Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, develops in the organs' linings. It is most prevalent in the lungs and abdomen (peritoneum), but can also be found in the pleura. Exposure to asbestos results in an increased risk of developing the disease.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma involves exposure to asbestos, which is a resistant to fire and heat fiber. The symptoms may not manifest for many years after exposure.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor that grows in the tissue of the lungs and the heart, is caused by asbestos fibers. Typically, it occurs when a person inhale asbestos fibers that get into the bloodstream and get absorbed in the lining of organs. The people most likely to suffer from this disease are those who worked around asbestos, for example, plumbers, miners carpenters, welders and carpenters. It also occurs in those who were workers who brought asbestos home on their clothes or their skin. Other people at risk include those who live in a home where asbestos is present and those who are disturbed by asbestos during renovations to their homes or maintenance.

There are four stages to mesothelioma. People in the early and mid-stages do not have symptoms and may go for years before they are diagnosed. By the time cancer is detected it has progressed and is difficult to treat.

The symptoms of mesothelioma typically are not evident until years after exposure. The disease is slow to develop because asbestos fibers must travel from the lungs into different parts of the body before they can cause mesothelioma. The lining of lungs is the most common location where mesothelioma develops however, it could be found in the linings of the heart or stomach. It can also show up in the linings of the reproductive organs.

A biopsy of the area affected is the best method to help doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. The biopsy is examined under a microscope to determine if the cancer cells are of mesothelioma or another type.

Doctors can order x-rays or CT scans to pinpoint the problem. They can also utilize MRIs to determine if there's an abnormality or if the lining around the chest or abdomen has thickened. They can also look for fluid in the chest cavity. They may also recommend an examination of lung function to assess how well the lungs of a patient are working.

A misdiagnosis of mesothelioma could be detrimental because it may delay the beginning of treatment, which could improve the patient's chances of survival. It is therefore important to seek out a physician if you experience any symptoms. A GP can assess the symptoms and signs and check a person's history of exposure to asbestos.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the lining which covers organs inside the body, including the abdominal cavity and chest. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the outer layer of the lungs (pleura). Mesothelioma is rarer in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum), the heart sac (pericardium) as well as in the testicles.

A doctor can identify the disease by taking a sample of tissue for imaging tests or a biopsy. A doctor will then determine the mesothelioma's grade that indicates the severity of the disease and how likely to spread.

The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a natural, heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in the manufacturing and construction industries until the late 1970s. The people who worked in jobs such as asbestos mining or milling, insulators, pipefitters plumbers, pipefitters, and those who renovated older homes are more at risk than others of developing mesothelioma.

Inhaling the microscopic asbestos fibers can lead to mesothelioma. These tiny asbestos fibers can get trapped in the lungs and cause inflammation that can lead to lung scarring. Asbestos exposure may also increase a person's chances of smoking, which may further increase the risk for mesothelioma.

The risk of developing 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 the highest risk of developing mesothelioma.

There are some risk factors that can be altered for example, a person's age or whether they smoke, however the majority of the mesothelioma risk factors are related to asbestos exposure. Some of these risk factors aren't changeable for example, the family history of a person or genetics. A person's mesothelioma risk is also increased if they suffer from certain illnesses or health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the mesothel connects the lungs and abdomen. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The disease typically develops over the years after asbestos exposure. It can be difficult to recognize because symptoms can be similar to other conditions. They can also appear and disappear. Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma may be compensated through lawsuits or trust funds.

Mesothelioma is not curable however, treatments are available to manage the condition and improve quality of life. Patients should consult with doctors who are skilled in treating the disease. Doctors will examine the medical history of the patient to check for symptoms and possible mesothelioma risk factors, like asbestos exposure.

Exposure to asbestos is the main cause mesothelioma. It is usually caused by breathing in tiny asbestos fibers that are floating in the air. The asbestos fibers can be lodged in the lungs and cause genetic mutations that can cause cancer. The most prevalent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs. It can also be found in the lining of the chest wall (pericardium) as well as the abdomen and testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma).

Like all cancers, mesothelioma is caused by DNA of a cell that has mutations. The mutations cause the cell to expand uncontrollably, resulting in the formation of a tumor. Mesothelioma is found most often in men who are over 75 and those who have been in the U.S. military.

There are several types of mesothelioma and each one has a different survival rate. Patients should be aware that a mesothelioma diagnose is grave and difficult to treat. There is hope, though, as research continues to make advancements in extending the duration of survival. In addition, veterans with mesothelioma must be aware that they could be eligible for benefits through the VA.

Prevention

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, but is extremely preventable. Asbestos is a natural mineral that was once used widely in construction, shipbuilding and other industries due to its unique qualities of durability, strength, heat insulation and fire resistance. However, the microscopic fibers of asbestos become airborne when disturbed and if inhaled, they can cause serious health problems like mesothelioma.

The only way to prevent mesothelioma is to not be exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma. most people diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at some time in their lives. Other factors can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma, such as smoking, age and genes.

Mesothelioma most commonly affects the abdomen and lungs. (tummy). Rarely, mesothelioma can develop in other areas of the body. Mesothelioma takes many years to develop, and it may not be apparent for 20 or 40 years after exposure to asbestos. It is crucial that those who have been exposed to asbestos regularly consult their doctor if they are experiencing any unusual symptoms, such as shortness of breath and coughing.

Symptoms of asbestosis include tightness in the chest, frequent coughing, and a blue-ish appearance to the skin due to the body is battling to get enough oxygen. Inhaled asbestos litigation fibers can also irritate the lungs, leading to scarring known as fibrosis. This can cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs, as well as other body parts including the heart. Inflammation can cause genetic changes that could cause cancer to develop in the lung.

There is no cure for asbestosis, but there are treatments available to alleviate the symptoms. These treatments can improve breathing and quality of life for patients.

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lungs and tummy but can also affect the stomach, heart and testicles. It isn't always possible to avoid mesothelioma however, there are steps individuals can take to lower their risk of exposure. Always check for asbestos in the workplace and ask their employer for safety guidelines they must adhere to. Wearing protective gear and washing work clothes away from home is a good idea so that asbestos fibers are not transferred to the clothing of family members.