Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease

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

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a heat- and fire-resistant mineral fiber. The symptoms may not show up until many years after exposure.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor that develops in the tissue that surrounds the lungs and the heart, is caused by asbestos fibers. Typically, it occurs when a person inhale asbestos fibers that enter the bloodstream and get absorbed in the lining of organs. The most susceptible to contracting this condition are those who worked with asbestos, such as miners, plumbers carpenters, welders, and carpenters. It can also occur in those who were workers who brought asbestos home on their clothing or skin. Other people at risk include those who work in households where asbestos is present and those who disturb asbestos during renovations to their homes or maintenance.

There are four stages of mesothelioma. Mid- and early-stage mesothelioma may not show any symptoms, and it could be years before they are diagnosed. By the time cancer is discovered it is progressed and is difficult to treat.

The symptoms of mesothelioma typically don't manifest until years after exposure. The disease takes a long time to develop because asbestos fibers must be transported from the lungs into other body parts before they can cause mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases start in the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however it could also start in the lining of the stomach or the heart. It can also appear in the linings of reproductive organs.

The most effective method to identify mesothelioma is to ask a doctor to take a biopsy of the affected area. The specimen is examined under a microscope in order to determine if the cells are of mesothelioma type or another kind.

Doctors may also request x-rays, CT scans or MRI to determine the cause and see whether there is a tumor, a thickening or enlargement of the lining within the chest or abdomen and fluid in the chest cavity. They may also order lung function tests to see how well the lungs of a person are functioning.

A mesothelioma misdiagnosis can be harmful because it may delay the beginning of treatment that can improve the prognosis of a patient. It is imperative to consult a doctor whenever you experience any signs. A GP can assess the signs and symptoms and examine a person's history of exposure to asbestos lawyer.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the lining which surrounds many of organs in the body including the abdominal cavity and the chest. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the exterior layer of the lungs (pleura). Mesothelioma is rarer in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) as well as the heart sac (pericardium) or in the testicles.

A doctor can detect mesothelioma by taking tissue sample for biopsy or imaging tests. A doctor can then determine the mesothelioma's grade that indicates the severity of the disease and how likely it is to expand.

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

Inhaling the microscopic asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma. These tiny asbestos fibers can get trapped in the lungs, causing inflammation that leads to lung scarring. Asbestos exposure may also increase a person's chances of smoking, which may increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The risk of mesothelioma for a person increases with the amount of time they were exposed to asbestos (look at these guys). Those who have been exposed to the highest levels of asbestos are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma.

There are risk factors that can be changed for example, the age of a person, or if they smoke, however the majority of the mesothelioma risk factors are a result of asbestos exposure. Certain factors are not changeable, like a person's genetics or family history. Mesothelioma can more easily be diagnosed if someone has certain health conditions or illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects mesothelium, which is the line that runs through the abdomen, lungs and the heart. People who are exposed to asbestos are at the risk of developing mesothelioma. The disease usually develops for decades after asbestos exposure. It can be difficult to recognize because symptoms often resemble other conditions and occur and disappear. Those diagnosed with mesothelioma can receive compensation via lawsuits or trust funds.

Mesothelioma has no cure however, treatment options are available to treat the disease and improve the quality of life. Patients should seek medical treatment from doctors who have had experience treating the disease. Doctors will look over the medical history of the patient to look for signs and potential mesothelioma risk factors, including asbestos attorney exposure.

Exposure to asbestos is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma. It is typically caused by breathing in tiny asbestos legal fibers that are floating in the air. The asbestos compensation fibers can be stuck in the lungs and cause genetic mutations that can result in cancer. The most prevalent form of mesothelioma is mesothelioma pleural which affects the lung's lining. However, it can be found in the lining of the chest wall (pericardium) as well as the abdomen and testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma).

Like all cancers, mesothelioma can be caused by the DNA of cells that are experiencing mutations. These mutations lead the cell to expand uncontrollably, which results in a tumor. Mesothelioma is the most common type of cancer in those over 75 and those who have served in the U.S. military.

There are many types of mesothelioma and each has a distinct rate of survival. Patients must be aware that a diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a serious one and can be very challenging to treat. There is hope, however as research continues to make advances in prolonging the duration of survival. Additionally, those who suffer from mesothelioma should be aware that they could be eligible for benefits from the VA.

Prevention

Mesothelioma is a rare illness, but it is very treatable. Asbestos is a mineral that is naturally occurring that was once used widely in shipbuilding, construction, and other industries due to its unique qualities of durability, strength, heat insulation and fire resistance. However, the tiny fibers of asbestos are able to become airborne if disturbed, and if inhaled, they could cause serious health issues such as mesothelioma.

The only way to prevent mesothelioma is not to be exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is the most significant reason for mesothelioma and most people diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at some point throughout their lives. Other factors can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma, such as smoking, age and genes.

Most often, mesothelioma affects the lung (tummy) and lungs. Rarely, mesothelioma can develop in other areas of the body. Mesothelioma can take a long time to develop, and it could not manifest for 20 or 40 years after exposure to asbestos. It is essential that those who have been exposed to asbestos regularly see their doctor if they are experiencing any unusual symptoms, including coughing and shortness of breath.

Symptoms of asbestosis include tightness in the chest, frequent coughing and a bluish appearance to the skin because the body is battling to get enough oxygen. Inhaled asbestos fibers can also cause irritation to the lungs and lead to scarring referred to as fibrosis. This can cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs, and other organs including the heart. Inflammation can cause genetic changes that can cause cancerous growth to the lungs.

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

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs, but it can also affect the stomach, testicles and the heart. There is no way to stop mesothelioma. However there are ways to reduce the risk. They should always check for asbestos in the workplace and talk to 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 clothing of family members.