Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is found in the lining of internal organs which is most often the lung (pleura) and, less frequently, the abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos causes an higher risk of developing this disease.
Exposure to asbestos, which is a mineral fiber that is resistant to fire and heat is the most significant risk factor. The symptoms may not manifest for many years after exposure.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that forms in the tissue that surrounds the stomach, lungs, and the heart. Typically, it develops when someone inhales asbestos fibers that get into the bloodstream and then lodge in the organ's lining. The most susceptible to contracting this disease are those who worked around asbestos, such as plumbers, miners, carpenters and welders. People who live in areas with asbestos-contaminated employees can also be affected. Other individuals at risk are those who work in a household in which asbestos is present, and those who disturb asbestos during home renovations or maintenance.
There are four mesothelioma stages. The early and mid-stages might not be symptom-free and it could take years before they are diagnosed. When they are diagnosed the cancer is advanced and difficult to treat.
The symptoms of mesothelioma typically don't manifest until decades after exposure. The disease is slow to develop due to asbestos fibers that must be transported from the lungs into different parts of the body before they can cause mesothelioma. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma) but it can be found in the stomach lining or heart. It may also be found in the tissues of the reproductive organs.
The best way to diagnose mesothelioma is for a doctor to take a biopsy from the affected area. The sample is then tested under microscopes to determine if the cancer cells are mesothelioma, or another type of cancer.
Doctors can also order x-rays, CT scans or MRI to help identify the problem and determine if there is a tumor, thickening of the lining in 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 person are working.
A misdiagnosis of mesothelioma could be dangerous because it can delay the beginning of treatment that can improve the patient's chances of survival. This is why it is important to see a doctor whenever you notice any signs. A GP can assess the signs and symptoms and examine a person's history of exposure to asbestos.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, is found in the mesothelium. The mesothelium surrounds many internal organs of the body, including the chest cavity and abdominal cavity. The most common mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lung's outer layer (pleura). Mesothelioma is less common in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) and the heart sac (pericardium) as well as in the testicles.
A doctor can identify the disease by taking a sample of the tissue for imaging tests or a biopsy. A doctor can then determine the mesothelioma's stage that indicates how aggressive it is and how likely to grow.
The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber resistant to heat and fire, was used in construction and manufacturing activities up until the 1970s. People who worked in occupations such as asbestos mining or milling, insulators, pipefitters plumbers, as well as those who renovated older homes are more at risk than other individuals of developing mesothelioma.
Inhaling the microscopic asbestos fibers can lead to mesothelioma. These tiny fibers can get trapped in the lungs, causing inflammation that can lead to lung scarring. Asbestos exposure can also increase the risk of a person smoking and increases their risk of developing mesothelioma.
The risk of mesothelioma is increased as time passes in asbestos exposure. People who have been exposed to the highest levels of asbestos are at greatest chance of developing mesothelioma.
Certain risk factors can be modified for example, the age of a person or whether they smoke. However, the majority of mesothelioma risks are linked to asbestos exposure. Some of these elements cannot be altered such as a person's genetics or family history. Mesothelioma is more likely to occur in people with certain health conditions or illnesses like heart disease or diabetes.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, which lines the abdomen, lungs and heart. Mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos. The disease usually develops for decades after exposure to asbestos. It can be hard to identify, since symptoms often mimic other conditions and change. Those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma could be compensated through lawsuits or trust fund claims.
Mesothelioma is not curable However, treatments are available to manage the disease and improve quality of life. Patients should seek medical attention from a doctor who has experience treating the disease. Doctors will review the medical history of a patient to look for symptoms and possible mesothelioma risk factors, such as asbestos exposure.
The most commonly cited cause of Mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. It is caused by breathing in tiny asbestos fibers floating in the air. The asbestos fibers can become lodged in the lungs, creating genetic mutations that could result in cancer. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is mesothelioma of the pleural region that affects the lining of the lungs. It can also affect the chest lining (pericardium), abdomen, and testicles (peritoneal peritoneal cancer).
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by DNA mutations within a cell. These mutations lead the cell to grow uncontrollably, resulting in an increase in the size of the tumor. Mesothelioma is found most often in those over the age of 75 and those who have been in the U.S. military.
There are several mesothelioma types and each has a distinct survival rate. Patients should know that mesothelioma diagnosis is serious and can be difficult to treat. The research is progressing however there is hope. Veterans with mesothelioma may also be eligible for VA benefits.
The following is a list of preventatives.
Mesothelioma is a rare disease, but it is very treatable. Asbestos, which is a natural mineral, was once widely used in shipbuilding, construction, and other industries because of its unique properties, such as durability, strength, and insulation. The asbestos fibers are microscopic and become airborne if disturbed and can cause serious health issues like mesothelioma, if inhaled.
The only way to prevent mesothelioma is not to be exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma, and many people who are diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at some time throughout their lives. Other factors can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. Redlands asbestos lawyers include smoking, age and genetics.
Mesothelioma typically affects the lungs and abdomen (tummy). Rarely, mesothelioma is found in other areas of the body. Mesothelioma can take a long time to develop, and it could not be apparent for 20 or 40 years after exposure to asbestos. It is essential that those who have been exposed to asbestos regularly visit their physician if they are experiencing any unusual symptoms, such as shortness of breath and coughing.
Asbestosis symptoms include chest tightness, persistent coughing, and a bluish color to the skin. This is because the body struggles to get enough oxygen. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the lungs and lead to scarring referred to as fibrosis. This can cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs, and other organs including the heart. Inflammation can cause genetic changes that can cause cancers to grow in the lungs.
Asbestosis cannot be treated however there are treatments available to alleviate symptoms. These treatments can improve the quality of life and the quality of breathing for patients.
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lungs, but it can also affect the stomach, testicles and heart. It is not usually possible to prevent mesothelioma from occurring, however, there are steps individuals can take to lower their risk of exposure. They should always look for asbestos in the workplace and inquire with their employer about the safety guidelines they must adhere to. Wearing protective equipment and washing the work clothes away from home is a good practice to ensure that asbestos fibers are not found on clothing of family members.