Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the inner organs' linings which is most often the lung (pleura) and, less frequently, the abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos results in an increased risk of developing this disease.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma involves exposure to asbestos, a heat- and fire-resistant mineral fiber. Symptoms may not appear for years after exposure.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma, a tumor that is cancerous that grows in the tissue lining the lungs and heart is caused by asbestos fibers. It usually occurs when people inhale asbestos fibers that enter 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, such as plumbers, miners carpenters, welders and carpenters. It is also seen in people who lived with workers who brought asbestos home on their clothing or their skin. Other people at risk are those who work in a household where asbestos legal is present and those who disturb asbestos during renovations to their homes or maintenance.

There are four mesothelioma stages. People who are in the early or mid-stages don't show any symptoms and can go on for a long time before being diagnosed. By the time they are diagnosed the cancer is advanced and difficult to treat.

The signs of mesothelioma generally do not show up until years after exposure. The disease can take a long time to develop because asbestos fibers must travel from the lungs to different parts of the body before they can cause mesothelioma. The lining of the lungs is the most common place where mesothelioma begins, but it can also begin in the linings of the stomach or the heart. It can also appear in the linings of the reproductive organs.

A biopsy of the affected area is the best method to help doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. The sample is then tested under microscopes to determine if the cancer cells are mesothelioma, or another kind of cancer.

Doctors may also request x-rays, CT scans or MRI to help identify the problem and determine if there is a tumor, thickening of the lining within the abdomen or chest and fluid in the chest cavity. They can also request lung function tests to determine the extent to which the lungs of a patient are working.

A misdiagnosis of mesothelioma can be dangerous, as it can delay treatment, which could improve the prognosis of a patient. This is why it's important to see a doctor when any symptoms arise. A GP can evaluate the signs and symptoms and examine a person's history of exposure to asbestos.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the lining that surrounds many of organs in the body including the chest and abdominal cavity. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma that affects the outer layer of the lungs (pleura). Mesothelioma is not as common in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) as well as the heart sac (pericardium), or in the testicles.

A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma through taking a tissue sample for biopsy or imaging tests. A doctor can determine the mesothelioma's severity and determine how aggressive it is and how likely it is to grow.

The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring, heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in the manufacturing and construction industries up to the late 1970s. People who worked in occupations such as asbestos mining or milling, insulators, pipefitters plumbers, pipefitters, and those who renovated older homes are at higher risk than other individuals of developing mesothelioma.

Inhaling the microscopic asbestos fibers could cause mesothelioma. These tiny asbestos fibers can get trapped in the lungs, causing inflammation that causes lung scarring. Asbestos exposure can also increase the likelihood of smoking, which could further increase the risk for mesothelioma.

The risk of developing mesothelioma rises with the amount of time they were exposed to asbestos. People who have been exposed to the highest levels of asbestos are at the greatest chance of developing mesothelioma.

There are a few risk factors that can be changed, such as the age of a person or whether they smoke, however the majority of the mesothelioma risk factors are linked to asbestos exposure. Certain risk factors can't be changed like the history of a family member or genetics. A person's mesothelioma risk is also increased if they have certain illnesses or health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.

Treatment

Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium that lines the lungs and abdomen. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The disease usually develops for decades after asbestos exposure. It can be hard to diagnose, as symptoms often mimic other conditions and change. Patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma can receive compensation through lawsuits or trust fund claims.

There is no cure for mesothelioma however there are options to treat the disease and improve the quality of your life. Patients should consult with doctors who are experienced in treating the disease. Doctors will review a patient's medical history to determine if there are any symptoms and possible mesothelioma risk factors, such as asbestos exposure.

Exposure to asbestos is the most frequent cause mesothelioma. It is usually caused by breathing in tiny asbestos fibers that hang in the air. The asbestos fibers can be stuck in the lungs, and could cause genetic mutations that can result in cancer. The most prevalent mesothelioma type is called pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. However, it can occur in the lining of the chest wall (pericardium), abdomen, and testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma).

Like all cancers, mesothelioma can be caused by DNA of a cell that has mutations. 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 most likely to develop mesothelioma.

There are several types of mesothelioma, and each has a distinct survival rate. Patients must be aware that mesothelioma is very serious and can be very challenging to treat. There is hope, however as research continues to make advances in extending the life expectancy. Veterans who have mesothelioma could be eligible for VA benefits.

The following is a list of preventions.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, but is highly avoidable. Asbestos is a natural mineral that was once used widely 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 become airborne when disturbed, and if inhaled, can cause serious health conditions such as mesothelioma.

The only way to avoid mesothelioma is to avoid being exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is the most significant cause of mesothelioma. many people who are diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at some time throughout their lives. Smoking and age as well as genetics can also increase the risk of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lungs and abdomen (tummy). It is uncommon for mesothelioma develop in any other part of the body. Mesothelioma is a lengthy process to grow, and it might not appear 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're experiencing any unusual symptoms, especially breathlessness and coughing.

Symptoms of asbestosis include tightness in the chest, constant coughing, and a blue appearance of the skin because the body is trying to get enough oxygen. Inhaled asbestos fibers can also irritate the lungs, leading to scarring referred to as fibrosis. This can cause the accumulation of fluid within the lungs as well as other parts of the body, such as the heart. Inflammation can also trigger genetic changes, which can cause cancerous growth to the lungs.

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

Mesothelioma most often occurs in the tummy and lungs but it can also affect the stomach, heart and testicles. There is no way to avoid mesothelioma. However there are ways to reduce the risk. Always check for asbestos in the workplace and ask their employer for safety guidelines they must adhere to. Wearing protective equipment and washing work clothes away from home is a good idea to ensure that asbestos fibers are not found on clothes of family members.