Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, is found in the linings of internal organs. It is most prevalent in the lungs and abdomen (peritoneum) but it can also occur in the pleura. The chance of developing the disease increases when asbestos is exposed.
Exposure to asbestos, which is a mineral fiber resistant to heat and fire, is the primary risk factor. However, symptoms may be delayed for a long time after exposure.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma, a tumor that is cancerous that develops in the tissues that surrounds the lungs and the heart is caused by asbestos fibers. It usually occurs when a person inhale asbestos fibers that enter the bloodstream and get absorbed in the lining of organs. People most likely to have this condition are those who work with asbestos, for example, plumbers, miners, carpenters and welders. People who live in areas with asbestos-contaminated workers can also be affected. Other people at risk include those who work in households where asbestos is present and those who are disturbed by asbestos 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 may go for years before they are diagnosed. When cancer is discovered, it has advanced and is difficult to treat.
The symptoms of mesothelioma do not usually appear until decades after exposure. The disease can last many years to develop because asbestos fibers need to travel from the lungs to other parts of the human body before they can cause mesothelioma. gulfport asbestos attorneys of mesothelioma begin in the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma) but it can also start in the stomach's lining or the heart. It can also show up in the tissue lining the reproductive organs.
A biopsy of the affected area is the most effective way to help doctors to determine if mesothelioma is present. The biopsy is then examined under microscopes to determine whether the cancer cells are mesothelioma or a different type of cancer.
Doctors can also order x-rays, CT scans or MRI to help identify the problem and determine if there is a tumor, thickening of the lining in the abdomen or chest and fluid in the chest cavity. They can also request an examination of lung function to determine how well a person's lungs are working.
A misdiagnosis of mesothelioma could be dangerous because it may delay the beginning of treatment that can improve the patient's chances of survival. This is why it is important to see a doctor whenever symptoms begin to manifest. A GP will evaluate the signs and symptoms and examine a person's previous exposure to asbestos.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the lining which surrounds many of organs in the body which include the chest and abdominal cavity. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the outer layer (pleura) of the lungs. Less commonly, mesothelioma can occur in the membrane that lines the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart sac (pericardium), and very rarely, it can develop in the testicles (tunica vaginalis mesothelioma, or tunica vaginalis mesothelioma of the testicle).
A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma through taking a tissue sample for biopsy or imaging tests. A doctor can then determine the mesothelioma's grade and determine the severity of the disease and how likely to grow.
The exposure to asbestos is the biggest risk factor. Asbestos is a naturally occurring thermal, fire-resistant and heat-resistant fiber that was used in construction and manufacturing activities until the late 1970s. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have worked in asbestos mining, milling pipefitters, insulators and milling.
Inhaling asbestos fibers that are small can cause mesothelioma. These tiny fibers can become trapped in the lungs and cause inflammation that causes lung scarring. Asbestos exposure can also increase the risk of a smoker which increases their risk for mesothelioma.
The risk of mesothelioma for a person increases with the amount of time they were exposed to asbestos. Those who have been exposed to the highest levels of asbestos are at greatest chance of developing mesothelioma.
There are some risk factors that can be changed for example, the age of a person or whether they smoke, however the majority mesothelioma risk factors are related to asbestos exposure. Certain risk factors aren't changeable like the history of a family member or genetics. The risk of mesothelioma in a person is also increased if they have certain medical conditions or illnesses, such as heart disease or diabetes.
Treatment
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the mesothelium that lines the lungs, abdomen and the heart. Mesothelioma may develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos. The disease usually develops for decades after exposure. It is often difficult to recognize because symptoms can be similar to other conditions. They can also occur and disappear. Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma may receive compensation via lawsuits or trust funds.
There is no cure for mesothelioma, however, there are treatments to control the disease and improve your quality of life. Patients should seek out physicians who are experienced in treating the disease. Doctors will review a patient's medical history to determine if there are any symptoms and potential mesothelioma risk factors, such as asbestos exposure.
Exposure to asbestos is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma. It is usually caused by breathing in tiny asbestos fibers that float in the air. These fibers can get stuck in the lungs, leading to genetic mutations that could cause cancer. The most prevalent mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma pleural which affects the lung's lining. However, it can also be found in the lining of the chest wall (pericardium), abdomen, and testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma).
Mesothelioma, like all cancers is caused by DNA mutations in a cell. These mutations cause the cells to expand uncontrollably, resulting in a tumor. Over 75-year-olds and veterans of the U.S. armed forces are most likely to develop mesothelioma.
There are a variety of mesothelioma types and each has a distinct survival rate. Patients should be aware that a diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a serious one and is a difficult one to treat. There is hope, though, as research continues to make progress in prolonging the duration of survival. Additionally, those suffering from mesothelioma should be aware that they could be entitled to benefits through the VA.
Prevention
Mesothelioma Although rare, it is very avoidable. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once extensively used in shipbuilding, construction and other industries due to its unique qualities of strength, durability as well as heat insulation and fire resistance. The microscopic asbestos fibers are released into the air when disturbed and may cause serious health conditions such as mesothelioma when inhaled.
The only way to avoid mesothelioma is to not be exposed to asbestos. Asbestos is the main reason for mesothelioma. The majority of people diagnosed with the condition have been exposed to it at some time. Other factors can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. These include smoking, age and genetics.
Most often, mesothelioma affects the lungs (tummy) and lungs. Rarely, mesothelioma can develop in other areas of the body. Mesothelioma can take several years to develop and may not show up until 20 or 40 years following exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos should see their doctor regularly if they notice any unusual symptoms. This could include coughing or a shortness of breath.
Asbestosis symptoms include tightness in the chest, frequent coughing and a bluish appearance of the skin because the body is trying to get enough oxygen. Inhaled fibers of asbestos can also irritate lung tissues and cause scarring known as fibrosis. This can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, as well as other organs including the heart. Inflammation can also trigger genetic changes that can cause cancerous growth to the lungs.
There is no cure for asbestosis, but there are treatments available to alleviate the symptoms. These treatments can improve the quality of life and the quality of breathing for patients.
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs, however it can also affect the stomach, testicles and heart. There is no way to stop mesothelioma. However there are ways to decrease the risk. It is important to look for asbestos in the workplace and talk to their employer for safety standards that they should adhere to. It is also a good idea to wear protective equipment and wash their clothes at work outside of the home to ensure that they are not tethered to the clothing of family members.