Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the interior organs' linings which is most often the lung (pleura) and less often the abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing the disease is increased when asbestos is exposed.
The exposure to asbestos, which is an inert mineral that is resistant to heat and fire is the most significant risk factor. However, symptoms may take decades to develop after exposure.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor that grows in the tissue lining the lungs and heart, is caused by asbestos fibers. Typically, it develops when someone inhales asbestos fibers that get into the bloodstream, and later get lodged in the lining of organs. The people most likely to suffer from this condition are those who work with asbestos, such as miners, plumbers carpenters, welders, and carpenters. People who live in areas with asbestos-contaminated workers may also be affected. Other individuals at risk are those who work in households where asbestos is present and those who disturb asbestos during home renovations or maintenance.
There are four stages to mesothelioma. People who are in the early or mid-stages don't show any symptoms and may go for years before they are diagnosed. By the time cancer is diagnosed it is advanced and is difficult to treat.
The signs of mesothelioma do not typically appear until decades after the exposure. The condition can take an extended time due to the fact that asbestos fibers must travel from the lungs to different parts of the body before causing mesothelioma. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma) but it can begin in the lining of the stomach or the heart. It may also be found in the linings of the reproductive organs.
A biopsy of the area affected is the most effective way to help a doctor diagnose mesothelioma. The specimen is examined under a microscope to determine if the cells are of mesothelioma type or another kind.
Doctors may also request x-rays, CT scans or MRI to determine the cause and determine if there is a tumor, thickening of the lining within the abdomen or chest and fluid in the chest cavity. They can also request lung function tests to determine how well the lungs of a patient are functioning.
A misdiagnosis of mesothelioma can be harmful, as it could delay treatment, which could improve the chances of survival for a patient. This is why it's crucial to consult a physician whenever you notice any signs. A GP will evaluate the symptoms and signs and determine if a person has a history of exposure to asbestos.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, occurs in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the lining that surrounds many of organs inside the body which include the abdominal cavity and chest. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's outer layer (pleura). Mesothelioma is less frequently seen to occur in the membrane that lines the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart sac (pericardium) and, more rarely, it can develop in the testicles (tunica vaginalis mesothelioma or vaginalis testicular mesothelioma).
A doctor can identify the disease by taking a sample of the tissue for imaging tests or a biopsy. The doctor will determine the degree of mesothelioma. It is a measure of how aggressive and likely it is to grow.
The exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk aspect. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring thermal, fire-resistant and heat-resistant fiber that was employed in manufacturing and construction until the late 1970s. People who worked in professions such as asbestos mining or milling, pipefitters, insulators plumbers, as well as those who renovated older homes are more at risk than others 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 can also increase the likelihood of smoking, which could increase the risk of mesothelioma.
The risk of mesothelioma for a person rises with the amount of time they were exposed to asbestos. Those who have been exposed to the highest levels of asbestos are at the greatest risk of developing mesothelioma.
Some risk factors can be modified for example, the age of a person, or whether they smoke. However, the majority of mesothelioma-related risks are linked to asbestos exposure. Some of these factors cannot be changed such as a person's genetics or family history. The risk of mesothelioma in a person is also increased if they suffer from certain health conditions or illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium, which lines the abdomen, lungs and heart. Mesothelioma can be found in people who have been exposed to asbestos. The disease typically develops decades after exposure. It is often difficult to diagnose, as symptoms can mimic other conditions and can change. Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma may receive compensation via lawsuits or trust funds.
There is no cure for mesothelioma however there are options to control the disease and improve the quality of your life. Patients should seek medical care from doctors who have expertise in treating the disease. Doctors will look over the medical history of the patient to look for signs and potential mesothelioma risk factors, including asbestos exposure.
The most common cause of Mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. It is typically caused by breathing in tiny asbestos fibers that float in the air. The asbestos fibers can become lodged in the lungs, leading to genetic mutations that could cause cancer. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the linings of the lungs and is the frequent type of mesothelioma. However, it can also occur in the lining of the chest wall (pericardium), abdomen and testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma).
Like other cancers, mesothelioma caused by the DNA of a cell experiencing mutations. These mutations cause the cell to grow uncontrollably and result in a tumor. People over 75 and veterans of the U.S. armed forces are most likely to develop mesothelioma.
There are a variety of types of mesothelioma and each type has a different survival rate. Patients must be aware that a mesothelioma diagnosis is very serious and is a difficult one to treat. The research is progressing, but there is still possibility. Additionally, those with mesothelioma must be aware that they could be eligible for benefits from the VA.
Prevention
Mesothelioma is a rare condition, but it is very treatable. Asbestos, a mineral that is naturally occurring was once extensively used in construction, shipbuilding, and other industries because of its unique properties, such as durability, strength, and insulation. The microscopic asbestos fibers are released into the air when disturbed and can cause serious health problems like mesothelioma, if inhaled.
Asbestos is the only method to prevent mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is the most significant reason for mesothelioma and many people who are diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at one point in their lives. Smoking and age as well as genetics can increase the risk of mesothelioma.
Most commonly, mesothelioma affects the lung (tummy) and the lungs. Rarely does lees summit asbestos attorneys develop in other parts of the body. Mesothelioma can take many years to develop and may not be apparent until 20 or 40 years after exposure to asbestos. It is essential that those who have been exposed to asbestos regularly visit their doctor if they are experiencing any unusual symptoms, especially shortness of breath and coughing.
Asbestosis symptoms include chest tightness as well as 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 cause irritation to the lungs, leading to scarring, which is known as fibrosis. This can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, as well as other organs including the heart. Inflammation may also cause genetic changes that could cause cancer to grow in the lung.
Asbestosis cannot be treated however there are treatments that can manage symptoms. These treatments can improve breathing and quality of life for patients.
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the tummy and lungs but it can also affect the stomach, heart and testicles. There is no way to avoid mesothelioma. However there are ways to decrease the risk. They should always look for asbestos in the workplace and talk to their employer about the safety standards they should follow. Wearing protective gear and washing at home away from work clothes is a good practice to ensure asbestos fibers don't get transferred to the clothing of family members.
