orchiddad0

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Exposure to asbestos at work is the main reason for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can be found in shipyards, construction sites and factories. As asbestos fibres are inhaled, they get caught in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and cause gene mutations that can result in cancer. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 20 to 60 years after exposure. Symptoms The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the location where the tumors are situated in the body, as well as the type and stage. Pleural mesothelioma is a lung cancer while peritoneal, pericardial, and mesothelioma affecting the heart and stomach. Patients may also experience symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and difficulty breathing. The first step in identifying mesothelioma involves a physical examination and detailed health history. Patients should inform their doctor of any asbestos exposure or unusual signs or changes to the body that they have observed. In addition to a physical examination doctors may request imaging tests to determine how the disease is progressing, and to rule out other conditions such as lung cancer or pneumonia. The majority of mesothelioma-related symptoms don't show up until years after exposure to asbestos. This is due to the fact that asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they cling to the lining of organs such as the lungs or stomach. Over time, these fibers cause inflammation and can lead to tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma often don't show up until the cancer has spread to other parts. Once mesothelioma symptoms begin the symptoms can rapidly worsen and affect a patient's overall quality of life. As the cancer progresses patients may become weaker and bed-bound. In the end, many patients with mesothelioma in the late stages are in great pain at the end of their lives. In addition to the physical exam, doctors ask about the patient's asbestos exposure and mesothelioma-related risks. A history of a family member with mesothelioma or another type of cancer, smoking cigarettes, or military service can all increase a person's risk of developing the disease. The same asbestos fibers that irritate the tissues of patients suffering from mesothelioma also can irritate the tissues of patients with lung or breast cancer. By avoiding asbestos exposure and maintaining a healthy hygiene at work, the risk can be reduced. Employees should shower and change their clothes immediately after leaving the office to avoid bringing asbestos fibers home on their clothes or skin. Anyone who lives near asbestos-exposed workers must shower and change their clothes prior to entering the home. Diagnosis Asbestos is a variety of minerals that are found naturally and have tiny fibres. It can be used in various ways. The people who use asbestos could release these fibres into the air and into the lungs of those around them. As time passes the fibres build up and cause scarring of the lungs called asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows within the protective linings of organs known as mesothelium. It is most commonly found in the linings of the chest (pleura), or abdomen (peritoneum). Patients with mesothelioma can be exposed to asbestos in their work environments. It takes a long time for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest making diagnosis difficult. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is to visit a doctor and have an examination. This will help your doctor understand the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other diseases. Your doctor might also recommend blood tests and imaging scans to determine if you have mesothelioma. Or to determine the symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can help doctors identify mesothelioma by identifying pleural effusions or peritoneal effusion. These tests can also assist doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma which determines the treatment options you have. Each stage of mesothelioma comes with a different prognosis. The stage of mesothelioma determines the severity of your symptoms and how quickly they progress. Depending on the location of mesothelioma, your doctor may use different diagnostic tests. The most frequent type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, affecting the lung. Doctors may also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma which targets the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, focused on the lining of the heart. During a diagnosis of mesothelioma, your doctor will ask you about your asbestos exposure and whether you experience any symptoms. They will then conduct a physical exam and review your medical history. If they suspect mesothelioma has developed, they will refer to a specialist who can perform further tests and scans. These tests can help determine the type and stage of your mesothelioma and also show how the cancer has spread. Treatment Mesothelioma is most often caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is found in soil and rock. It is extremely durable and can be transformed into fine weaved fibers which are used in a variety of products. It was utilized in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century, before scientists discovered the dangers it poses to human health. The exposure to asbestos typically occurs when people swallow or inhale the fibers. They then stick to organ linings. Over time, the lining can grow tumors and cause symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing and chest pain. The symptoms do not typically show for 10 to 50 years following the initial exposure. Mesothelioma can strike anyone who has been exposed asbestos, however certain types are at greater risk. Mesothelioma can be triggered by any asbestos exposure which includes occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos through their parents are at a higher risk. If someone in your family has mesothelioma or asbestosis, you should speak to a doctor about your asbestos background. Different types of mesothelioma be found in different areas of the body. About 70-80% of cases are pleural mesothelioma. It starts in the layers of tissue that cover every lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common. It is found in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). Malignant mesothelioma is found in two types of epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more frequent than sarcomatoid and is more prone to growth. There is a rare mesothelioma form that contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. oakland asbestos lawsuit is known as biphasic mesothelioma. The type of mesothelioma you have can help your doctors decide which treatment option to use. Your doctor may suggest chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery to alleviate your symptoms and prolong your life. The kind of treatment you will receive will depend on the type of mesothelioma, the location where it is located, as well as your medical history. Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, there are some things you can do to lower your risk. If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, try to reduce your exposure and stay away from any areas that could contain asbestos. Consult your physician for any unusual or persistent symptoms. Recovery Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocked to learn that their asbestos exposure is the main cause. It is even more disturbing the fact that their former employers failed to warn them about the dangers associated with their work or take any measures to safeguard workers against asbestos's harmful material. A mesothelioma lawyer can help these patients seek justice by filing a suit against the parties responsible. Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissue that lines the organs of the body, such as the stomach, lungs, and the heart. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a class of minerals that make long thin fibers that are durable and fire resistant. Asbestos was widely used in automobile parts, buildings and other products prior to when scientists realized its health risks in the 20th century. Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among people who have worked on asbestos-containing projects. Shipyard workers, construction workers insulation workers, and asbestos specialists are all at risk. Asbestos also adhered to clothing and other personal items and workers carried the fibers home with them on their bodies, potentially exposing their families to mesothelioma too. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of this cancer. It affects the lining of the lungs, and symptoms usually start in the chest, like the coughing up of blood or an accumulation of fluid around the lung. It can also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma are affected by several factors such as the duration they were exposed to asbestos as well as their gender. Men are more susceptible to this disease than women. Age is also a factor. A family history is also a risk factor. Some asbestos-related diseases have been linked to specific genes. Mesothelioma is more frequent in people who have had chest radiation or have a family member who has the disease. The majority of mesothelioma cases happen for those over 60 years old.