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Mesothelioma From Asbestos Mesothelioma occurs when the linings of the organs in the body, like stomach and lungs, or the reproductive organs, become out of control. The majority of cases are related to working with asbestos, a class of minerals that have microscopic fibers that can withstand heat and chemicals. The symptoms can take a long time to show up after exposure. It can be difficult to identify because the first symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Exposure In the US, asbestos is a widely used substance found in homes and workplaces. The most common exposure occurs when asbestos-containing products are placed on or around a jobsite. Asbestos is an naturally occurring fibrous mineral. In the United States, it was used for its insulating properties for decades in construction and other industries, such as shipbuilding. Asbestos was a popular product due to its durability and low price. However, it is extremely hazardous if swallowed or inhaled. When it breaks apart or is agitated tiny fibers can be floating in the air and can be easily inhaled by unwary individuals. Inhaling these fibers can lead a person to develop mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma might not be evident for 30 to 50 years following first exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is absorbed via the lungs and is absorbed in the tissues of the chest cavity or abdomen (peritoneum). In time the fibers cause the formation of tumors, known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can be associated with a non-cancerous illness, called asbestosis. People who are at risk of developing mesothelioma include asbestos workers, miners, electricians, insulation workers, construction workers and veterans of the military. Other risk factors include smoking and drinking alcohol, which increases the risk of mesothelioma for a person but does not cause it. The first documented case of mesothelioma was reported in 1931, however the disease was not widely known until medical evidence that was significant connected it to asbestos exposure. In the 1940s, a connection between mesothelioma and asbestos was proven. Legislation was adopted to ensure worker safety and the majority of asbestos-related products were prohibited. Unfortunately, by the time this was done, many had already suffered asbestos-related illnesses and died. The risk of malignant melanoma increases in proportion to the time and duration of asbestos exposure. This is why it is important for those who have had exposure to either residential or occupational asbestos to know their level of exposure as well as any potential symptoms. If you have noticed any symptoms, you should contact their doctor immediately. A doctor can help determine if they suffer from mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease. Symptoms Asbestos may cause a myriad of symptoms. Asbestos fibers can enter lung tissue and cause scarring known as pleural plaques. These plaques can stiffen the lung and make it difficult to breathe. In time the plaques could transform into malignant pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancerous enlargement of the mesothelium that covers the exterior of a variety of organs is the most frequent mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can also be found in the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) and, less commonly the membrane that surrounds the testicles. It usually appears 30 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. It is often misdiagnosed since it is a rare condition. It is crucial to see a doctor as quickly as possible if you are experiencing any unusual or persistent symptoms, especially if have been exposed to asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma are comparable to those of other conditions and are often difficult to recognize. The earliest mesothelioma symptoms can include shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain difficulty breathing, weight loss, fever, and fatigue. It is not uncommon for mesothelioma symptoms to be seen in people older than 65 years old. The most typical site for mesothelioma to be found in the body is in the lungs. It can be located in the abdomen, and, more often, in the testicles. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos fibres or dust. However, some have been linked with other minerals, such as silica and erionite. The most common mesothelioma symptoms are fatigue, shortness of breath and a dry cough. The accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion) is also a common symptom. The fluid can also build up in the abdomen, causing stomach swelling, weight loss, abdominal pain and nausea. Asbestos can cause a number of other serious health issues, including lung cancer and asbestosis, a non-cancerous scarring of the lungs. It is crucial to inform your doctor if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. This will help them determine the best method to assess and treat any new symptoms. Diagnosis When diagnosing mesothelioma, doctors must also determine the stage. The stage determines the severity of the cancer and allows them to determine how it will respond to treatment. The symptoms of a patient and their work history are the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. A physical exam can reveal lumps in the chest or abdomen. The doctor will also note down a patient's health and family history. This information will help narrow down the causes of symptoms, such as asbestos exposure. Once doctors have this information, they can conduct tests to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis. A chest X-ray and CT scan are a way to determine the presence of mesothelioma, such as the presence of pleural plaques or thickened the pleura or fluid between the lung wall and the chest, also known as a lymphatic effusion. Other imaging tests that could help include an MRI and FDG-positron emission (PET), mediastinoscopy (used to look at and sample lymph nodes at the center of the chest) and endobronchial ultrasound. A thoracoscopy is a method to test for mesothelioma. This involves making a small cut within the chest between 2 ribs. The doctor then inserts a flexible tube with an end camera. The tube can be inserted through the mouth or through the throat using an injection of sedation. It's connected to a large screen so that the doctor can view images of the area they are studying. The doctor can make use of the tube to collect tissue samples (biopsies). Doctors can then test the biopsies to determine whether they are epithelioid, sarcomatoid or mixed mesothelioma. Epithelioid is by far the most prevalent type of mesothelioma, accounting for 60 to 70 % of all cases. It has a much better prognosis than mixed mesothelioma and sarcomatoid. The type of mesothelioma you have is also related to the duration of exposure to asbestos. People who were exposed it for a longer period of time are more likely to have sarcomatoid or mixed mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that mesothelioma cells are more aggressive than epithelioid mesothelioma. Treatment Some mesothelioma cancer cells can develop into tumors that invade the surrounding organs or tissues. The cancer may also be carried through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other areas of the body. Cancerous tumors can cause serious symptoms that can affect the quality of life of an individual. Mesothelioma is most often found in the chest cavity's lining, abdomen or heart. It can also form in the lining of the testicles. It is less frequent for mesothelioma to develop in other parts of the body. Exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. The cancer may occur when tiny asbestos fibers enter the body and are inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. The irritation that follows can cause genetic changes in the body, and could result in cancer. Paterson asbestos attorneys of mesothelioma are often not evident and can take 20 to 50 years or more to set in. Because of this, patients with mesothelioma are typically diagnosed after other health problems have been diagnosed. These include fluid buildup or chest pain, or breathing problems. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent mesothelioma that is responsible for 85 percent of all cases. It is sometimes difficult to determine if you have pleural mesothelioma because early symptoms, such as chest pain and shortness of breath, are similar to many other ailments. Mesothelioma sufferers are at an increased risk than the average of developing cancer in general. They also are more likely to have an ancestor with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related ailments. People who live in areas with asbestos-contaminated workers are at a higher risk of being exposed, as they could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Additionally, mesothelioma sufferers who receive radiation therapy are at higher risk due to the fact that radiation therapy can trigger mutations in the DNA of their cells. Mesothelioma is a serious illness which can lead to death for those who have been diagnosed. There is no cure for mesothelioma but there are several ways patients can improve their health and quality. The most important thing is to choose the appropriate treatment for their individual case. Doctors can help patients decide the best treatment option based on their health, fitness and medical history.