Mesothelioma - An Asbestos Illness
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the linings of protection for certain organs. It is usually found in the lungs but it can also be found in the chest wall or abdomen.
People who have been exposed to asbestos for a long period and at high levels are at risk of developing this condition. Mesothelioma symptoms may manifest between 10 and 50 years after exposure.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of a few of the body's organs, typically caused by exposure to asbestos. It typically develops in the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however, it could develop in the stomach lining or heart, or in the testes. It is most often seen in people between the ages of 60 and 80, and is more prevalent in men than women.
The exposure to asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma, and symptoms of the cancer typically appear between 10 and 50 years after exposure to the mineral. This is because stray asbestos fibers that are breathed in or consumed may remain dormant in organ linings before they cause health issues.
Early mesothelioma signs are often confused with other illnesses such as influenza, pneumonia or lung problems. This can make it difficult for patients and doctors to identify the condition.
In the latter stages of mesothelioma patients may suffer more painful and severe symptoms. The type of symptoms that show up depend on the location of the cancer, with pleural mesothelioma usually creating chest pain and difficulty breathing, while peritoneal mesothelioma can cause abdominal swelling or pain.
Patients with mesothelioma in the late stages can also experience fatigue, nausea and weight loss. Cancer cells can spread from lymph nodes into the bloodstream in a few cases. This can cause a worsening of existing symptoms and cause new ones to manifest.
Doctors can help to diagnose mesothelioma by looking at a patient and asking about their past exposure to asbestos. The doctor will refer the patient to additional tests, such as imaging technologies that can look inside the body, and determine the extent to which cancer has spread. These techniques are also employed to determine the stage of a cancer, assessing the treatment plan and evaluating the patient's response to treatment.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of certain internal organs. It is triggered by exposure to asbestos. It can take anywhere from 15 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma to develop. It is most prevalent in the pleura, however it can also occur in the pericardium and the peritoneum. Mesothelioma is not curable however treatment can help manage symptoms.
People who work in industries that employ asbestos are more at risk of contracting the disease. People who have been exposed to asbestos in other ways, such as living in a house or school that has been exposed to asbestos is also at risk. Mesothelioma is most common in those who are over 75 years old, and men are more susceptible to it than women.
Mesothelioma has been linked to various jobs, however the majority involve those who were directly with asbestos or who worked in areas with substantial asbestos exposure like construction sites, mines, and asbestos insulation plants. These people include miners, shipyard workers, electricians painting and other tradespeople.
Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals which are small fibers. All over the world it is found in rocks and soil. When asbestos is disturbed it releases the fibers into the air, and can be inhaled. When these fibers are breathed in they can cause damage to the lungs and cause respiratory ailments like asbestosis. They can cause malignant pleural mesothelioma over time.
A doctor will first assess and take a medical history of the patient. They will ask questions about the person's exposure to asbestos lawsuit and will do an X-ray chest and CT scan.
The doctor will employ a needle to extract a sample of fluid from the affected region. This will be tested for mesothelioma. They can also perform an excision of the affected tissue to confirm mesothelioma.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma is present in a patient, they will most likely refer them to a specialist. The specialist will perform further tests and establish the treatment plan.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is an extremely serious and life-threatening disease. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should discuss their experiences with a doctor and receive regular screenings. The symptoms of mesothelioma usually appear decades after exposure to asbestos compensation. The mesothelioma latency time can make it difficult for patients to be diagnosed. However, the mesothelioma prognosis is generally excellent when a person is treated early and using aggressive strategies.
Asbestos is a class of minerals with microscopic, thin fibers. They are resistant to heat, chemicals and fire and are not conductive of electrical current. asbestos compensation was once used widely in the construction industry and other fields due to its properties. However, the health dangers associated with asbestos were not fully understood until recently.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should tell their physician if they experience persistent symptoms such as dry cough, difficulty breathing or changes in the shape of fingers and toes (finger clubbing). Mesothelioma can also trigger other conditions, like pulmonary fibrosis. It is an inflammatory lung disease that causes scarring of the lung. This can cause severe respiratory problems and a decrease in a patient's quality life.
There are three types: malignant pleural peritoneal and sarcomatoid. The type of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from will determine the treatment options available and their outlook.
The most common type of mesothelioma is mesothelioma of the pleural region that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura). Asbestos exposure can cause this type of cancer which can take up to 50 years to develop and can cause evident symptoms. It can cause chest pain and swelling of fluid in the pleura.
Pleural mesothelioma is often diagnosed through tests such as a CT scan, MRI and biopsy. These tests can identify bumps or lumps in the pleura and help physicians determine the type of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from.
The mesothelioma types vary by cell type and rate. The most commonly used mesothelioma type epithelioid accounts for 60%-80% of all cases. Sarcomatoid is more rare than epithelioid and develops faster. Biphasic mesothelioma can be found in a few cases is composed of epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. The type of mesothelioma may affect the recurrence rates.
Prevention
Workers who work with asbestos case or reside in an area where materials containing asbestos are disturbed have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However, mesothelioma could also be caused by living in proximity to an asbestos mine or a factory or exposure to airborne asbestos (official website) fibers from natural asbestos deposits or simply having a family member that worked with asbestos.
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that have thin microscopic fibers. The mineral was used in many construction products because it is extremely durable and resistant to fire. People who work with asbestos are exposed to tiny particles of the mineral when the materials they use are broken up or when removing the products from their work. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they may cause irritation to the organ's lining in which they enter. Mesothelioma typically develops after years of long-term exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be reminiscent of more common diseases like lung cancer, pneumonia or bronchitis. This is why mesothelioma can be incorrectly diagnosed. As a result, patients receive improper treatment or do not get the care they need. A biopsy is the most efficient way to detect mesothelioma. During this procedure, doctors remove tissue from the suspected tumor or mass and study it under microscopes to determine whether it is cancerous.
The majority of mesothelioma cases are related to workplace asbestos exposure. The most at risk are miners, those who work in the manufacturing of asbestos-containing items like insulation railway and automotive workers, ship builders and gas mask makers. However, it has been found that relatives of those who worked with asbestos may also be at risk for an increased risk of mesothelioma because of exposure to asbestos from the clothing they wore at home.
It isn't fully known what causes mesothelioma, or the reason why certain people are more at risk of developing the disease than others. Researchers believe that a combination of factors are at play for mesothelioma risk, such as the amount and how long an individual was exposed to asbestos, the person's genes and if they received radiation treatments in the past.