Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease

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

The main risk factor for mesothelioma involves exposure to asbestos, a heat- and fire-resistant mineral fiber. However, symptoms can take decades to develop after exposure.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma, a tumor that is cancerous that grows in the tissue of the lungs and the heart is caused by asbestos fibers. It usually occurs when a person inhale asbestos fibers that get into the bloodstream and get absorbed in the lining of organs. The most susceptible to contracting this disease are those who worked with asbestos, like plumbers, miners, carpenters and welders. It is also seen in people who worked with workers who brought asbestos home on their clothing or their skin. Other people at risk are those who live in a home where asbestos is present and those who disturb asbestos (cool training) during renovations to their homes or maintenance.

There are four stages to mesothelioma. People who are in the early or mid-stages do not have symptoms and can go on for a while before they are diagnosed. When they are diagnosed the cancer is advanced and difficult to treat.

The signs of mesothelioma generally do not show up until decades after exposure. The condition takes a long time to develop because asbestos fibers must be transported from the lungs into other parts of the body before they can cause mesothelioma. The lining of lungs is the most typical location where mesothelioma develops however it could start in the linings of the stomach or the heart. It can even appear in the tissue lining the reproductive organs.

The best method of diagnosing mesothelioma is for a doctor to conduct a biopsy of the affected area. The specimen is examined under a microscope in order to determine whether the cancer cells are mesothelioma or another type.

Doctors may also request x-rays, CT scans or MRI to identify the issue and see whether there is a tumor, a thickening or enlargement of the lining within the abdomen or chest and fluid in the chest cavity. They can also request an examination of lung function to determine the extent to which a person's lungs are functioning.

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

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma, a type of cancer that is found in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the lining that protects the body's internal organs, including the abdominal cavity and the chest. Pleural mesothelioma is a disease that affects the outer layer (pleura) of the lungs. Mesothelioma is rarer in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), the heart sac (pericardium), or in the testicles.

A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma by taking a tissue sample for biopsy or imaging tests. The doctor can determine the severity of mesothelioma. It is a measure of how aggressive and likely to spread.

The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. asbestos compensation is a naturally-occurring resistant to heat and fire fiber that was used in construction and manufacturing activities up to the late 1970s. The people who worked in jobs such as asbestos mining or milling, pipefitters, insulators plumbers, pipefitters, and those who remodelled older homes are at greater risk than other people 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 may also increase the chances of smoking, which may further increase the risk for mesothelioma.

A person's risk for 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 greatest risk of developing mesothelioma.

There are risk factors that can be altered like the age of a person, or if they smoke, but most mesothelioma risk factors are related to asbestos exposure. Some of these risk factors aren't changeable for example, a person's family history or genetics. The risk of mesothelioma in a person is also elevated if they have certain illnesses or health conditions like heart disease or diabetes.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the mesothel forms 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 is often difficult to recognize because symptoms often resemble other conditions and come and go. Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma may be compensated through lawsuits or trust funds.

Mesothelioma has no cure, but treatment options are available to control the disease and improve quality of life. Patients should seek medical attention from a doctor who has experience treating the disease. Doctors will review a patient's medical history to determine if there are any symptoms and other mesothelioma-related risk factors, such as asbestos exposure.

Exposure to asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma. It is usually caused by breathing in tiny asbestos fibers that hang in the air. The asbestos fibers can be lodged in the lungs and can cause genetic mutations that cause cancer. The most commonly encountered form of mesothelioma is mesothelioma of the pleural region that affects the lung's lining. However, it can also occur in the lining of the chest wall (pericardium), abdomen, and testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma).

Mesothelioma, like all cancers is caused by DNA mutations in cells. The mutations cause the cell to expand in uncontrolled ways and eventually result in a tumor. Men over 75 years old and veterans of the U.S. armed forces are most likely to develop mesothelioma.

There are several types of mesothelioma and each type has a different survival rate. Patients should know that a mesothelioma diagnosis can be grave and difficult to treat. There is hope, however as research continues to make advances in prolonging survival. Veterans with mesothelioma may also be eligible to receive VA benefits.

Prevention

Mesothelioma is a rare condition however it is highly preventable. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once extensively used in shipbuilding, construction and other industries due to its unique properties of strength, durability, heat insulation and fire resistance. However, the microscopic fibers of asbestos case become airborne when disturbed and if breathed in, they could cause serious health issues like mesothelioma.

The only way to avoid mesothelioma is to not be 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 one point in their lives. Smoking or aging, as well as genetics can increase the risk of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma typically affects the abdomen and lungs. (tummy). Rarely, mesothelioma is found in other areas of the body. Mesothelioma takes many years to develop, and it may not manifest for 20 or 40 years after exposure to asbestos. It is important that people who have been exposed to asbestos regularly see their doctor if they're experiencing any unusual symptoms, including shortness of breath and coughing.

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

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

Mesothelioma is most often found in the tummy and lungs but can also affect the stomach, heart and testicles. It is not usually 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 inquire with their employer about the safety standards that they should adhere to. Wearing protective equipment and washing at home away from work clothes is a good idea so that asbestos fibers are not brought home on the clothes of family members.