Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease
Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, occurs in the linings of internal organs. It is most prevalent in the lungs and abdomen (peritoneum) but it can also be found in the pleura. The chance of developing the disease is higher when asbestos is exposed.
The exposure to asbestos, which is a mineral fiber that is resistant to heat and fire, is the primary risk factor. The symptoms may not show up until years after exposure.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that forms in the tissue that surrounds the lungs, stomach and the heart. It usually occurs when someone inhales asbestos fibers, which enter the bloodstream, and later get lodged in the organ's lining. People who have been exposed to asbestos, such as miners, plumbers and carpenters, are the most at risk. People who live in areas with asbestos-contaminated employees can also be affected. Other people at risk are those who live in a home in which asbestos is present, and those who disturb asbestos during home renovations or maintenance.
There are four stages of mesothelioma. People who are in the early or mid-stages don't show any symptoms and may go for a while before they are diagnosed. When they are diagnosed the cancer is advanced and difficult to treat.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may not typically show up until years after exposure. The disease can last an extended time due to the fact that asbestos fibers need to travel from the lungs to other parts of the body before causing mesothelioma. The lining of the lungs is the most common place where mesothelioma begins, but it can also begin in the linings of the heart or stomach. It may also be found in the linings of the reproductive organs.
The best method of diagnosing mesothelioma is for the doctor to take a biopsy from the affected area. The biopsy is examined under a microscope in order to determine if the cells are mesothelioma or another type.
Doctors may also request x-rays, CT scans or MRI to determine the cause and see whether there is a tumor, thickening of the lining in the abdomen or chest, and fluid in the chest cavity. They can also order lung function tests to determine how well the lungs of an individual are working.
A misdiagnosis of mesothelioma could be dangerous since it could delay the beginning of treatment, which could improve the patient's chances of survival. This is why it's important to see a doctor whenever symptoms begin to manifest. A GP will be able to examine the symptoms and verify the history of asbestos exposure for a patient.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the mesothelium. The mesothelium surrounds many internal organs of the body, including the abdominal cavity and the chest cavity. The most common mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the outer layer of the lungs (pleura). Mesothelioma is less frequently seen to be found in the membrane that lines the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart sac (pericardium) and, more often, it may develop in the testicles (tunica vaginalis mesothelioma or vaginalis mesothelioma of the testicle).
A doctor can diagnose the disease by taking a tissue sample for imaging tests or biopsy. The doctor can determine the grade of mesothelioma. This is an indication of how invasive and likely it will spread.
The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral fiber that is resistant against fire and heat was widely used in manufacturing and construction activities up to the 1970s. Mesothelioma is more frequent for those who worked in asbestos milling, mining, insulators and pipefitters.
Inhaling asbestos fibers that are tiny can cause mesothelioma. These tiny asbestos fibers can get trapped in the lungs and cause inflammation that leads to lung scarring. Asbestos exposure can also increase the risk of a person smoking which increases their risk for mesothelioma.
The risk of mesothelioma for a person increases with the length of time they've been exposed to asbestos. People who have been exposed to the highest levels of asbestos are at the greatest risk of developing mesothelioma.
There are some risk factors that can be changed, such as the age of a person, or if they smoke, however the majority of the mesothelioma risk factors are a result of asbestos exposure. Certain risk factors aren't changeable, such as the family history of a person or genetics. Mesothelioma can more easily be diagnosed if someone has certain health issues or illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease.
troy asbestos law firm is a condition that affects the mesothel forms the lungs and abdomen. Mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos. The disease typically develops over the years after exposure. It is often difficult to recognize, as symptoms are often similar to other conditions and may change. Patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma could be compensated through lawsuits or trust fund claims.
There is no cure for mesothelioma but there are treatment options to treat the disease and improve the quality of your life. Patients should seek medical treatment from doctors who have expertise in treating the disease. Doctors will examine a patient's medical history to determine if there are any symptoms and potential mesothelioma risk factors, like asbestos exposure.
The most commonly cited cause of Mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. It is typically caused by breathing in tiny asbestos fibers that hang in the air. These fibers can become trapped in the lungs, and could trigger genetic mutations that cause cancer. Pleural mesothelioma affects the linings of the lung and is the most commonly diagnosed mesothelioma. It can also affect the tissue of the chest (pericardium) and abdomen and testicles (peritoneal peritoneal cancer).
Mesothelioma, like all cancers is caused by DNA changes in a cell. These mutations cause the cell to grow uncontrollably, resulting in a tumor. Mesothelioma is the most common type of cancer in men over the age of 75 and those who have been in the U.S. military.
There are different types of mesothelioma and each has a different rate of survival. Patients should be aware that mesothelioma diagnosis is grave and difficult to treat. The research is progressing however there is hope. Additionally, those who suffer from mesothelioma should be aware that they might be eligible for benefits from the VA.
Prevention
Mesothelioma Although rare, it is extremely avoidable. Asbestos is a natural mineral that was once used widely in construction, shipbuilding and other industries because of its unique characteristics of durability, strength as well as heat insulation and fire resistance. The microscopic asbestos fibers become airborne if disturbed and may cause serious health issues like mesothelioma, if inhaled.
Asbestos is the only method to stay clear of mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is the most significant reason for mesothelioma and the majority of people diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at one point in their lives. Other factors can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. These include smoking, age and genes.
Mesothelioma typically affects the abdomen and lungs. (tummy). Rarely does mesothelioma develop in other parts of the body. Mesothelioma can take a long time to grow, and it might not appear for 20 or 40 years after exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos should see their doctor regularly if experience any unusual symptoms. This may include coughing, or breath shortness.
The signs of asbestosis are tightness in the chest, frequent coughing, and a blue-ish appearance of the skin because the body is trying to get enough oxygen. The asbestos fibers that are inhaled can also cause irritation to lung tissue and cause scarring, called fibrosis. This can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs and in other areas of the body, such as the heart. Inflammation can cause genetic changes that can cause cancers to grow in the lungs.
Asbestosis isn't curable however there are treatments available to manage 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 decrease the risk. Always look for asbestos in the workplace and inquire with their employer for safety standards they should adhere to. It is also recommended to wear protective equipment and wash their workplace clothes outside of their home so that they're not left on clothing belonging to family members.