Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, is found in the organs' linings. It is most common in the lungs and abdomen (peritoneum) however it can also occur in the pleura. Exposure to asbestos results in an higher risk of developing this disease.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma involves exposure to asbestos litigation - more information,, a resistant to fire and heat fiber. However, symptoms can take decades to develop after exposure.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor that develops in the tissue that surrounds the lungs and the heart, is caused by asbestos fibers. Typically, it develops when someone inhales asbestos fibers that get into the bloodstream and get absorbed in the organ's lining. People most likely to have this disease are those who work with asbestos, like plumbers, miners carpenters, welders, and carpenters. It also occurs in people who lived with workers who brought asbestos to their homes on their clothes or the skin. Other people at risk are those who live in a home where asbestos is present and those who disturb asbestos lawsuit during renovations to their homes or maintenance.

There are four stages of mesothelioma. The early and mid-stages might not have any symptoms, and it could be years before they are diagnosed. By the time cancer is discovered it is progressed and is difficult to treat.

The symptoms of mesothelioma may not typically appear until decades after exposure. The disease takes a long time to develop because asbestos fibers must travel from the lungs to different parts of the body before they can cause mesothelioma. The lining of lungs is the most frequent site where mesothelioma starts however it could start in the linings of the stomach or the heart. It can even appear in the lining of the reproductive organs.

The best method of diagnosing mesothelioma is for a doctor to conduct a biopsy of the affected area. The sample is then tested under microscopes to determine if the cancer cells are mesothelioma or a different type of cancer.

Doctors may also request x-rays, CT scans or MRI to help identify the problem and determine if 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 functioning.

A misdiagnosis for mesothelioma may be harmful, as it could delay treatment, which could improve the chances of survival for a patient. This is why it is important to see a doctor whenever you notice any signs. A GP will evaluate the symptoms and signs and determine if a person has a history of exposure to asbestos.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the mesothelium. The mesothelium surrounds many internal organs of the body which includes the abdominal cavity and the chest cavity. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the outer layer (pleura) of the lungs. Mesothelioma is less frequently seen to be found in the membrane that runs along the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart sac (pericardium), and very rarely, it can arise in the testicles (tunica vaginalis mesothelioma or tunica vaginalis mesothelioma of the testicle).

A doctor can identify the disease by taking a sample of the tissue for imaging tests or biopsy. The doctor will determine the degree of mesothelioma. This is a measure of how aggressive and likely to grow.

The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring thermal, fire-resistant and heat-resistant fiber that was employed in construction and manufacturing activities up to the late 1970s. People who worked in occupations such as asbestos mining or milling, pipefitters, insulators plumbers, as well as those who renovated older homes are more at risk than others of developing mesothelioma.

Inhaling the tiny asbestos fibers could cause mesothelioma. These tiny asbestos compensation fibers can get trapped in the lungs, causing inflammation that can lead to lung scarring. Asbestos exposure can also increase a person's chances of smoking, which can further increase the risk for mesothelioma.

A person's risk for mesothelioma increases with the amount of time they were exposed to asbestos. Those 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 for example, the age of a person, or if they smoke, but the majority mesothelioma risk factors are related to asbestos exposure. Some of these risk factors can't be changed like a person's family history or genetics. The risk of mesothelioma in a person is also increased if they suffer from certain health conditions or illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the mesothel forms the lungs and abdomen. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The disease usually develops for decades after asbestos compensation exposure. It is often difficult to diagnose since symptoms are often similar to other conditions, and they come and go. Those diagnosed with mesothelioma can be compensated through lawsuits or trust funds.

Mesothelioma is not curable however, treatment options are available to treat the disease and improve the quality of life. Patients should seek medical treatment from a doctor who has had experience treating the disease. Doctors will examine the medical history of the patient to determine if there are any symptoms and potential mesothelioma risk factors, like asbestos exposure.

Exposure to asbestos settlement is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma. It usually occurs due to breathing in tiny asbestos fibers that float in the air. The asbestos fibers can be stuck in the lungs and cause genetic mutations that cause cancer. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and is the most common type of mesothelioma. It can also affect the tissue of the chest (pericardium) as well as the abdomen and testicles (peritoneal peritoneal cancer).

Like other cancers, mesothelioma caused by the DNA of a cell that has mutations. The mutations cause the cell to grow uncontrollably and result in an increase in the size of the tumor. People over 75 and veterans of the U.S. armed forces are more likely to develop mesothelioma.

There are a variety of mesothelioma types and each one has a different survival rate. Patients must be aware that a mesothelioma diagnose is serious and can be difficult to treat. There is hope, though as research continues to make progress in prolonging survival. In addition, veterans with mesothelioma must be aware that they might be eligible for benefits from the VA.

The following is a list with preventions.

Mesothelioma Although rare, it is extremely preventable. Asbestos is a natural mineral that was once used widely in construction, shipbuilding and other industries due to its unique qualities of durability, strength, heat insulation and fire resistance. However, the tiny fibers of asbestos become airborne when disturbed, and if breathed in, they can cause serious health problems such as mesothelioma.

The only way to prevent mesothelioma is to avoid being exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is the main reason for mesothelioma and most people diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at some time in their lives. Smoking, age, and genes can increase the risk of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lungs and abdomen (tummy). It is rare for mesothelioma development to occur in any other part of the body. Mesothelioma takes many years to grow, and it might not be apparent for 20 or 40 years after exposure to asbestos. It is essential that those who have been exposed to asbestos regularly consult their doctor if they are experiencing any unusual symptoms, especially coughing and shortness of breath.

Symptoms of asbestosis include tightness in the chest, constant coughing and a bluish appearance of the skin because the body is battling to get enough oxygen. Inhaled asbestos fibers can also cause irritation to the lungs, leading to scarring known as fibrosis. This can cause the accumulation of fluid within the lungs and in other areas of the body, including the heart. Inflammation can cause genetic changes, which can cause cancers to grow in the lungs.

There is no cure for asbestosis, but there are treatments to manage the symptoms. These treatments can improve the quality of life and air quality for patients.

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the tummy and lungs but it can also affect the stomach, heart and testicles. There is no way to stop mesothelioma. However, there are ways to reduce the risk. They should always check for asbestos in the workplace and ask their employer for safety standards that they should follow. Wearing protective equipment and washing the work clothes away from home is a good idea so that asbestos fibers are not transferred to the clothing of family members.