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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Occupational asbestos exposure is the most common reason for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can be found in shipyards, construction and factories.

Asbestos fibers inhaled are stuck in the lining (pleura) of the lungs and cause gene mutations that result in cancer. The signs typically don't show up until 20 to 60 years after exposure.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms differ based on the kind and stage of cancer as well as the location where tumors develop within the body. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs while pericardial, peritoneal and mesothelioma affecting the stomach and the heart. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.

A physical exam and a detailed health history are the first steps in diagnosing mesothelioma. Patients should inform their doctor of any asbestos exposure or unusual signs or changes to the body that they have noticed. In addition to a physical examination doctors may order imaging tests to see how the disease is progressing and to rule out other conditions like pneumonia or lung cancer.

Mesothelioma is often not diagnosed until years after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers are inhaled, swallowed and adhere to the linings of organs such as the lungs and stomach. As time passes these fibers can cause inflammation and lead to tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma often don't show up until the cancer has spread to other parts.

When mesothelioma-related symptoms start the symptoms can rapidly worsen and affect a patient's quality of life. As the cancer grows patients may become weaker and bed-bound. Many patients suffering from mesothelioma at the late stages of their disease are in extreme pain.

In the course of a physical exam doctors will inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma-related risk factors. A history of a family member with mesothelioma, or any other type of cancer, smoking cigarettes, or military service can all increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma are typically at a higher chance of developing other types of cancer, including breast cancer and lung cancer because asbestos fibers can cause irritation to these tissues as well. The risk of developing cancer can be minimized by staying away from asbestos and maintaining a healthy lifestyle at work. Employees should shower and change their clothes immediately after leaving work to avoid bringing asbestos-containing fibers home on their clothing or skin. Also, people who live with workers who are exposed to asbestos should make certain to shower and change their clothes before they enter the house.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals with tiny fibres that are utilized in many different ways. Asbestos-users may release these fibres into the air and into the lungs of others around them. Over time, these fibers can build up and cause scarring of the lungs known as asbestosis. It can also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the linings of protection (mesothelium) of organs. It is most commonly found in the linings of the chest (pleura), or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is often a factor in mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can take years to manifest, making diagnosis difficult.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma involves a visit to the doctor and an examination. This will help your doctor recognize the symptoms you are experiencing and rule out other diseases. Your doctor may recommend blood tests or imaging scans to test for mesothelioma, or detect symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These scans identify pleural or peritoneal fluid.

These tests can aid doctors in determining your stage of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment options for you. Each mesothelioma stage has a different prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma determines how severe the symptoms are as well as how fast they will progress.

Your doctor can use a variety of diagnostic tests, based on the location the mesothelioma is located. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and is the most prevalent mesothelioma form. Doctors may diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as well, that targets the lining of your abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, focused on the lining of the heart.

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor will ask about your exposure to asbestos and whether you are suffering from any symptoms. The doctor will conduct an examination and review your medical records. If they suspect that mesothelioma is present, they will refer to an expert who can carry out additional tests and scans. These tests will help identify the type and stage of your cancer as well as how far it has spread.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is most often caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is found in soil and rock. It is extremely durable and can be transformed into thin weaved fibers which are used in a variety of products. It was used in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century, before scientists learned of its dangers to human health. Asbestos is most often exposed when people breathe, or swallow the fibers. They are then bonded to the organ's linings. In time, the tissue can develop tumors, causing symptoms such as coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 10-50 years after the initial exposure.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma. However, certain people are at greater risk than others. Any exposure to asbestos increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. This includes both para- and occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos by their parents are at risk. If you have a relative with mesothelioma, it is recommended that you speak to an expert about your asbestos family history.

Different types of mesothelioma may be found in different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent type, affecting around 70-80 percent of cases. It begins in the tissue that covers the lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma is less common. It is found in the lining (peritoneum) of the abdomen. There are two types of malignant mesothelioma: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common and develops slower than mesothelioma with sarcomatoid features. There is a rare mesothelioma that contains both sarcomatoid and epithelioid-cells. It is called biphasic Mesothelioma.

Your doctor can decide on the best treatment for you based on your type of mesothelioma. Your doctor may suggest radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery to alleviate your symptoms and prolong your life. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the type of mesothelioma, the location it is located, and your medical background.

There are ways to lower your risk, even though mesothelioma cancer is rare. If you were exposed to asbestos in the past, try to limit your exposure and stay away from any areas that could contain asbestos. Consult your doctor for any unusual or persistent symptoms.

Recovery

Many patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocked to learn that past exposure to asbestos is the main cause. They could be even more shocked to discover that their previous employers did not inform them about the risks of their work or take any measures to safeguard workers from the harmful material. A mesothelioma lawyer can help the patients seek justice by filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the tissues that line the organs of the body, including stomach, lungs and the heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a family of minerals that form long, thin fibers that are tough and fire resistant. Before scientists discovered its dangers to health asbestos was used extensively in building materials, automobile parts, and other products. Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have worked on asbestos-containing projects. Construction workers, shipyard workers insulation workers, as well as asbestos specialists are all at risk. Asbestos fibers stick to personal items, clothing, and workers' bodies. This can expose their families to mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent form of this cancer. It affects the linings of lungs, and typically begins in the chest. The symptoms include the coughing up of blood or fluid accumulation around the lung. It can also affect the lining of the stomach (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.

The chances of a person developing mesothelioma are affected by various factors such as the amount of time they were exposed to asbestos as well as their gender. Men are more likely to develop this condition than women, and a person's age is another factor. A family history is also a risk factor. Some asbestos-related diseases have been linked with specific genes. Patients who have had radiation to the chest are at greater risk for mesothelioma, as are those with a family member who has been diagnosed with the disease. The majority of mesothelioma cases happen in people who are over 60 years old.