Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and Other Asbestos-Related Illnesses

Significant exposure to asbestos can cause a variety of life-threatening illnesses. Mesothelioma, asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases can take years to develop and are often misdiagnosed or confused with other ailments.

People who have any exposure to asbestos may develop diseases associated with it. However the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma increases by four times the time from the initial exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and less commonly in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). It is a cancer that can be fatal. It is believed to be caused by exposure to asbestos-containing materials or products that are often used in the workplace. Mesothelioma can be seen in construction workers, firefighters and veterans who have been exposed to asbestos.

Mesothelioma symptoms may not appear for 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. The disease is named for the mesothelium. This thin layer of tissue covers many organs which include the lungs, the chest cavity (pleura) and stomach (peritoneum) and the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos fibers that become embedded in the mesothelium and cause irritation, which leads to scarring. As time passes the cells that are irritated develop abnormal genetic mutations and transform into cancerous tumors.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each one is specific to a particular part of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common type, accounting for about 80% of the cases diagnosed each year. Other types include peritoneal mesothelioma, the testicular mesothelioma, and pleural effusion.

The symptoms of mesothelioma may vary depending on the part of the body affected. They can range from respiratory problems like breathing difficulties or coughing, to abdominal pain and fluid in the lung. Some patients may also have swelling in their feet or hands (finger clubbing) as well as weight loss, fatigue and fever. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose, since the symptoms that first manifest are similar to those of other conditions such as lung diseases and cancer.

This is why it is important that those who have been exposed to asbestos law inform their doctor about their previous exposure. Then, they should be monitored regularly for symptoms of asbestos-related diseases, and mesothelioma. Regular examinations can result in an earlier and more precise diagnosis. It also reduces the chance of complications like latency. This will help to ensure that symptoms aren't ignored and interpreted as other conditions. For example the change in the shape of your finger and nail is known as asbestosis, or a normal ageing sign.

What is Asbestosis?

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that is extremely durable and resistant to heat. In the past it was used in various industrial processes and consumer products, including insulation and brakes. It was also used in shingles, floor tiles and some types cement. Exposure to asbestos fibres over the course of a long time can lead to serious health problems, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. Workers in specific fields such as those who are who are involved in mining and the production of asbestos-containing products, are at greater risk of exposure.

Asbestosis is caused through the exposure to asbestos claim fibres which can cause scarring and stiffening of the lung tissue. The latency period is the amount of time it takes for symptoms to manifest after exposure. It's important that you tell your doctor about any asbestos exposure so they can conduct periodic screenings.

People most at risk of getting asbestosis are those who worked in construction, shipbuilding or other industries where exposure to asbestos was common prior to its removal. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos while at work can develop the condition. The symptoms of asbestosis can vary in severity and it isn't always easy to identify.

The diagnosis of asbestosis is determined by examining the medical background of a patient and performing a number tests for diagnosis. This could include a chest X-ray, which can identify advanced asbestosis by revealing white lung areas that look like honeycombs. CT scans are more precise than X-rays and could reveal indications of asbestosis. A lung biopsy may be performed to confirm a diagnosis. This involves removing small amounts of lung tissue that is examined under microscope. The test can determine the severity of lung disease and the presence of ferruginous bodies (golden yellow, beaded rods-like structures coated with iron-containing proteins).

Asbestosis is a progressive illness, which can worsen over time. It can cause breathing issues and put pressure on other organs in the body, including the heart. Certain patients will require an operation to stop fluid from getting back into the lung (pleurodesis) or a tube to rid the lungs at home on regular basis (pleurectomy). These procedures can improve breathing and quality of life.

What are the signs of Mesothelioma?

After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestosis might not show up for years. This is known as the latency period, and it varies from person to patient depending on the location of the tumors and other factors.

The mesothelioma-related cancer is found on the mesothelium, an enveloping lining that surrounds a lot of your internal organs. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the membrane around your chest wall and lungs (the pleura). It can also develop in the diaphragm or peritoneum.

Shortness of breath and dry cough are the first symptoms of asbestosis pleural. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue and abdominal pain. As the cancer progresses to other parts of the body, various symptoms may be observed in each area.

Asbestosis isn't a cancer, but it is a respiratory illness that can cause similar symptoms to mesothelioma. Both diseases result from inflammation that results from exposure to asbestos. The inflammation can cause scarring to the lungs that can make breathing difficult. Asbestosis sufferers also experience an accumulation of fluid around their lungs that can aggravate symptoms.

Both asbestosis and mesothelioma are associated with a variety of other health problems such as fatigue, memory loss, headaches depression, anxiety and stress. In some instances mesothelioma patients have had heart or digestive issues as well.

If you believe you may have mesothelioma, your doctor will conduct a physical examination and look over your work history to see whether or not you were exposed to asbestos settlement. The blood tests are conducted to determine the health of your kidneys, liver and blood cells. Chest Xrays can be used to determine whether there is a thickening of the pleura, or fluid that is in the space between the lung and chest wall.

Mesothelioma is extremely rare, and it can be difficult to diagnose. Early mesothelioma can mimic other illnesses such as pneumonia or influenza. Additionally, mesothelioma has an extended latency time which makes it difficult to detect in its earliest stages. Consequently, it is often incorrectly diagnosed.

What is the treatment for Mesothelioma and Asbestosis?

A biopsy is a piece of tissue that a doctor uses to diagnose mesothelioma and asbestosis. It is essential to recognize mesothelioma as soon as possible, as the disease has a long latency period which means that symptoms may not be evident for a long time after asbestos exposure.

A biopsy can be done in several ways, including by bronchoscopy as well as needle biopsy. In a bronchoscopy procedure, doctors insert a tube into breathing passages to view the tissues and collect tiny samples to conduct a pathological analysis. In a needle biopsy, a doctor sticks an instrument into the chest wall or lung to take a small amount of fluid to be examined under a microscope.

The most common treatment for mesothelioma involves surgery, however radiotherapy and chemotherapy can also be used. However, mesothelioma can be difficult to cure and many patients experience relapses following first-line treatment.

Shipyard workers, miners and construction workers are at most risk of developing mesothelioma. However, people who work in hospitals and schools could be affected when they have experienced prolonged exposure to asbestos-based building materials. Teachers, nurses and ex-pupils of schools constructed with asbestos-containing material have also been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

In the case of asbestosis, the most effective treatment is to manage symptoms. This includes breathing exercises and medications to treat symptoms like wheezing, breathlessness, chest pain and coughing. The symptoms are often exacerbated due to the accumulation of fluid around the lungs, which is called pleural effusion. It is caused by inflammation and cell loss in the lung's lining. A procedure known as VATS can alleviate the symptoms.

Mesothelioma is a rare but serious cancer that occurs in the linings of organs. It usually begins in the lungs, but it can be found in the peritoneum and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the cause. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibers. It can take between 20 and 50 years after exposure before symptoms appear. Men are more likely than women to develop the disease after exposure.