motherrange17

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Asbestos exposure at work is the most significant reason for mesothelioma. The exposure to asbestos can happen in construction, shipyards and factories. Inhaled asbestos fibres get trapped in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and trigger gene mutations that result in cancer. Symptoms usually don't show up until 20-60 years after exposure. Signs and symptoms The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the location where the tumors are located within the body and the type and stage. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs while peritoneal, pericardial, and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region affect the stomach and the heart. Patients can also experience other symptoms related to their condition, like fatigue, weight loss and difficulty breathing. A physical examination and thorough health history are among the first steps to determine if you have mesothelioma. Patients should inform their doctor of any asbestos exposure as well as any unusual signs or changes to the body that they have noticed. In addition to an examination of the body doctors may conduct imaging tests to determine how the disease is progressing and also to rule out other ailments like pneumonia or lung cancer. Often, mesothelioma 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 organs' linings like the lungs or stomach. As time passes these fibers can cause inflammation and eventually tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma often don't manifest until the cancer has spread to other parts. As soon as mesothelioma begins to show symptoms, they quickly progress and can negatively impact the quality of life of patients. Patients can become weak and bed-bound as their cancer progresses. This is why many mesothelioma patients in late stage are suffering a lot towards the end of their lives. In addition to the physical exam, doctors ask about the patient's asbestos exposure as well as mesothelioma risks. Smoking, military service or mesothelioma-related history in a family member may increase the chance of developing this disease. Patients suffering from mesothelioma are typically at a higher risk of developing other types of cancer, such as breast cancer and lung cancer due to the fact that asbestos fibers can cause irritation to these tissues too. The risk of developing cancer can be minimized by not being exposed to asbestos and ensuring good hygiene in the workplace. For instance, employees must change their clothes prior to leaving work and shower right after work to avoid bringing home asbestos fibers on their clothing or skin. People who live near asbestos-exposed workers must wash and change their clothes prior to entering the house. Diagnosis Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals that have tiny fibres that are used in many different ways. People who use asbestos may release these fibres into the air and lungs of others around them. As time passes, these fibres can build up and cause scarring of the lungs, a condition known as asbestosis. It could also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer, grows in the protective linings (mesothelium) of organs. It most commonly develops in the chest's lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Patients with mesothelioma are frequently exposed to asbestos in their work environments. Mesothelioma can take decades to become apparent, making diagnosis difficult. The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma involves a visit to the doctor and a physical examination. This will allow your physician to identify the symptoms you are experiencing and rule out other diseases. Anchorage asbestos attorneys may recommend blood tests or imaging scans to look for mesothelioma or identify symptoms from other ailments like lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These scans reveal the presence of peritoneal or pleural fluid. These tests also allow doctors to determine the stage of mesothelioma which will determine your treatment options. There are four mesothelioma stages, and each one has a different outlook. The stage of your mesothelioma affects how severe the symptoms are as well as how quickly they will develop. Your doctor can employ a variety of diagnostic tests depending on where the mesothelioma occurs. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and is the most common mesothelioma type. Doctors can also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, that targets the lining of your abdomen or pericardial mesothelioma focused on the lining of the heart. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor will inquire about the exposure to asbestos and whether you have any symptoms. They will then conduct a physical exam and review your medical background. If they suspect mesothelioma, they will refer you to an expert for further tests and scans. These tests can help determine the type and stage of your cancer, and also the extent to which it has been able to spread. Treatment Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a class of minerals that are found in rocks and soil. It is a very strong mineral that can be made into thin woven fibers for various products. In the United States, asbestos was used in insulation and construction materials in the 20th century before scientists discovered the dangers of asbestos. Asbestos is usually exposed when people inhale or swallow the fibers. They then adhere to the organ's linings. Over time, the tissue may develop tumors, causing symptoms like chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Symptoms do not usually appear for 10-50 years after the initial exposure. Mesothelioma can strike anyone who has been exposed asbestos, however certain types are more at risk. Any type of asbestos exposure can increase your chances of developing mesothelioma. This includes both occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are at greater risk. It is important to inform your doctor if anyone in your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Different types of mesothelioma can be found in different parts of the body. About 70 to 80 percent of cases are pleural mesothelioma. It starts in the layers of tissue that surround every lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma is not as common. It is found in the abdominal lining (peritoneum). There are two different kinds of malignant mesothelioma: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is more common and grows slower than mesothelioma with sarcomatoid features. There is a very rare mesothelioma type that has both sarcomatoid and epithelioid-cells. It is referred to as biphasic mesothelioma. Your doctor will decide the most appropriate treatment for you based upon the mesothelioma type. Your doctor may recommend surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy to ease your symptoms and prolong your life. The type of mesothelioma that you have, the location of it and your medical background will determine the kind of treatment you will receive. There are ways to reduce your risk, even though mesothelioma cancer is rare. If you were exposed to asbestos in the past, you should try to limit your exposure to asbestos and stay away from any places that might have it. It is also advisable to talk with your doctor about any unusual or persistent signs and symptoms you experience. Recovery Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocked to learn that their asbestos exposure is the main cause. They could be even more upset to discover that their former employers didn't warn them about the risks of their work or take any steps to protect employees from this harmful substance. A mesothelioma lawyer can help the patients seek justice by filing a suit against the parties responsible. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the tissues that cover organs in the body, including the stomach and lungs. The primary cause is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that form thin, long fibers that are durable and resistant to fire. Before scientists realized its dangers to health, asbestos was widely used in construction materials, automotive parts and other products. People who were involved in projects that required asbestos are the most likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes shipyard employees, insulation workers asbestos abatement technicians, and other workers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos also clung to clothing and other personal items and workers carried the fibers home on their bodies, potentially exposing their families to mesothelioma as well. 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 bleeding from the chest or the accumulation of fluid around the lungs. It can also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart. The amount of exposure to asbestos and gender are two aspects that can impact the chance of a person developing mesothelioma. Men are more susceptible to this condition than women. Age is also a factor. A family history is another risk factor. Some asbestos-related diseases have been linked with specific genes. People who have received radiation to the chest are also more likely to develop mesothelioma, as are those with a family member who has been diagnosed with the disease. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur for those over 60 years old.