Mesothelioma
Construction workers, industrial workers, military veterans and others who worked with asbestos-contaminated products are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The repeated exposure to asbestos fibers can cause chronic inflammation, which causes damage to the mesothelium. DNA changes are also caused by this inflammation.
The risk of malignant mesothelioma is increased proportionally to cumulative exposure and to a third or fourth power after first exposure. It could take between 10 and 50 years following exposure for symptoms to appear.
Symptoms
The mesothelium comprises the cells that line the body. This lining protects organs and tissues by lubricating it so that it can slide easily against each other. The malignant mesothelioma may spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs, heart, and abdomen. It can also trigger other symptoms, such as chest pain and fatigue.
Mesothelioma symptoms can take between 10 and 50 years to appear and it is therefore difficult for doctors to identify the disease. It is also possible to mistake for other illnesses, like pneumonia or flu.
Patients may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent coughing and chest pain or change in the shape of the nails and fingers, called clubbing. In addition, patients suffering from mesothelioma can develop a swelling of fluid in the belly or chest (peritoneal mesothelioma) this condition is referred to as a pleural effusion.
Contrary to lung cancer mesothelioma is not visible by imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans until the cancer has progressed for a number of years. Doctors must often perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. This can be done with the bronchoscopy procedure, or by needle biopsy.
These tests can help doctors make a mesothelioma diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for the patient. Doctors can examine a patient's asbestos exposure history to determine if he or she has a risk of developing asbestos-related disease.
The highest risk is for workers exposed to asbestos at their workplaces. People who work in high-risk jobs include those working in shipbuilding, construction and other blue-collar sectors as well as veterans of the United States Armed Forces. People who live with asbestos-exposed workers are also at risk of mesothelioma, especially if they bring home asbestos fibers on his or her clothing.
If you've been diagnosed as having mesothelioma should visit their physician regularly to have a checkup and discussing any health concerns related to asbestos. This is especially important because mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases, like asbestosis.
Diagnosis
Early signs of mesothelioma can look like flu, pneumonia or intestinal problems. The disease's long latency period means that patients can experience symptoms for 10 - 50 years after asbestos exposure. The fact that it is similar to other diseases can make it difficult to diagnose. The location of the affected body part can affect the symptoms as well.
The first step is to see a primary care physician or other physician who can assist in determining the root of the symptoms. They will request your medical history and look to see if asbestos exposure is mentioned. They will also conduct physical examinations and perform basic tests like blood work or X-rays.
A biopsy may be required to confirm a diagnosis depending on the type of mesothelioma. A biopsy is performed by inserting a needle in the abdomen or chest, and taking a small sample. The tissue is then studied to determine whether it is a source of mesothelioma cancerous. Mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid or sarcomatoid. Both types are malignant. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent of mesothelioma cases while sarcomatoid is responsible for the remaining 70%.
When a mesothelioma biopsied has been done, doctors can develop a treatment plan. They will usually refer the patient to a specialist in order to determine the best course of action for their specific condition.
Mesothelioma can be caused by the inhalation of tiny asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a group of minerals that look like small, slender fibers. These fibers are found in rocks and soil and are usually released into the air during construction, mining and other activities. Inhaled fibers can cause inflammation of the lungs. This may eventually result in mesothelioma. The cancer is typically centered within the lungs, but it can also grow in the lining of the tummy (peritoneal mesothelioma) or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma).
Surprise asbestos attorney is a cancer, that is an abnormal growth of cells that invades nearby tissues and organs. Cancerous cells may also be carried through the lymphatic or bloodstream to other areas of your body.
Mesothelioma treatment options differ based on the nature and location of mesothelioma. Doctors are currently using surgery and chemotherapy to treat mesothelioma. Radiation therapy is often used in combination with chemotherapy or surgery. It aims to kill cancerous cells as well as reduce the pain and swelling associated with mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure can lead to asbestosis, which is a non-cancerous disease that causes scarring of the lungs as well as other body parts. It may also lead to mesothelioma which is a more serious type of asbestos disease that is usually fatal. Mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer typically affects the lungs and abdomen. Its symptoms include breathlessness, chest pain and coughing. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed by X-rays and CT scans. The resulting images highlight areas of greater density that could indicate either scar tissue or a tumor. Doctors may perform the procedure of bronchoscopy, or needle biopsy to determine the distinction.
A bronchoscopy can be performed by inserting a thin, flexible tube into the respiratory passages to observe the tissue and then collect samples to test. A needle biopsy is injecting a liquid into the area to remove a small sample of tissue to test. Both procedures are painful, however they help doctors diagnose mesothelioma or asbestosis.
The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to other illnesses, and can develop as long as 50 years after initial exposure. It is difficult to determine mesothelioma due to the time between asbestos exposure and the onset of symptoms. Many people are misdiagnosed as having other diseases like flu or pneumonia.
Scientists aren't sure what causes mesothelioma but they do know that asbestos exposure increases the risk. Asbestos can be ingested through industries like asbestos mining, manufacturing and construction. Workers also transport asbestos-containing products to their homes as well as other work places, where they could inhale or swallow the fibers. The types of asbestos that are most commonly involved in mesothelioma cases are serpentine and amphibole asbestos fibers. The type of asbestos called serpentine is less harmful than amphibole one, however both can cause illness.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer is a disease that affects the thin layer that lines internal organs. It usually occurs because of exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals that are hard and resistant to heat. It is believed that asbestos fibers are absorbed into the lungs, and cause irritation to the membranes, and eventually cause cancer. This irritation can lead to genetic mutations that can cause the growth of tumors.
Asbestos is exposed in a variety of ways, like during manufacturing, mining cleaning or repairing asbestos-related products. You can also be exposed at home through washing or wearing asbestos-containing clothes. Certain people are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma due to of their family history of the disease, or they have an increased risk of developing it due to other factors like genetics.
Mesothelioma patients can display various symptoms that are usually similar to other ailments. It can be difficult for doctors diagnose mesothelioma in its early stages. It is important for people who have been exposed to asbestos to discuss their medical history to their doctor and ask for regular checks.
The majority of mesothelioma cases can be linked to asbestos exposure in the workplace. However, research has shown that environmental asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma too. This is because asbestos dust can be transported from work sites to other areas in the area where people live. Mesothelioma is more common in those living within 2000m of an asbestos mine or a cement plant.
Certain people with mesothelioma suffer from asbestosis, a lung condition, prior to the mesothelioma forming. Asbestosis can cause the lungs to thicken and make it difficult for people to breathe. This condition can make people require oxygen at home and they may have to undergo lung procedures like an surgery called a lobectomy.
Some people with mesothelioma also receive treatment for their symptoms. They may be given medications to help them breathe or participate in clinical trials for experimental treatments. Early diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma can improve the prognosis. Patients who have undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy as well as surgery have been able to extend their lives by up to 10 years.