Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is found in the lining of internal organs which is most often the lung (pleura) and less often the abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing the disease increases when asbestos is exposed.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, which is a resistant to fire and heat fiber. However, symptoms may take years to develop following exposure.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissue that surrounds the stomach, lungs and heart. It is usually caused when asbestos fibers are breathed in and deposited in the organ lining. People who worked with asbestos, like miners, plumbers and carpenters, are most at risk. People who live with asbestos-contaminated workers may also be affected. Some people are at risk include those who work in a place where asbestos is present, or who disturb asbestos during maintenance or renovations.
There are four mesothelioma stages. Early and mid-stages may not be symptom-free and it could take years before they're diagnosed. By the time cancer is detected it has advanced and is difficult to treat.
The symptoms of mesothelioma typically are not evident until years after exposure. The condition takes a long time to develop because asbestos fibers 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 lining (pleural mesothelioma) however it could be found in the lining of the stomach or the heart. It may also be found in the tissue lining the reproductive organs.
The best method of diagnosing mesothelioma is to ask a doctor to conduct a biopsy of the affected area. The specimen is then examined under microscopes to determine whether the cancer cells are mesothelioma or a different type of cancer.
Doctors may order x-rays or CT scans to determine the problem. They can also utilize MRIs to determine if there's any tumors or if the lining around the chest or abdomen has become thicker. They can also check for fluid within the chest cavity. They may also order lung function tests to see how well the lungs of a person are functioning.
A misdiagnosis of mesothelioma can be harmful since it could delay the start of treatment, which could improve a patient's prognosis. It is crucial to consult 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 is a form of cancer that is found in the mesothelium. The mesothelium surrounds many internal organs in the body including the abdominal cavity and the chest cavity. Pleural mesothelioma affects the outer layer (pleura) of the lungs. Less commonly, mesothelioma can be found in the membrane that runs along 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 diagnose mesothelioma by taking a tissue sample for imaging or biopsy tests. The doctor can determine the severity of mesothelioma. It is an indication of how invasive and likely it will spread.
Exposure to asbestos is the biggest risk aspect. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring, heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was employed in the manufacturing and construction industries up to the late 1970s. Mesothelioma is more common in people who have worked in asbestos mining, milling pipes, insulators, and pipefitters.
Inhaling tiny asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma. These fibers can be stuck in the lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring. Asbestos exposure can also increase the chance of a smoker, which increases their risk of developing mesothelioma.
A person's risk for mesothelioma increases with the length of time they've been exposed to asbestos. Those who have been exposed to the highest levels of asbestos are at greatest chance of developing mesothelioma.
There are risk factors that can be changed like a person's age or whether they smoke, however the majority mesothelioma risk factors are a result of asbestos exposure. Certain of these risk factors cannot be changed such as a person's genetics or family history. A person's mesothelioma risk is also increased if they suffer from certain medical conditions or illnesses like diabetes or heart disease.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium, which forms the abdomen, lungs and heart. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos are at the risk of developing mesothelioma. The disease typically develops decades after exposure. It is often difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to other conditions. They can also come and go. Those diagnosed with mesothelioma can receive compensation via lawsuits or trust funds.
There is no cure for mesothelioma however there are options to manage the disease and improve the quality of your life. Patients should consult with doctors who are experienced in treating the disease. Doctors will review the patient's medical history to identify any signs and potential mesothelioma risks like asbestos exposure.
Exposure to asbestos is the most frequent cause mesothelioma. It is typically caused by breathing asbestos fibers, which are tiny and float in the air. These fibers can become trapped in the lungs, and could cause genetic mutations that result in cancer. The most prevalent mesothelioma type is called pleural mesothelioma that affects the lining of the lungs. However, it can be found in the linings of the chest wall (pericardium), abdomen and testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma).
Mesothelioma, as with all cancers, is caused by DNA mutations within a cell. These mutations cause the cell to expand in uncontrolled ways and eventually result in the formation of a tumor. Mesothelioma is the most common type of cancer in men over the age of 75 and those who have been in the U.S. military.
There are various mesothelioma types, and each has a different rate of survival. Patients should know that mesothelioma diagnosis is serious and is difficult to treat. The research is progressing however, there is some hope. In addition, veterans with mesothelioma must be aware that they could be entitled to benefits through the VA.
Prevention
Mesothelioma is a rare condition, but it is very avoidable. Asbestos, a natural mineral, was once widely used in shipbuilding, construction and other industries due to 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 issues such as mesothelioma when inhaled.
Asbestos is the sole way to prevent mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is the most significant cause of mesothelioma, and the majority of people diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at some point throughout their lives. Other factors can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma, including smoking, age and genetics.
Most commonly, mesothelioma affects the lungs (tummy) and lungs. It is rare for mesothelioma develop in any other part of the body. Mesothelioma can take a long time to grow, and it might not appear for 20 or 40 years after exposure to asbestos. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should see their physician regularly if they notice any unusual symptoms. This includes coughing or shortness of breathe.
Symptoms of asbestosis include tightness in the chest, constant coughing and a bluish appearance of the skin because the body is battling to get enough oxygen. The asbestos fibers that are inhaled can also cause irritation to the lung tissue and cause scarring, called fibrosis. This can cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs, and other body parts including the heart. Inflammation can also trigger genetic changes, which can cause cancers to grow in the lungs.
There is no cure for asbestosis but there are asbestos lawyer mesothelioma treatments to alleviate the symptoms. These treatments can improve the quality of life and breathing for patients.
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs, however it can also affect the stomach, testicles and heart. It is usually not possible to prevent mesothelioma from occurring, however, there are steps people can take to reduce the risk of being exposed. It is important to look for asbestos in the workplace and talk to their employer for safety standards they should follow. It is also recommended to wear protective equipment and wash their work clothes outside of the home so that they're not left on family members' clothing.