Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is found in the interior organs' linings, most commonly the lungs (pleura) and, less frequently the abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing the disease increases when asbestos is exposed.

The exposure to asbestos, a mineral fiber resistant to fire and heat is the most significant risk factor. However, symptoms could take years to develop following exposure.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma, a tumor that is cancerous that grows in the tissue lining the lungs and heart, is caused by asbestos fibers. It is usually caused when asbestos fibers inhale and are absorbed into the organ lining. The most susceptible to contracting this condition are those who work with asbestos, for example, plumbers, miners carpenters, welders, and carpenters. It can also occur in people who worked with asbestos workers who brought it to their homes on their clothes or their skin. Others at risk are those who work in a home in which asbestos is present or who disturb asbestos during renovations or maintenance.

There are four stages to mesothelioma. Mid- and early-stage mesothelioma may not be symptom-free and it could take years before they are diagnosed. When cancer is detected it has advanced and is difficult to treat.

The symptoms of mesothelioma typically are not evident until decades after exposure. The condition is slow to develop because asbestos fibers must travel from the lungs to other body parts before they can cause mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases begin in the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) but it can begin in the lining of the stomach or the heart. It can also show up in the linings of the reproductive organs.

The best way to diagnose mesothelioma is to ask a doctor to conduct a biopsy of the affected area. The specimen is then examined under microscopes to determine whether the cancer cells are mesothelioma, or another kind of cancer.

Doctors may also request x-rays, CT scans or MRI to determine the cause and see whether there is a tumor, a thickening or enlargement of the lining in the abdomen or chest, and fluid in the chest cavity. They may also order lung function tests to determine the extent to which the lungs of a patient are functioning.

A misdiagnosis of mesothelioma could be detrimental because it can delay the start of treatment, which could improve a patient's prognosis. This is why it is crucial to consult a physician whenever symptoms begin to manifest. A GP can assess the signs and symptoms and determine if a person has a history of exposure to asbestos.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma, a type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the lining that surrounds many of organs inside the body which include the abdominal cavity and chest. The most common mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the outer layer of the lungs (pleura). In less frequent instances, mesothelioma may 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 diagnose mesothelioma by taking a tissue sample for biopsy or imaging tests. The doctor will determine the degree of mesothelioma, which is a measure of how aggressive and likely it is to grow.

The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral fiber that is resistant against fire and heat was widely used in construction and manufacturing activities until the 1970s. Mesothelioma is more frequent among those who worked in asbestos milling, mining pipes, insulators, and pipefitters.

Inhaling tiny asbestos fibers can lead to mesothelioma. These fibers can get trapped in the lungs, which can cause inflammation and scarring. asbestos claim exposure may also increase the chances of smoking, which can further increase the risk for mesothelioma.

The risk of mesothelioma increasing when you are exposed to asbestos exposure. People who have been exposed to the highest levels of asbestos case are at the highest chance of developing mesothelioma.

Certain risk factors can be modified, such as the age of a person or whether they smoke. However, the majority of mesothelioma-related risks are linked to exposure to asbestos lawsuit. Certain risk factors cannot be altered for example, the history of a family member or genetics. Mesothelioma risks are also elevated if they have certain illnesses or health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.

Treatment

Mesothelioma affects mesothelium, which lines the lungs and abdomen. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The disease usually develops for decades after exposure. It is often difficult to diagnose, as symptoms often mimic other conditions and may change. Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma may be compensated through lawsuits or trust funds.

Mesothelioma is not curable however, treatments are available to control the disease and improve quality of life. Patients should seek out physicians who are experts in treating the disease. Doctors will look over a patient's history to look for symptoms and potential mesothelioma risks, such as asbestos exposure.

Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. It usually occurs due to breathing asbestos fibers that are floating in the air. These fibers can lodge in the lungs, causing genetic mutations which can result in cancer. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and is the commonly diagnosed type of mesothelioma. It can also occur in the lining of the chest wall (pericardium), abdomen, and testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma).

Mesothelioma, as with all cancers, is caused by DNA changes in cells. These mutations cause the cells 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 many types of mesothelioma, and each one has a different rate of survival. Patients should be aware that mesothelioma is a serious one and can be very challenging to treat. The research is making progress, but there is still possibility. Veterans with mesothelioma may also be eligible for VA benefits.

Prevention

Mesothelioma, although rare, is very avoidable. Asbestos, a mineral that is naturally occurring, was once widely used in shipbuilding, construction, and other industries because of its unique properties, including strength, durability and heat insulation. The tiny asbestos fibers can become airborne when disturbed and may cause serious health problems like mesothelioma if inhaled.

The only way to prevent mesothelioma is to not be exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is the most significant cause of mesothelioma, and most people diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at some point throughout their lives. Smoking or aging, as well as genetics can increase the risk of mesothelioma.

Most often, mesothelioma affects the lungs (tummy) and lungs. Rarely, mesothelioma is found in other parts of the body. Mesothelioma can take a long time to develop and may not manifest until 20 or 40 years following asbestos exposure. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should visit their doctor regularly if they have any unusual symptoms. This includes coughing or a shortness of breath.

Asbestosis symptoms include chest tightness as well as persistent coughing and a blueish hue to the skin. This is due to the body's struggle to get enough oxygen. Inhaling asbestos settlement fibers may irritate the lungs, leading to scarring, which is known as fibrosis. This can result in the accumulation of fluid within the lungs and in other areas of the body, such as the heart. Inflammation can cause genetic changes, which can cause cancerous growth in the lungs.

Asbestosis is not curable however there are treatments to manage symptoms. These treatments can improve the quality of life and the quality of breathing for patients.

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lungs and tummy but can also affect the heart, stomach and testicles. It is not usually possible to avoid mesothelioma however, there are steps individuals can take to lower their risk of exposure. Ask your employer for safety guidelines and always check the workplace for asbestos. It is also a good idea to wear protective gear and wash their workplace clothes outside of their home so that they're not carried home on family members' clothing.