Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the lining of internal organs, most commonly the lungs (pleura) and, less frequently, the abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing the disease increases when asbestos is exposed.
Exposure to asbestos, an inert mineral that is resistant to heat and fire, is the primary risk factor. Symptoms may not appear for decades after exposure.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that forms in the tissue that surrounds the lungs, stomach and heart. Typically, it develops when a person inhale asbestos fibers that get into the bloodstream, and later get lodged in the organ's lining. Those who have worked with asbestos, such as miners, plumbers and carpenters, are the most at risk. It also occurs in people who lived with asbestos-related workers who brought it to their homes on their clothes or the skin. Others at risk are those who work in a place where asbestos is present, or disturb asbestos during maintenance or renovations.
There are four stages of mesothelioma. People who are in the early or middle stages do not show symptoms and may go for years before they are diagnosed. By the time cancer is diagnosed it is progressed and is difficult to treat.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may not typically appear until decades after the exposure. The condition is slow to develop due to asbestos fibers that must travel from the lungs to other body parts before they can cause mesothelioma. The lining of the lungs is the most typical location where mesothelioma develops, but it can be found in the linings of the heart or stomach. It may also be found in the linings of reproductive organs.
The best method of diagnosing mesothelioma is for the doctor to conduct a biopsy of the affected area. The specimen is then examined under a microscope to determine if the cancerous cells are mesothelioma or a different kind of cancer.
Doctors can also order x-rays, CT scans or MRI to determine the cause and determine if there's an abnormality, a thickening of the lining in the abdomen or chest, and fluid in the chest cavity. They may also order lung function tests to determine the extent to which the lungs of a person are working.
A mesothelioma diagnosis mistake can be harmful because it can delay the start of treatment that could improve a patient's prognosis. It is crucial to see a doctor if you experience any symptoms. A GP can evaluate the symptoms and check the history of asbestos exposure for a patient.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the mesothelium. The mesothelium lining surrounds many of organs inside the body including the chest and abdominal cavity. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma that affects the exterior layer of the lungs (pleura). Mesothelioma is less frequently seen to 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 mesothelioma of the testicle).
A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma through taking a tissue sample for imaging or biopsy tests. A doctor will determine the mesothelioma's severity that indicates how aggressive it is and how likely to grow.
The exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk factor. Asbestos is a natural thermal, fire-resistant and heat-resistant fiber that was employed in construction and manufacturing activities up to the late 1970s. The people who worked in jobs like asbestos mining, milling, insulators, pipefitters plumbers, pipefitters, and those who renovated older homes are at greater risk than other people of developing mesothelioma.
Inhaling asbestos fibers that are microscopic can cause mesothelioma. These fibers can get trapped in the lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring. Asbestos exposure can also increase the risk of a person smoking which increases their risk of developing mesothelioma.
The risk of mesothelioma for a person rises with the amount of time they were exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have been exposed to high levels of asbestos.
There are risk factors that can be changed, such as a person's age or whether they smoke, but most mesothelioma risk factors are related to asbestos exposure. Certain of these risk elements cannot be altered like a person's genes or family history. Mesothelioma is more likely to occur in people with certain illnesses or health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium that forms the lungs, abdomen and the heart. Mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos. The disease usually develops for decades after exposure to asbestos. It is often difficult to recognize, as symptoms are often similar to other conditions and may change. Those diagnosed with mesothelioma can receive compensation via lawsuits or trust funds.
Mesothelioma is not curable however, treatment options are available to manage the disease and improve the quality of life. Patients should consult with doctors who are skilled in treating the disease. Doctors will examine a patient's medical history to look for signs and possible mesothelioma risk factors, like asbestos exposure.
Exposure to asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma. It is caused by inhaling tiny asbestos fibers suspended in the air. These fibers can get stuck in the lungs, creating genetic mutations which can result in cancer. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the linings of the lungs and is the commonly diagnosed mesothelioma type. However, it can also occur in the lining of the chest wall (pericardium) as well as the abdomen and testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma).
Mesothelioma, as with all cancers, is caused by DNA changes within a cell. The mutations cause the cells to expand uncontrollably, which results in a tumor. People over 75 and veterans of the U.S. armed forces are more likely to develop mesothelioma.
There are several mesothelioma types and each type has a different survival rate. Patients should know that a mesothelioma diagnosis can be serious and can be difficult to treat. There is hope, however, as research continues to make advances in prolonging the life expectancy. Veterans who have mesothelioma could be eligible to receive VA benefits.
The following is a list of preventatives.
Mesothelioma is a rare disease however it is highly avoidable. Asbestos is a natural mineral that was previously used extensively in shipbuilding, construction and other industries because of its unique characteristics of durability, strength, heat insulation, and fire resistance. However, the microscopic fibers of asbestos are able to become airborne if disturbed, and if breathed in, they can cause serious health conditions such as mesothelioma.
The only way to prevent mesothelioma is to avoid being 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 point throughout their lives. Smoking or aging, as well as genetics can also increase the risk of mesothelioma.
The majority of mesothelioma cases affect the lung (tummy) and lungs. Rarely, mesothelioma can develop in other parts of the body. Mesothelioma can take a long time to develop and may not manifest until 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 with persistent coughing and a bluish color to the skin. This is due to the body's struggle to get enough oxygen. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the lungs and lead to scarring referred to as fibrosis. This can lead to a build-up of fluid in the lungs as well as other parts of the body, such as the heart. new orleans asbestos law firm may also cause genetic changes that could cause cancer to grow in the lung.
Asbestosis isn't curable, but there are treatments available to alleviate symptoms. These treatments can improve the quality of life and air quality for patients.
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs, however it can also affect the stomach, testicles, and heart. There is no way to avoid mesothelioma. However there are ways to decrease the risk. Ask your employer about safety standards and make sure you check the workplace for asbestos. Wearing protective equipment and washing work clothes away from home is a good practice to ensure that asbestos fibers are not found on clothes of family members.