Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Occupational asbestos exposure is the primary reason for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can be found in shipyards, construction sites and factories.
As asbestos fibres inhale, they are trapped in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and trigger gene mutations that result in cancer. Symptoms typically don't appear until 20 to 60 years after exposure.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms differ based on the type and stage of cancer and the site where tumors form within the body. For instance, pleural mesothelioma symptoms typically affect the lungs, while mesothelioma affecting the pericardial region and peritone the stomach and the heart respectively. Patients may also experience other symptoms that are associated with their condition, like fatigue, weight loss and breathing difficulties.
salt lake city asbestos lawyer to diagnose mesothelioma is a physical examination and a detailed health history. Patients must inform their physician of any asbestos exposure as well as any unusual signs or changes to the body they have noticed. In addition to conducting a physical examination doctors may also request imaging tests to determine how the disease is progressing, and to rule out other conditions such as lung cancer or pneumonia.
Most often, mesothelioma symptoms don't show up until decades after exposure asbestos. Asbestos fibers are inhaled, swallowed and adhere to the linings of organs like stomach and lungs. These fibers can cause inflammation, which can lead to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms usually are not evident until cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
When mesothelioma-related symptoms start, they can worsen rapidly and affect a patient's overall quality of life. Patients may be weak and bed-bound as the cancer spreads. Many patients with mesothelioma in the final stages of their disease are in severe pain.
In addition to a physical exam doctors will inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma risk factors. Smoking, military service or a history of mesothelioma in a family member can increase the risk of developing this disease.
The same asbestos fibers that can irritate the tissues of patients with mesothelioma may also cause irritation to the tissues of patients suffering from breast cancer or lung cancer. The risk of developing cancer can be minimized by avoiding exposure to asbestos and maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the workplace. Employees must shower and change their clothes immediately after leaving work to avoid bringing asbestos-containing fibers home on their clothing or skin. Also, people who live with people who are exposed to asbestos should make certain to shower and change their clothes prior to entering the house.
Diagnosis
Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals with tiny fibres that are utilized in many different ways. The people who use asbestos could release these fibres into the air and into the lungs of those around them. As time passes, these fibres can build up and cause lung scarring known as asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, is a form that develops in the linings of protection (mesothelium) of organs. It is most prevalent in the chest lining (pleura), or abdomen (peritoneum). Patients with mesothelioma are frequently exposed to asbestos at work. Mesothelioma can take years to manifest, making diagnosis difficult.
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is to see your doctor and have an examination. This will help your doctor understand the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other conditions. Your doctor can also order scans of your blood and imaging to determine if you have mesothelioma. Or to identify symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. These scans identify pleural or peritoneal fluid.
These tests can aid doctors in determining the stage of mesothelioma in which you are and determine your treatment options. There are four mesothelioma stages, and each one has a different prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma determines how severe the symptoms are as well as how fast they will progress.
Your doctor may utilize a variety diagnostic tests based on where the mesothelioma occurs. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs and is the most prevalent mesothelioma form. Doctors can diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as well, targeting the lining of the abdomen or pericardial mesothelioma targeted at the lining of the heart.
During a mesothelioma diagnosis, your doctor will ask about the exposure to asbestos and whether you are suffering from any symptoms. The doctor will conduct an examination and review your medical documents. If they suspect mesothelioma they will refer you to an expert for further scans and tests. These tests will help determine the type and stage of your mesothelioma as well as revealing how far the cancer has spread.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure is the most frequent mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is one of the minerals that are found in rock and soil. It is extremely durable and can be transformed into thin weaved fibers which are used in numerous products. In the United States, asbestos was utilized for construction materials and insulation in the 20th century before scientists realized its dangers. Asbestos exposure is usually when people swallow or inhale the fibers. They cling to organ linings. Over time, the lining may develop tumors and trigger symptoms such as coughing, breathing problems and chest pain. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 10-50 years after initial exposure.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma. However, certain individuals are more at risk than others. Any type of asbestos exposure can increase your chances of developing mesothelioma. This includes both occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos through their family members are also at risk. You should inform your doctor if anyone in your family is diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Different types of mesothelioma are found in different areas of the body. About 70 to 80 percent of cases are mesothelioma of the pleural region. It begins in the layers of tissue that surround each lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma appears less often. It occurs in the abdominal lining (peritoneum). Malignant mesothelioma comes in two types of epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a higher incidence and grows slower than mesothelioma with sarcomatoid features. There is a rare mesothelioma that contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is referred to as biphasic mesothelioma.
The type of mesothelioma you have can help your doctors decide what treatment to give you. Your doctors may recommend chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy to lessen your symptoms and extend your life. The type of mesothelioma you have, its location and your medical history will determine the type of treatment that you receive.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases but there are some ways you can reduce the risk. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you should limit your exposure to asbestos and avoid areas where it could be present. Talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms.
Recovery
Many people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma feel shocking to discover that exposure to asbestos in the past was the reason. It is even more disturbing the fact that their former employers did not warn them of the dangers they face in their job or take any measures to safeguard workers from this toxic material. A mesothelioma lawyer can help those suffering from the disease to get justice by filing an action against the accountable parties.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the tissue that lines the organs of the body, such as the stomach, lungs, and the heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos which is a group of minerals that make long thin fibers that are strong and fire-resistant. Before the discovery of asbestos' dangers to health, asbestos was widely used in construction materials, automotive parts and other products. People who worked on projects that involved asbestos are more likely to develop mesothelioma. Construction workers, shipyard workers insulation workers, as well as asbestos abatement specialists are all at risk. Asbestos also clung onto clothing and other personal items, and workers carried the fibers home with them on their bodies, which could expose their family members to mesothelioma too.
Pleural mesothelioma, or pleural mesotheli common type of this cancer. It affects linings of the lung and is usually found in the chest. It is characterized by coughing up blood or fluid accumulation around the lungs. It can also affect the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).
The amount of exposure to asbestos and gender are two factors that can impact the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. Men are more likely to develop this disease than women, and the person's age is another factor. A family history is also a risk factor. Some asbestos-related diseases have been linked with specific genes. People who have received radiation to the chest are more likely to develop mesothelioma. The same is true for those who have a relative who has been diagnosed with the disease. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in people who are over 60 years old.