Mesothelioma From Asbestos Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when the linings around the organs of the body, such as the stomach, lungs, heart and reproductive organs, grow out of control. The majority of cases are linked to asbestos, a grouping of minerals that have microscopic fibers that resist chemicals and heat. After exposure, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Early symptoms are often difficult to diagnose due to the fact that they can be similar to other conditions. Exposure Many people in the US are exposed to asbestos at workplaces or at home. The most common exposure occurs when asbestos-containing materials are handled or installed on an industrial site. Asbestos, which is a fibrous mineral that is naturally occurring is the most well-known type of exposure. In the United States, it was utilized for its insulation properties for many years in the construction industry and other fields like shipbuilding. Asbestos is a well-known material because of its low cost and durability. However, it is very dangerous if inhaled or swallowed. It can easily be inhaled when it is broken or disturbed. Inhaling these fibers could cause a person to develop mesothelioma. The signs of mesothelioma could not manifest for 30 to 50 years after the initial exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is absorbed via the lungs and becomes embedded in the linings of the chest cavity or abdomen (peritoneum). Over time the fibers cause the formation of tumors, known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos is also associated with a non-cancerous illness known as asbestosis. Miners, asbestos workers and electricians are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Other risk factors include smoking, which can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma but does not cause it. The earliest known case of mesothelioma was reported in 1931, but the illness was not well-known until evidence from medical experts linked it to asbestos exposure. In the 1940s a link between mesothelioma and asbestos was confirmed. Laws were adopted to ensure worker safety, and most asbestos-related products were banned. Unfortunately, by this point many had already suffered asbestos-related illnesses and died. The risk of malignant mesothelioma is increased in proportion to the amount and duration of exposure to asbestos. It is therefore crucial that people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or at their homes are aware of the degree of exposure and any symptoms that might arise. Anyone who has experienced symptoms should contact their doctor immediately. A doctor can help determine if they have mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness. Symptoms Asbestos is a very dangerous material and exposure to it can trigger a variety of symptoms. The asbestos fibers can penetrate the lungs and cause scar tissue that is known as pleural plaques. These plaques stiffen the lungs and make it harder to breathe. Over time, these plaques may turn into malignant mesothelioma of the pleural region. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects mesothelium that is the outside of most organs. Mesothelioma can also be found in the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) and more frequently the membrane surrounding the testicles. It typically develops 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. It is often not diagnosed because it is so rare. It is important to see a doctor as quickly as possible if you are experiencing any unusual or persistent symptoms, particularly if you have been exposed to asbestos. Symptoms of mesothelioma can resemble the symptoms of other conditions and it may take a long time to diagnose. A shortness of breath or chest discomfort, coughing up blood and weight loss, difficulties in breathing, fatigue, and fever are among the earliest symptoms. Mesothelioma is most common among people older than 65. Mesothelioma occurs most often in the lung (pleura) however it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum) and, more often in the testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma). The majority of mesothelioma cases can be traced back to asbestos dust or fibres, however, some have been linked to silica or erionite. The most frequently reported mesothelioma symptoms are fatigue shortness of breath and dry cough. A buildup of fluid in the lungs is another frequent symptom. Fluid can also gather in the abdomen causing stomach swelling and weight loss, abdominal pain and nausea. Asbestos is associated with a number of other serious health conditions. These include asbestosis and lung cancer, which is a noncancerous scarring on the lungs. It is important to tell your doctor if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. This will allow them to determine the best treatment for any new symptoms. Diagnosis When diagnosing mesothelioma doctors must also determine the stage. The stage is a measure of the extent of the cancer and aids doctors in predicting how the cancer will respond to treatment. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for a patient to speak with their doctor about their symptoms and history. A physical examination can uncover any lumps on the chest or abdomen. The doctor will also take down a patient's health and family history. This information will help narrow down the possible causes of the symptoms, such as asbestos exposure. Once doctors have the information they can run tests to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A chest X-ray and CT scan can be used to check for signs of mesothelioma such as pleural plaques, thickened the pleura, or fluid that is between the lung wall and the chest, known as an pleural effusion. Other imaging tests that can aid include an MRI and FDG-positron emission (PET) mediastinoscopy (used to study and sample lymph nodes in the center of the chest) and endobronchial ultrasound. A thoracoscopy test is another that may be used to check for mesothelioma within the lungs of someone. This involves making a small cut inside the chest between 2 ribs. A doctor then inserts flexible tube that has a camera at the end. The tube can be inserted in the throat or mouth while under the influence of sedation. It is connected to a monitor that allows the doctor to view images of the area being studied. The doctor can then use the tube to take tissue samples (biopsies) from the pleura. Doctors can then test the biopsies to determine whether they are epithelioid or sarcomatoid or mixed mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for about 60 percent to 70% of all cases and is more likely to be successful than mixed or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. The type of mesothelioma depends on the length of duration the patient was exposed to asbestos. Patients who were exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time are more likely to have mixed or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. This is because the mesothelioma cells are more aggressive than epithelioid mesothelioma. Treatment In certain cases mesothelioma tumors can develop into cancerous tumors that take over surrounding organs or tissues. Cancer can be spread to other parts of your body through the lymphatic or bloodstream. Cancerous tumors can trigger severe symptoms which can affect the quality of life of a person. Mesothelioma usually occurs in the chest cavity's lining (pleura) or abdomen. It can also be found in the heart. It can also develop in the lining of the testicles. It is less frequent for mesothelioma cases to occur in other parts of the body. Exposure to asbestos may increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. Cancer can develop if asbestos fibers are breathed in, swallowed, or absorbed by the skin. The resulting irritation can cause genetic changes in the body, which can lead to cancer. Mesothelioma symptoms may not be obvious and can take up to 50 years to appear. Because of lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma , patients suffering from mesothelioma are typically diagnosed after other health complications have been discovered. A buildup of fluids, chest discomfort or breathing issues are just a few possible symptoms. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent mesothelioma that is responsible for 85 percent of all cases. It can be difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma pleural because the initial symptoms, like chest pain and shortness of breath are similar to other conditions. People with mesothelioma have an increased risk of developing other forms of cancer. They are more likely to have a history of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses in their family. People who live near asbestos-exposed workers are at greater risk of developing asbestosis, since they bring asbestos fibers back to their home, contaminating their clothing. Radiation therapy can also increase the risk of mesothelioma developing in patients who have received it. This is because radiation therapy can cause mutations to the DNA of cells. Mesothelioma is a serious disease that can be fatal for those diagnosed. There is no cure for the disease however, patients can choose various methods to improve their health and quality of life. Finding the best treatment is crucial. Based on their fitness, health and medical background, doctors can help patients determine the best treatment options.
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