Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, occurs in the linings of internal organs. It is most prevalent in the abdomen and lungs (peritoneum) but it can also occur in the pleura. Exposure to asbestos can result in an increased risk of developing this disease.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos, which is a heat- and fire-resistant mineral fiber. However, symptoms could take years to develop following exposure.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissue that lines the stomach, lungs, and the heart. It usually occurs when someone inhales asbestos fibers that enter the bloodstream and then lodge in the organ's lining. People who worked with asbestos, like plumbers, miners and carpenters are the most at risk. People who live in areas with asbestos-contaminated workers may also be affected. Other people at risk are those who work in a home where asbestos is present or who disturb asbestos during renovations or maintenance.
There are four stages of mesothelioma. People in the early and mid-stages don't show any symptoms and can go on for a long time before being diagnosed. By the time they are diagnosed, the cancer is more advanced and difficult to treat.
The symptoms of mesothelioma typically don't manifest until decades after exposure. The disease can take a long time to develop because asbestos fibers must be transported from the lungs into other parts of the body before they can cause mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases start in the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma) however it could begin in the stomach's lining or the heart. It may also be found in the tissues of the reproductive organs.
A biopsy of the affected area is the best method to help doctors to determine if mesothelioma is present. 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 determine the cause and see whether there is a tumor, thickening of the lining within the chest or abdomen and fluid in the chest cavity. They can also request lung function tests to determine how well the lungs of an individual are functioning.
A misdiagnosis for mesothelioma may be detrimental, since it could delay treatment, which could improve the chances of survival for a patient. It is crucial to consult a doctor whenever you experience any signs. A GP can examine the symptoms and verify a patient's asbestos exposure history.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the lining that surrounds many of organs in the body which include the abdominal cavity and chest. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the outer layer of the lungs (pleura). In less frequent instances, mesothelioma may be found in the membrane that lines the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart sac (pericardium), and very often, it may develop in the testicles (tunica vaginalis mesothelioma or tunica vaginalis testicular mesothelioma).
North Charleston asbestos attorneys can diagnose mesothelioma through taking a tissue sample for imaging or biopsy tests. A doctor can then determine the mesothelioma's grade, which indicates how aggressive it is and how likely it is to spread.
The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral fiber resistant to fire and heat was widely employed in construction and manufacturing activities up to the 1970s. Mesothelioma is more prevalent among those who been employed in asbestos milling, mining, insulators and pipefitters.
Inhaling asbestos fibers that are tiny can cause mesothelioma. These tiny fibers can become trapped in the lungs and cause inflammation that leads to lung scarring. Asbestos exposure can also increase a person's chances of smoking, which could increase the risk of mesothelioma.
The risk of developing mesothelioma increases with the length of time they were exposed to asbestos. People who have been exposed to the highest levels of asbestos are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma.
Some risk factors can be modified like the age of a person, or whether they smoke. However, most mesothelioma risks are related to exposure to asbestos. Some of these risk factors cannot be altered for example, the history of a family member or genetics. Mesothelioma risks are also increased if they suffer from certain health conditions or illnesses like heart disease or diabetes.
Treatment
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects mesothelium, which is the line that runs through the abdomen, lungs and heart. People who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The disease typically develops decades after exposure. It can be hard to identify, since symptoms are often similar to other conditions and can change. Those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma could be compensated through lawsuits or trust fund claims.
Mesothelioma has no cure however, treatments are available to control the disease and improve quality of life. Patients should seek medical care from doctors who have expertise in treating the disease. Doctors will examine the medical history of a patient to check for symptoms and potential mesothelioma risk factors, like asbestos exposure.
The most commonly cited cause of Mesothelioma's is exposure to asbestos. It is caused by inhaling tiny asbestos fibers floating in the air. These fibers can get stuck in the lungs and can cause genetic mutations that can result in cancer. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and is the commonly diagnosed mesothelioma. However, it can be found in the lining of the chest wall (pericardium) as well as the abdomen and testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma).
Like other cancers, mesothelioma caused by the DNA of cells that are experiencing mutations. These mutations cause the cells to expand in uncontrolled ways and eventually result in an increase in the size of the tumor. Over 75-year-olds and veterans of the U.S. armed forces are more likely to develop mesothelioma.
There are various types of mesothelioma, and each one has a different rate of survival. Patients should be aware that a mesothelioma diagnosis is very serious and can be very challenging to treat. There is hope, however, as research continues to make progress in prolonging the duration of survival. In addition, veterans suffering from mesothelioma should be aware that they may be eligible for benefits from the VA.
The following is a list with preventions.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, but is highly preventable. Asbestos is a natural mineral that was previously used extensively in shipbuilding, construction, and other industries due to its unique properties of durability, strength as well as 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.
Asbestos is the only method to avoid mesothelioma. Asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma. The majority of people diagnosed with the condition have been exposed at some point. Other factors can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. These include smoking, age, and genetics.
Most commonly, mesothelioma affects the lungs (tummy) and lungs. Rarely, mesothelioma is found in other areas of the body. Mesothelioma is a lengthy process to grow, and it might not manifest for 20 or 40 years following exposure to asbestos. It is important that people who have been exposed to asbestos regularly visit their physician if they are experiencing any unusual symptoms, especially coughing and shortness of breath.
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. Inhaling asbestos fibers can irritate the lungs, leading to scarring referred to as fibrosis. This can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, as well as other body parts including the heart. Inflammation may also trigger genetic changes that can cause cancer to grow in the lung.
Asbestosis cannot be treated, but there are treatments that can help manage symptoms. These treatments can improve breathing and the quality of life for patients.
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lungs and tummy but can also affect the heart, stomach and testicles. There is no way to stop mesothelioma. However there are ways to decrease the risk. They should always be aware of asbestos in their workplace and inquire with their employer for safety standards they should follow. Wearing protective equipment and washing at home away from work clothes is a good idea to ensure that asbestos fibers are not transferred to the clothing of family members.