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Mesothelioma

Construction workers, industrial workers, military veterans and others who worked with asbestos-contaminated products are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Repeated exposure to asbestos fibers creates chronic inflammation that damages the mesothelium, causing DNA changes.

The chance of developing malignant mesothelioma rises proportionally to cumulative exposure, and to the third or fourth power after first exposure. The symptoms may manifest between 10 and 50 years after exposure.

Symptoms

The mesothelium is the cells that cover the body. This lining protects organs and tissues by lubricating them so that it is able to slide effortlessly against one another. The malignant mesothelioma may expand to other areas of the body, such as the heart, lungs and abdomen. Other symptoms include chest pain and fatigue.

It can take up to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma. This makes it difficult to recognize by medical professionals. It can also be confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu.

Patients may experience symptoms like breathing difficulties, persistent coughing and chest pain, or a change in the form of the nails and fingers known as clubbing. In addition, patients suffering from mesothelioma might develop a fluid buildup in the belly or chest (peritoneal mesothelioma), a condition that is referred to as an pleural effusion.

Contrary to lung cancer mesothelioma cannot be detected on imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans until the cancer has advanced over a period of time. Often, doctors must perform an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis. This can be accomplished with an bronchoscopy, or needle biopsy.

These diagnostic procedures can assist doctors to make a mesothelioma diagnosis and establish the best treatment option for the patient. Doctors can examine a patient's asbestos settlement exposure history to determine if he or is at risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses.

The greatest risk is for people exposed to asbestos at their work places. People working in construction, shipbuilding, and other blue-collar occupations and veterans of the United States Armed Forces are at a high risk. People who are exposed to asbestos workers also are at risk of mesothelioma, especially if they bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing.

Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma may benefit from visiting their physician for a checkup, and also talking about any asbestos-related health concerns. This is especially important because mesothelioma is often mistaken for other illnesses, like asbestosis.

Diagnosis

Early signs of mesothelioma can appear like pneumonia, flu, or intestinal problems. The long latency period of the disease means that patients can suffer from symptoms for as long as 10 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. It can be difficult to recognize because of its resemblance to other diseases. The location of the affected body part can also affect the symptoms.

The first step is to see a primary care doctor or another doctor who can identify the root of your symptoms. They will ask for complete medical history and see whether exposure to asbestos has been mentioned. They will also perform an examination and conduct basic tests such as blood work or X rays.

A biopsy is sometimes required to confirm a diagnosis depending on the type of mesothelioma. The biopsy involves inserting a needle in the abdomen or chest to take a small sample of the tissue. It is then examined in a lab to look for mesothelioma cancerous cells. Both mesothelioma types are malignant, regardless of whether they are epithelioid, or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for 70 percent of mesothelioma patients, while sarcomatoid is responsible for the remainder.

When a mesothelioma biopsied has been performed, doctors can make an action plan. They will refer the patient to an expert who will determine the best treatment for their particular condition.

Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the main cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a group minerals that look like a clump of tiny fibers. These fibers are found in rocks and soil and are often released into the air during mining, construction and other activities. When inhaled, these fibers become stuck in the lung and cause inflammation. Over time, this can cause scarring (asbestosis) and eventually mesothelioma. The majority of cancers are located in the lungs, but it may also develop in the lining of the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or in the testicles (pericardial mesothelioma).

Treatment

Mesothelioma also referred to as cancer is an abnormal development of cells that infiltrate tissues and organs in the vicinity. The cancerous cells can also spread through the lymphatic or bloodstream to other areas of your body.

Mesothelioma treatment options differ based on the nature and location of mesothelioma. Doctors are currently using surgery and chemotherapy to treat mesothelioma. Radiation therapy is usually used in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or surgery. It helps to decrease the pain and swelling caused by mesothelioma and eliminate cancerous cells.

Asbestos exposure can cause asbestosis. This is a non-cancerous illness that causes scarring on the lungs as well as on other organs of the body. Asbestos exposure may also trigger mesothelioma - a more severe form of asbestos disease that is typically fatal. Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer typically affects the abdomen and lungs. It can cause breathing problems, coughing and chest pain. Mesothelioma can be identified by X-rays as well as CT scans. The images produced show areas of increased density, which could indicate either scar tissue (or an actual tumor). Doctors can perform an bronchoscopy or needle biopsy to determine the distinction.

A bronchoscopy is the process of inserting a thin tube into the breathing passages to visualize the tissues and then take samples for testing. A needle biopsy involves injecting a liquid into the area to take a small amount of tissue for testing. Both procedures can be painful, however the results help doctors diagnose mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be compared to those of other illnesses and can take as long as 50 years to manifest after initial exposure. It is difficult to determine mesothelioma due the long time between asbestos exposure and the onset of symptoms. Many people are misdiagnosed as having other diseases, such as pneumonia or influenza.

Scientists don't know for sure what causes mesothelioma but they do know that exposure to asbestos increases the risk. Asbestos is a risk in industries like asbestos law mining, manufacturing, and construction. Workers also transport asbestos-containing products to their homes and other work places, where they could inhale or ingest the fibres. Amphibole asbestos fibers and snakeine asbestos are the most commonly used types of asbestos in mesothelioma. The serpentine type is typically less carcinogenic than amphibole types however both types can cause illness.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue lining internal organs. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos which is which is a grouping of minerals that are resistant to heat and sturdy. It is thought that asbestos fibres are absorbed into the lungs, and then cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation could cause genetic mutations that result in the growth of tumors.

The exposure to asbestos can happen in many ways, including manufacturing, mining, repairing or cleaning asbestos-containing products. It is also possible to be exposed during a person's home life by washing or wearing clothing that contains asbestos. Certain people are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma because of their relatives' history of the disease, or they have an increased risk of developing it due to other factors like genetics.

Mesothelioma patients may exhibit various symptoms that are usually similar to other ailments. This can make it difficult for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma in the early stages. It is crucial that people who have been exposed to asbestos disclose their history to their doctor and request regular checks.

The majority of mesothelioma cases can be attributed to asbestos exposure at work. However, studies show that exposure to asbestos from the environment can cause mesothelioma too. This is because asbestos dust can travel from the workplace to other places where people reside. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who live within 2000 meters of an asbestos mine or a cement plant.

Some people with mesothelioma develop a lung condition called asbestosis prior to the mesothelioma forming. Asbestosis causes thickening of the lungs and can make breathing difficult. People with this condition are likely to require oxygen at home, and may require lung surgery such as the lobectomy.

Additionally, some patients with mesothelioma are treated for symptoms of their cancer. They might be prescribed medications to aid in breathing or take part in clinical trials for new treatments. Mesothelioma is still a lethal disease, but early diagnosis and treatment can improve the prognosis. Some patients who have received multiple rounds of chemotherapy and surgery have been able to prolong their lives for up to 10 years.