Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, is found in the linings of internal organs. It is most common in the abdomen and lungs (peritoneum) but it can also be found in the pleura. The risk of developing the disease is higher when asbestos is exposed.
The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos, which is a resistant to fire and heat fiber. The symptoms may not show up until years after exposure.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues that line the stomach, lungs and the heart. Typically, it develops when people inhale asbestos fibers, which enter the bloodstream and get absorbed in the lining of organs. The most susceptible to contracting this condition are those who worked around asbestos, such as miners, plumbers, carpenters and welders. People who live with asbestos-contaminated workers can also be affected. Others at risk are those who work in a home where asbestos is present, or disturb asbestos when they are renovating or maintaining.
There are four stages to mesothelioma. People who are in the early or middle stages do not show symptoms and can go on for a while before they are diagnosed. By the time they get diagnosed, the cancer is more advanced and difficult to treat.
The symptoms of mesothelioma typically are not evident until decades after exposure. The condition can last for a long time because asbestos fibers must travel from the lungs to other areas of the human body before causing mesothelioma. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma) but it can also start in the stomach lining or heart. It may also be found in the linings of the reproductive organs.
The best way to diagnose mesothelioma is for the doctor to take a biopsy from the affected area. The specimen is examined under a microscope to determine if the cancer cells are of mesothelioma type or another type.
Doctors can also order x-rays, CT scans or MRI to help identify the problem and determine if there's a tumor, thickening of the lining within the chest or abdomen and fluid in the chest cavity. They may also order a lung function test to assess how well the lungs of a patient are working.
A mesothelioma misdiagnosis can be harmful since it could delay the beginning of treatment that can improve the prognosis of a patient. This is why it's essential to consult a doctor when any symptoms arise. A GP is able to assess the symptoms and examine a patient's asbestos exposure history.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a protective layer that covers many internal organs of the body including the chest cavity and abdominal cavity. The most commonly encountered form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma. It 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 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 biopsy or imaging tests. A doctor will then determine the mesothelioma's stage and determine the severity of the disease and how likely to spread.
The exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk aspect. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that is resistant against fire and heat and was extensively used in manufacturing and construction activities up to the 1970s. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have worked in asbestos mining, milling pipefitters, insulators and milling.
Inhaling the microscopic asbestos fibers can lead to mesothelioma. These tiny fibers can become trapped in the lungs and cause inflammation that can lead to lung scarring. Asbestos exposure can also increase the chance of a smoker which increases their risk for mesothelioma.
The risk of mesothelioma increases with the time spent in asbestos exposure. People who have been exposed to the most asbestos-containing levels are at the greatest risk for mesothelioma.
Some risk factors can be modified for example, the age of an individual or whether they smoke. However, most mesothelioma risks are linked to exposure to asbestos. Certain risk factors aren't changeable like a person's family history or genetics. The risk of mesothelioma in a person is also elevated if they have certain health conditions or illnesses, such as heart disease or diabetes.
Treatment
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects mesothelium, which lines the lungs, abdomen and heart. People who are exposed to asbestos are at the risk of developing mesothelioma. overland park asbestos lawsuit develops decades after exposure. It can be difficult to identify since symptoms are often similar to other conditions, and they appear and disappear. Mesothelioma patients can be compensated through lawsuits or trust funds.
There is no cure for mesothelioma, but there are treatment options to treat the disease and improve your quality of life. Patients should seek medical attention from a doctor who has experience treating the disease. Doctors will look over the medical history of the patient to determine if there are any symptoms and other mesothelioma-related risk factors, like asbestos exposure.
The most commonly cited cause of Mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. It is caused by inhaling tiny asbestos fibers suspended in the air. These fibers can get stuck in the lungs, creating genetic mutations that can lead to cancer. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma pleural, which affects the lung's lining. It can also affect the tissue of the chest (pericardium), abdomen, and testicles (peritoneal peritoneal cancer).
Mesothelioma, like all cancers is caused by DNA changes within a cell. These mutations lead the cell to expand uncontrollably, which results in an increase in the size of the tumor. Men over 75 years old and veterans of the U.S. armed forces are most likely to develop mesothelioma.
There are many mesothelioma types and each has a distinct survival rate. Patients must be aware that a mesothelioma diagnosis is an extremely serious condition and is a difficult one to treat. The research is making progress however there is some hope. Veterans with mesothelioma may also be eligible for VA benefits.
Prevention
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, but is highly avoidable. Asbestos is a natural mineral that was previously used extensively in shipbuilding, construction, and other industries due to its unique properties of strength, durability, heat insulation and fire resistance. The asbestos fibers are microscopic and become airborne if disturbed and may cause serious health conditions like mesothelioma if inhaled.
Asbestos is the only way to prevent mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, and many people who are diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at one point in their lives. Other factors can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. These include smoking, age and genes.
Mesothelioma most commonly affects the abdomen and lungs. (tummy). Rarely, mesothelioma can develop in other parts of the body. Mesothelioma can take several years to develop and may not be apparent until 20 or 40 years after exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed asbestos should consult their physician regularly if they have any unusual symptoms. This may include coughing, or a shortness of breath.
Asbestosis symptoms include chest tightness, persistent coughing, and a blueish hue to the skin. This is due to the body's struggle to get enough oxygen. Inhaling asbestos fibers can irritate the lungs, leading to scarring referred to as fibrosis. This can cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs and other organs including the heart. Inflammation can cause genetic changes, which could cause cancerous growth in the lungs.
Asbestosis isn't curable however there are treatments that can help manage symptoms. These treatments can improve breathing and quality of life for patients.
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lungs and tummy but can also affect the heart, stomach and testicles. It is usually not possible to prevent mesothelioma, but there are steps people can take to reduce the risk of being exposed. Ask your employer for safety guidelines and always examine the workplace for asbestos. Wearing protective gear and washing work clothes away from home is a good practice to ensure that asbestos fibers are not found on clothing of family members.