Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos at work is the primary reason for mesothelioma. Exposure can be seen in shipyards, factories mining sites, construction sites, and other.
As asbestos fibres are inhaled, they get caught in the lung's lining (pleura) and cause gene mutations that can lead to cancer. Symptoms typically don't appear until 20 to 60 years after exposure.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the site where tumors form within the body. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs while peritoneal, pericardial, and mesothelioma affecting the stomach and the heart. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and breathing difficulties.
A physical exam and a detailed health history are the first steps to determine if you have mesothelioma. Patients should inform their doctor of any asbestos exposure or unusual symptoms or changes in the body that they have observed. Doctors may also prescribe imaging tests in addition to a physical exam to determine the severity of the disease and rule out any other conditions such as lung cancer or pneumonia.
Mesothelioma is often not diagnosed until years after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers are inhaled, swallowed and adhere to the linings of organs like the stomach and lungs. In time these fibers can cause inflammation and eventually tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms often do not appear until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Once mesothelioma symptoms begin, they can worsen rapidly and affect a patient's quality of life. As the cancer progresses and patients weaken, they can become and bed-bound. In the end, many patients with mesothelioma in the late stages are in great pain towards the end of their lives.
In addition to a physical examination doctors will also inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma-related risk factors. Smoking, military service, or a history of mesothelioma in a family member may increase the chance of developing the disease.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma are typically at greater risk of developing other forms of cancer, including lung and breast cancer because asbestos fibers can cause irritation to these tissues as well. By avoiding asbestos exposure and maintaining good hygiene at work, the risk can be minimized. Employees should shower and change clothes immediately after leaving the office to avoid bringing asbestos-containing fibers home on their clothes or skin. Those who live near asbestos-exposed workers must shower and change their clothes prior to entering the house.
Diagnosis
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals containing tiny fibres that are used in a variety of ways. These fibres can be released into the air or the lungs of people who are using asbestos. As time passes the fibres accumulate and cause scarring of the lungs, a condition known as asbestosis. It can also cause cancer. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that grows in the protective linings of organs called mesothelium. It is most commonly found in the chest lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is frequently a factor in mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can take decades to be diagnosed, which makes it difficult to determine the cause.
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is to see your doctor and have an examination. This can help your physician understand the symptoms that you are experiencing and rule out other conditions. Your doctor can also order blood tests and imaging scans to check for mesothelioma, or to detect symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These scans can reveal pleural or peritoneal fluid.
These tests also allow doctors to determine the stage of mesothelioma which determines your treatment options. Each stage of mesothelioma comes with a different prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma lawyer determines how severe the symptoms are and how quickly they will develop.
Depending on the site of your mesothelioma, your doctor may use different diagnostic tests. The most common mesothelioma type is mesothelioma that affects the lung. Doctors may also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, targeting the lining of the abdomen or pericardial mesothelioma specifically targeting the lining of the heart.
In the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis your doctor will inquire about your exposure to asbestos and whether you experience any symptoms. The doctor will conduct an examination and look over your medical records. If they suspect mesothelioma, they will refer you to a specialist to conduct further tests and scans. These tests will help diagnose the type and the stage of your cancer, and also how far it has spread.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure is the most common mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a class of minerals that are found in rocks and soil. It is a very strong mineral that can be transformed into thin woven fibers to be used in many products. It was used in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century before scientists learned of its health risks to humans. Exposure to asbestos usually happens when people swallow or inhale the fibers. They are then bonded to the organ's linings. Over time, the lining may develop tumors and trigger symptoms such as coughing, breathing problems and chest pain. Symptoms usually do not appear until 10 to 50 years after the initial exposure.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma, but some individuals are more at risk than others. Mesothelioma can be triggered by any asbestos exposure that includes para- and occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos by their relatives are also at risk. If you have a relative with mesothelioma or asbestosis, you should speak to a doctor about your asbestos history.
Different types of mesothelioma are found in different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent type, affecting around 70-80% of all cases. It begins in the layers of tissue that cover the lungs (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common. It is found in the interior (peritoneum) of the abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma comes in two forms that are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common and grows slower than mesothelioma lawsuit that is sarcomatoid. There is a rare mesothelioma type that has both sarcomatoid and epithelioid-cells. It is known as biphasic Mesothelioma.
The type of mesothelioma lawyer can help your doctors decide which treatment option to use. Your doctors may suggest chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy to lessen the symptoms and prolong your life span. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the type of mesothelioma, the location it is located, and your medical background.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases but there are some ways you can lower the risk. If you've been exposed to asbestos in the past, try to limit your exposure and stay clear from any places that might contain asbestos. Consult your doctor in the event of any unusual or persistent symptoms.
Recovery
Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma find it shocking to learn that asbestos exposure in the past is the cause. More troubling is the fact that their former employers did not warn them of the dangers of their job or take any action to protect workers against this toxic material. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist the patients seek justice by filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties.
Mesothelioma, a cancer, is located in the tissues that cover the organs of the body, like the stomach and lungs. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals that create long thin fibers that are tough and fire resistant. Asbestos was used extensively in automobile parts, buildings and other products before scientists learned of its health hazards in the 20th century. Mesothelioma is most common in those who have worked on asbestos-containing projects. This includes construction workers, shipyard employees insulation workers, asbestos abatement technicians and other laborers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos fibers clung to personal items, clothing and the bodies of workers. This could cause mesothelioma to their families.
The most prevalent form of this cancer is mesothelioma pleural. It affects the lining of the lungs, and the symptoms typically start in the chest, such as bleeding from the chest or a buildup of fluid around the lungs. It may also affect the abdomen's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).
The amount of asbestos exposure and gender are two factors that can affect a person's chance of developing mesothelioma. Men are more likely to develop this disease than women, and a person's age is another important factor. A family history is also a risk factor. Certain asbestos-related illnesses have been linked with specific genes. Mesothelioma is more common in people who have had chest radiation, or those who have a parent or a sibling with the disease. The majority of mesothelioma cases happen in people who are over 60 years old.