prevent mesothelioma, however there are steps that individuals can take to lower their risk of exposure. Always check for asbestos in the workplace and inquire with their employer for safety standards they should adhere to. Wearing protective equipment and washing work clothes away from home is a good practice to ensure that asbestos fibers are not transferred to the clothes of family members.