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Mesothelioma From Asbestos Mesothelioma happens when the linings of the organs of the body, including stomach and lungs, or the reproductive organs, become out of control. The majority of cases are related to working with asbestos, a group of minerals that have microscopic fibers that can withstand the effects of heat and chemicals. It can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure. It is often hard to identify because the first symptoms are similar to those seen in other ailments. Exposure Many people in the US are exposed to asbestos at workplaces or at home. The most frequent exposure occurs when asbestos-containing products are handled or installed on an industrial site. Asbestos, which is a fibrous mineral that is naturally occurring is the most frequent kind of exposure. In the United States it has been used for decades for its insulating qualities in construction and other sectors, such as shipbuilding. Asbestos is a very popular material because of its low price and durability. However, it can be hazardous if swallowed or inhaled. When it breaks or is agitated, tiny fibers may appear suspended in the air and can be easily inhaled by unwary individuals. Inhaling these fibers can lead to mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma could take up to 50 years to appear after the first asbestos exposure. When asbestos is inhaled it gets absorbed into the chest cavity's lining (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). As time passes asbestos fibers can lead to the formation of tumors, called mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. The exposure to asbestos is linked to a non-cancerous condition, called asbestosis. Those who are most at risk of developing mesothelioma include asbestos workers, miners electricians insulation workers, construction workers, and veterans of the military. Smoking is a risk factor, but it is not the cause of mesothelioma. In 1931 the first mesothelioma-related case was identified. However, it was not until significant medical evidence was gathered that asbestos exposure was associated with the disease. In the 1940s, the link was established and laws were introduced to regulate worker safety and to ban the use of asbestos. At this point, many people had already died from asbestos-related illnesses. The risk of malignant mesothelioma is increased depending on the duration and amount of asbestos exposure. This is why it is important for those who have experienced occupational or residential exposure to asbestos to know their levels of exposure and any possible symptoms. Anyone who has experienced symptoms should consult with their doctor immediately. A doctor can determine if a patient is suffering from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness. Signs and symptoms Asbestos can cause many symptoms. Asbestos fibers can get into the lungs and cause scar tissue that is known as pleural plaques. These plaques can stiffen the lung tissue, making it more difficult to breathe. As time passes, these plaques may turn into malignant mesothelioma of the pleural region. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, which lines the exterior of many organs. Mesothelioma can also be found in the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) and, less often, in the membrane around the testicles (peritoneum). It usually appears 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos and is often misdiagnosed since it is a rare condition. It is important to see an expert as soon as you can if you're experiencing any unusual or persistent symptoms, especially if you have been exposed to asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma may resemble the symptoms of other conditions and it may take an extended time to identify. A shortness of breath and chest pain and bloody coughing, weight loss, difficulty in breathing, fatigue and fever are some of the early signs. It is not uncommon for mesothelioma symptoms to be seen in people who are over 65. The most common location to find mesothelioma the body is the lungs. It can be found in the abdomen and, very rarely in the testicles. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are the result of exposure to asbestos fibres or dust, but some have been linked with other minerals, such as silica and Erionite. The most frequently reported mesothelioma symptoms are fatigue and breathlessness and dry cough. The accumulation of fluid in the lungs is a frequent sign. Fluid can also build up in the abdomen, which can cause nausea and abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. Asbestos can cause number other serious health conditions. These include asbestosis and lung cancer, which is an uncancerous scarring of the lung. If you have been exposed to asbestos, it's important to let a doctor know about the history of exposure. This will help them determine the best treatment option for any new signs. Diagnosis When diagnosing mesothelioma doctors must also determine the stage. The stage determines the severity of the cancer and enables them to determine how it will respond to treatment. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for a patient to speak with their physician about their symptoms and history. A physical examination can reveal lumps in the chest or abdomen. The doctor can also track down a patient's health and family history. This information will help narrow down the possible causes for symptoms, like asbestos exposure. Once doctors have this information, they can run tests to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. These include a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect signs of mesothelioma in the lungs, like pleural plaques (thickened pleura that has calcium deposits) or the accumulation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall, referred to as an effusion of the pleura. Other imaging tests may be beneficial, such as an MRI scan, FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) mediastinoscopy (used for examining and sampling lymph nodes in the middle of the chest) and endobronchial ultrasound. A thoracoscopy is another test that may be used to detect mesothelioma that is present in the lungs of a person. This involves making a small cut within the chest between 2 ribs. A flexible tube with a built-in camera is inserted by the doctor. This can be inserted through the mouth or throat under sedation and is connected to a large LCD so that the doctor can view images of the area they are looking at. The doctor can then use the tube to take tissue samples (biopsies) from the pleura. Doctors can then examine the biopsies to determine if they are epithelioid, or mixed mesothelioma. Epithelioid is the most common type of mesothelioma 60 70 % to 70 percent of all cases. It has a better chance of survival than sarcomatoid or mixed mesothelioma. The type of mesothelioma also relates to the length of time that the patient was exposed to asbestos. The long-term exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing sarcomatoid or mixed mesothelioma. The mesothelioma is more aggressive than epithelioid. Treatment Some mesothelioma cancer cells can develop into tumors that invade organs or tissues. Cancer can also spread to other parts of your body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Cancerous tumors can cause serious symptoms that impact the quality of life of an individual. Mesothelioma is most often located in the chest cavity's lining and abdomen or the heart. It may also occur in the lining of the testicles. Other areas of the body are less likely to develop mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. Cancer may develop if asbestos fibers are inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed by the skin. The irritation that follows can trigger genetic changes within the body, and could cause cancer. Mesothelioma symptoms may not be evident and may take up to 50 years before they manifest. Patients with mesothelioma tend to be diagnosed after other health issues have developed. Fluid buildup, chest discomfort or breathing issues are just a few possible symptoms. The most frequent type of mesothelioma is pleural mesotheliom is responsible for 85 percent of. Fontana asbestos attorneys can be difficult to identify mesothelioma of the pleural region because the first symptoms, like chest pain and shortness of breath are similar to other diseases. Mesothelioma patients are at a higher risk than average of developing cancer in general. They are more likely to have a family history of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases in their family. People who live near asbestos-exposed workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestosis, since they carry asbestos fibers back to their home, contaminating their clothes. Furthermore, mesothelioma sufferers who receive radiation therapy are at higher risk because this can cause mutations in the cell's DNA. Mesothelioma can be fatal for those who are diagnosed. There is no cure for the disease, but patients can take several methods to improve their health and quality of life. Finding the best treatment is crucial. Doctors can help patients decide the best treatment option based upon their health, fitness, and medical history.