Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Exposure can be seen in shipyards, factories, mining sites and construction. Asbestos fibres inhaled get stuck in the lining (pleura) of the lungs and cause gene mutations that can result in cancer. Symptoms typically don't appear until 20 to 60 years after exposure. Signs and symptoms The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary according to where the tumors are located within the body, as well as the type and stage. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs while pericardial, peritoneal and peritoneal mesothelioma affect the stomach and the heart. Patients can also experience other symptoms related to their condition, like fatigue, weight loss and breathing difficulties. The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is to conduct a physical exam and detailed health history. Patients should inform their doctor of any asbestos exposure and any unusual symptoms or changes in their body they have noticed. In addition to conducting physical examinations doctors may also request imaging tests to determine how the disease is progressing and to rule out other conditions like lung cancer or pneumonia. Most often, mesothelioma symptoms don't show up until decades after exposure asbestos. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or swallowed, and they can adhere to the linings of organs like stomach and lungs. These fibers can cause inflammation, which can lead to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms typically are not evident until cancer has spread to other areas of the body. When mesothelioma symptoms first begin to manifest, they can worsen rapidly and affect a patient's overall quality of life. Patients may become weak and bed-bound as the cancer progresses. Many patients suffering from mesothelioma at the last stages of their illness are suffering extreme pain. In addition to a physical exam doctors will also inquire about a patient's asbestos exposure and mesothelioma risk factors. Smoking, military service, or mesothelioma history in a family member may increase the risk of developing this disease. The same asbestos fibers that cause irritation to the tissues of patients suffering from mesothelioma may also cause irritation to the tissues of patients with lung or breast cancer. By avoiding exposure to asbestos and maintaining a healthy hygiene at work, these risks can be minimized. For instance, employees should change their clothes before leaving work and shower immediately after work to avoid bringing home any asbestos fibers on their skin or clothing. In addition, those living with workers who are exposed to asbestos should make certain to shower and change their clothing before entering the home. Diagnosis Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals that have tiny fibres that are utilized in a variety of ways. These fibres can be released into the air or the lungs of people who are using asbestos. Over time these fibres may accumulate and cause scarring in the lungs, a condition known as asbestosis. It can also cause cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the linings that protect organs called mesothelium. It is most commonly found in the linings of the chest (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). People with mesothelioma are often exposed to asbestos at work. It takes decades for mesothelioma to show up making diagnosis difficult. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is to see a doctor and have a physical exam. This will allow your physician to understand the symptoms that you are experiencing and rule out other diseases. Your doctor may recommend blood tests or imaging scans to check for mesothelioma or identify symptoms from other ailments like lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These scans can reveal the presence of peritoneal or pleural fluid. These tests can also assist doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma, which will determine your treatment options. Each stage of mesothelioma comes with an individual prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma determines how severe the symptoms are as well as how quickly they will develop. Depending on the location of your mesothelioma doctor may use different diagnostic tests. The most frequent mesothelioma type is mesothelioma that affects the lung. Doctors can also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, which targets the lining of the abdomen or pericardial mesothelioma targeted at the lining of the heart. During a mesothelioma diagnosis, your doctor will inquire about your exposure to asbestos and whether you have any symptoms. They will then perform an examination and review your medical background. If they suspect mesothelioma they will refer you to a specialist to conduct further tests and scans. These tests will help identify the type and the stage of your cancer and also how far it has spread. Treatment Mesothelioma is most often caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a group of minerals that are found in rock and soil. It is a strong mineral that can be turned into thin fibers that can be used in various products. In the United States, asbestos was utilized for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century before scientists discovered the dangers of asbestos. Asbestos is most often exposed when people inhale, or swallow the fibers. They then adhere to the linings of organs. Over time, the lining may develop tumors and cause symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing and chest pain. The symptoms are not typically evident for 10 to 50 years following initial exposure. Mesothelioma can affect anyone who has been exposed asbestos, however certain types are more at risk. Any exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes both para- and occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are also at greater 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 areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma, for instance, is the most prevalent type, affecting about 70 to 80% of all cases. It starts in the layers of tissue that line the lungs (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma is not as common. It is found in the interior (peritoneum) of the abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma can be found in two types: epithelioid, and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more common than sarcomatoid and grows slower. There is a very rare mesothelioma type that has both sarcomatoid and epithelioid-cells. It is known as biphasic Mesothelioma. Your doctor will determine the best treatment for you based on your mesothelioma type. Your doctors may recommend chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy to lessen your symptoms and prolong your life. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the type of mesothelioma, the location where it is located, as well as your medical background. Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence but there are some ways you can reduce the risk. If you have been exposed to asbestos, limit your exposure to it and avoid areas in which it is possible to find. You should also talk to your doctor about any unusual or persistent signs and symptoms that you have. Recovery Many mesothelioma patients are shocked to learn that past exposure to asbestos is the main cause. They could be even more shocked to discover that their former employers didn't inform them about the risks of their jobs or take any measures to protect workers from this toxic material. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist the patients seek justice by filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that forms in the tissues that line the organs of the body, including the lungs, stomach and the heart. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a class of minerals that form long thin fibers that are durable and fire resistant. Asbestos was commonly used in buildings, automobile parts and other products before scientists learned of its health hazards in the 20th century. People who worked on projects that involved asbestos are the most likely to develop mesothelioma. Shipyard workers, construction workers insulation workers, and asbestos specialists are all at risk. Asbestos also clung onto clothing and other personal items, and workers carried these fibers home with them on their bodies, which could expose their families to mesothelioma too. The most prevalent type of cancer is mesothelioma pleural. It affects the linings of lungs and usually starts in the chest. It is characterized by bleeding from the chest or fluid accumulation around the lung. It can also affect the lining of the stomach (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart. The amount of asbestos exposure and gender are two factors that can impact the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. Muncie asbestos attorney are more likely to contract this condition than women, and an individual's age is a significant factor. Family history is also an important risk factor, since certain asbestos-related diseases have been linked to certain genes. People who have had radiation to the chest are more likely to develop mesothelioma. So are those who have a family member diagnosed with this illness. The majority of mesothelioma cases happen in those who are more than 60 years old.
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