Mesothelioma From Asbestos

Mesothelioma occurs when the linings that surround the body's organs, including stomach, lungs reproductive organs and the heart, expand beyond their limits. The majority of cases are linked to asbestos, a grouping of minerals with microscopic fibers that resist chemicals and heat.

Symptoms can take decades to manifest after exposure. The early signs are often difficult to identify, as they can be similar to other conditions.

Exposure

Many people in the US are exposed to asbestos at workplaces or at home. The most frequent type of exposure is through handling asbestos-containing products or installing them at a work site. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral. In the United States, it was used to create insulation for decades in construction and other industries, such as shipbuilding.

Asbestos is a very popular material due to its low cost and durability. It is dangerous to inhale or swallow. When it breaks apart or is agitated tiny fibers can be floating in the air and be inhaled by unsuspecting individuals. Inhaling these fibers can cause a person to develop mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma can take up to 50 years to appear after the first asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is absorbed via the lungs and becomes embedded in the linings of the chest cavity or abdomen (peritoneum). These fibers can cause tumors called mesothelioma as time passes. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

Exposure to asbestos is also associated with a non-cancerous disease, called asbestosis. People who are at risk for developing mesothelioma include asbestos workers, miners, electricians, insulation workers, construction workers, and veterans of the military. Smoking is another risk factor, however it doesn't cause mesothelioma.

In 1931, the first mesothelioma case was reported. However, it was not until significant medical evidence was collected that asbestos exposure was associated with the disease. In the 1940s, a link between mesothelioma and asbestos claim was confirmed. Laws were made to regulate safety of workers and the majority of asbestos-related products were prohibited. At this point, many people had already died of asbestos-related diseases.

The risk of malignant melanoma increasing in proportion to the time and duration of exposure to asbestos. This is why it is important for people who have had exposure to either residential or occupational asbestos to be aware of their levels of exposure and any possible symptoms. Those who have experienced symptoms should consult with their doctor immediately. A doctor can assist them determine if they are suffering from mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related illness.

Symptoms

Asbestos is an extremely dangerous substance and exposure can cause a number of symptoms. Asbestos fibers can enter lung tissue and cause scarring known as Pleural plaques. These plaques stiffen the lung and make it more difficult to breathe. As time passes the plaques could transform into malignant pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, which lines the outer surface of most organs. Mesothelioma is also present in the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) and more frequently the membrane that surrounds the testicles. It typically develops between 30 and 50 years after exposure to asbestos and is often misdiagnosed since it is not common.

It is important to see a doctor as quickly as you can if experiencing any unusual or persistent symptoms, especially if have been exposed to asbestos legal (www.snye.co.kr). The symptoms of mesothelioma may resemble those of other conditions and may take a long time to diagnose. A shortness of breath, chest discomfort, coughing up blood, weight loss, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and fever are some of the early signs. It is not uncommon for mesothelioma to be found in people who are who are over 65.

The most common site for mesothelioma to be found in the body is the lung. It can be located in the abdomen and, less often, in the testicles. The majority of cases of mesothelioma result from exposure to asbestos fibres or dust. However, certain cases have been linked to other minerals like silica and erionite.

The most common mesothelioma symptoms are fatigue, shortness of breath and a dry cough. A buildup of fluid inside the lungs (pleural effusion) is another common symptom. The fluid can also build up in the abdomen, which can cause stomach swelling, abdominal pain, weight loss and nausea.

Asbestos is linked to a number of other serious health conditions. This includes asbestosis and lung cancer - an uncancerous scarring of the lungs. If you've been exposed to asbestos, it's important to let a doctor know about the exposure. This will assist them in determining the best way to evaluate and treat any new signs.

Diagnosis

When diagnosing mesothelioma, doctors must also determine the stage. Staging relates to the extent of the cancer and helps them determine how it will respond to treatment.

A patient's symptoms and past work history are the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. A physical examination can reveal lumps in the abdomen or chest. The doctor will also take down a patient's health and family medical history. This information can help pinpoint the causes of symptoms, like asbestos case exposure.

Once doctors have this information, they are able to conduct tests to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A chest X-ray and CT scan are a way to look for signs of mesothelioma. These include pleural plaques, thickened the pleura, or fluid that is between the lung wall and the chest, known as a lymphatic effusion. Other imaging tests that may help include an MRI or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET), mediastinoscopy (used to examine and sample lymph nodes located in the centre of the chest) and endobronchial ultrasound.

A thoracoscopy is another test that can be used to detect mesothelioma within the lungs of someone. This involves cutting a small incision within the chest between 2 ribs. A doctor then inserts a flexible tube with a camera at the end. The tube can be inserted in the mouth or throat under sedation. It is connected to a monitor that allows the doctor to view images of the area being examined. The doctor can make use of the tube to take tissue samples (biopsies).

Doctors can then examine the biopsies and determine if they are epithelioid or sarcomatoid or mixed mesothelioma. Epithelioid is the most common type of mesothelioma 60% to 70 percent of all cases. It has a better prognosis than mixed or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. The type of mesothelioma you have is also influenced by the time the patient spent exposed to asbestos. People who were exposed asbestos for a longer amount of time are more likely to develop sarcomatoid or mixed mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that mesothelioma cells are more aggressive than those of epithelioid mesothelioma.

Treatment

Certain mesothelioma cancer cells may develop into tumors that invade nearby tissues or organs. The cancer can also spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other areas of the body. Cancerous tumors can cause severe symptoms that could affect the quality of life of an individual.

Mesothelioma is most often located in the lining of the chest cavity, abdomen or heart. It can also develop in the lining of the testicles. Other parts of the body are less likely to develop mesothelioma.

Exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. Cancer may develop if asbestos fibers are inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed into the skin. The irritation that follows can cause genetic changes in the body, which could cause cancer.

Mesothelioma signs aren't always obvious and can take up to 50 years for symptoms to manifest. Patients suffering from mesothelioma typically be diagnosed after other health issues have developed. These include fluid accumulation, chest pain or breathing problems. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent mesothelioma type and accounts for 85 percent of all cases. It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma of the pleural region because the first symptoms, like chest pain and shortness of breath, are similar to many other ailments.

Mesothelioma patients are at an increased risk than the average of developing cancer generally. They also are more likely to have a family history of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses. People who live with workers exposed to asbestos litigation can be at higher risk because they may carry asbestos-containing fibers home on clothing. Furthermore, mesothelioma sufferers who receive radiation therapy are at a higher risk due to the fact that radiation therapy can trigger mutations in the DNA of their cells.

Mesothelioma is a serious condition that could be fatal for those who are diagnosed. There is no cure for mesothelioma however, there are a variety of ways patients can improve their health and life quality. The most important thing is to choose the appropriate treatment for the individual situation. Doctors can help patients choose the best treatment option based on their health, fitness and medical background.