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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Occupational asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma. The exposure to asbestos can happen in shipyards, construction and factories. Asbestos fibres inhaled get trapped in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. They trigger gene mutations which cause cancer. Symptoms usually don't show up until 20 to 60 years after exposure. Signs and symptoms The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the location where the tumors are located in the body and also on the kind and stage. Pleural mesothelioma is a lung cancer and pericardial, peritoneal and mesothelioma affecting the stomach and heart. Patients may also experience additional symptoms related to their condition, such as weight loss, fatigue and difficulty breathing. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is to conduct a physical exam and a detailed health history. Patients should inform their doctor of any asbestos exposure as well as any unusual signs or changes to the body they have noticed. In addition to conducting a physical examination doctors may also order imaging tests to see how the disease is progressing, and to rule out other conditions such as pneumonia or lung cancer. Mesothelioma is not always diagnosed until decades after asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can adhere to the linings of organs like the lungs and stomach. These fibers can cause inflammation, leading to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms often don't manifest until cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Once mesothelioma symptoms begin, they can worsen rapidly and affect a patient's quality of life. As the cancer progresses and patients weaken, they can become and bed-bound. Many patients with mesothelioma in the last stages of their disease are in extreme pain. In addition to the physical exam, doctors inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos as well as mesothelioma risks. Smoking, military service, or mesothelioma history in a family member may increase the risk of developing this disease. Patients with mesothelioma tend to be at greater risk of developing other forms of cancer, including breast cancer and lung cancer because asbestos fibers can cause irritation to these tissues as well. By avoiding exposure to asbestos and maintaining good hygiene at work, these risks are reduced. Employees should shower and change their clothes immediately after leaving work to avoid bringing asbestos-containing fibers home onto their clothing or skin. People who live near asbestos-exposed workers must shower and change clothes before entering the house. Diagnosis Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that have tiny fibres that are utilized in a variety of ways. These fibres can be released into the air or lungs by people who use asbestos. As time passes, these fibres can accumulate and cause scarring of the lungs known as asbestosis. It could also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, develops in the linings of protection (mesothelium) of organs. It most commonly develops in the chest lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Patients with mesothelioma are frequently exposed to asbestos at work. Mesothelioma can take years to become apparent, making diagnosis difficult. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma involves a visit to the doctor and a physical exam. This can help your physician identify the symptoms you are experiencing and rule out other conditions. Your doctor can also order blood tests and imaging scans to check for mesothelioma, or to identify symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can assist doctors diagnose mesothelioma by identifying pleural or the peritoneal effusion. These tests can help doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma in which you are and help determine the best treatment options for you. Each mesothelioma stage has a different prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma will affect how severe the symptoms are as well as how quickly they will develop. Your doctor might use a variety of diagnostic tests, based on the location mesothelioma has been found. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and is the most frequent mesothelioma form. Doctors may diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as well, that targets the lining of your abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, specifically targeting the lining of the heart. In the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis your doctor will inquire about your exposure to asbestos and whether you experience any symptoms. The doctor will conduct a physical examination and look over your medical documents. If they suspect mesothelioma, they will refer you to an expert for further tests and scans. Those tests will help to diagnose the type and stage of your mesothelioma and also show how far the cancer has spread. Treatment Mesothelioma is most often caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is one of the minerals that are found in rocks and soil. It is extremely strong and can be made into fine weaved fibers that are used in many products. In the United States, asbestos was utilized for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century until scientists discovered the dangers of asbestos. Asbestos is most often exposed when people breathe in, or swallow the fibers. columbus asbestos law firm are then bonded to the organ's linings. Over time, the lining can grow tumors and cause symptoms such as coughing, breathing difficulties and chest pain. Symptoms usually do not appear until 10 to 50 years after the initial exposure. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma. However, certain people are at greater risk than others. Any asbestos exposure increases the chance of getting mesothelioma, including occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are at greater risk. If you have a relative with mesothelioma or asbestosis, you should speak to an expert about your asbestos background. Different types of mesothelioma may be found in different areas of the body. About 70 to 80 percent of cases are mesothelioma of the pleural region. It starts in the layers of tissue that cover each lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common. It occurs in the abdominal lining (peritoneum). There are two kinds of mesothelioma malignancy: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common and develops slower than mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. There is also a very rare mesothelioma which has both epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid cells. It is known as biphasic Mesothelioma. Your doctor will decide the most appropriate treatment for you based on your type of mesothelioma. Your doctors may suggest surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy to reduce your symptoms and prolong your life span. The type of mesothelioma you have, the location and your medical background will determine the kind of treatment you will receive. There are ways to lower your risk of developing mesothelioma cancer is rare. If you've been exposed to asbestos, limit your exposure to it and avoid any places where it could be present. It is also advisable to talk with your doctor regarding any unusual or persistent symptoms you experience. Recovery Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocked to discover that their asbestos exposure is the cause. They may be more upset to discover that their former employers did not inform them about the risks of their work or take any measures to safeguard workers from this toxic material. A mesothelioma attorney can help these patients seek justice by filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Mesothelioma is a cancer that forms in the tissues that line the organs of the body, such as the lungs, stomach and the heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a class of minerals that create long thin fibers that are strong and fire-resistant. Before scientists discovered its dangers to health asbestos was used extensively in building materials, automobile parts and other products. People who were involved in projects that required asbestos are more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes construction workers, shipyard employees, insulation workers asbestos abatement technicians as well as other workers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos also clung to clothing and other personal items, and workers brought these fibers home on their bodies, potentially exposing their families to mesothelioma, too. The most common type of cancer is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs, and symptoms usually start in the chest, such as the coughing up of blood or an accumulation of fluid around the lungs. It can also affect the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma depend on several factors, including the amount of time they were exposed to asbestos, as well as their gender. Men are more prone to this condition than women. Age is another factor. Family history is also a risk factor, as certain asbestos-related illnesses have been linked to specific genes. Mesothelioma is more common in people who have had chest radiation or who have a family member with the disease. The majority of mesothelioma patients are older than 60 years old.