Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
The occupational exposure to asbestos is the most common mesothelioma-related cause. Exposure can be found in factories, shipyards, mining sites and construction.
Inhaled asbestos fibres get trapped in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and trigger gene mutations that lead to cancer. The signs typically don't show up until 20 to 60 years after exposure.
santa fe asbestos attorney of mesothelioma can vary according to where the tumors are situated in the body, as well as the kind and stage. For example Pleural mesothelioma symptoms usually affect the lungs, whereas mesothelioma that affects the pericardial and peritone the heart and stomach, respectively. Patients may also experience other symptoms associated with their condition, such as weight loss, fatigue and breathing difficulties.
A physical exam and a detailed health history are the first steps to determine if you have mesothelioma. Patients should tell their doctor about any previous exposure to asbestos and report any unusual symptoms or changes in their body they've observed. Doctors may also prescribe imaging tests in addition to a physical exam to determine the progression of the disease and rule out other conditions such as pneumonia or lung cancer.
Often, mesothelioma symptoms do not show up until years after exposure to asbestos. This is because stray asbestos fibers can be breathed in or swallowed, and then cling to the organs' linings like the lungs or stomach. These fibers can cause inflammation, leading to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms usually do not appear until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
As soon as mesothelioma begins to show signs, it can quickly worsen and impact a patient's life quality. Patients may be weak and bed-bound when the cancer spreads. Many patients suffering from mesothelioma at the final stages of their disease are in intense pain.
In addition to the physical exam, doctors ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma risk. A family member who had mesothelioma or other types of cancer, smoking or military service can all increase a person's chance of developing the disease.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma are typically at a higher risk of developing other forms of cancer, such as breast and lung cancers due to the fact that asbestos fibers can irritate these tissues as well. By avoiding asbestos exposure and maintaining a clean environment at work, these risks can be minimized. Employees should shower and change clothes immediately after leaving the office to avoid bringing asbestos-containing fibers home on their clothes or skin. People who live near asbestos-exposed workers should also shower and change clothes before entering the home.
Diagnosis
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals containing tiny fibres which are used in many different ways. These fibres can be released into air or into the lungs of those who are using asbestos. As time passes, these fibres can build up and cause lung scarring known as asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows within the protective linings of organs, referred to as mesothelium. It is most commonly found in the chest lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Patients with mesothelioma are frequently exposed to asbestos in the workplace. 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 examination. This can help your physician understand the symptoms that you are experiencing and rule out any other illnesses. Your doctor might also recommend scans of your blood and imaging to check for mesothelioma, or to determine the symptoms of other conditions like lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can assist doctors diagnose mesothelioma by identifying pleural effusion or peritoneal effusion.
These tests can aid doctors in determining your stage of mesothelioma and determine your treatment options. Each stage of mesothelioma comes with a different prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma will affect how severe the symptoms are and the speed at which they progress.
Based on the location of your mesothelioma, your doctor may use different diagnostic tests. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs and is the most frequent form of mesothelioma. Doctors may diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as well, targeting the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, focused on the lining of the heart.
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma your doctor will inquire with you about your asbestos exposure and if you have any symptoms. The doctor will conduct an examination of your body and look over your medical records. If they suspect mesothelioma, they will refer you to an expert for further tests and scans. These tests can help determine the type and the stage of your cancer and also how far it has been able to spread.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos can be found in soil and rock. It is a very strong mineral that can be transformed into thin fibers that can be used in various products. It was used in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century before scientists learned of its dangers to human health. Asbestos is usually exposed when people breathe or swallow the fibers. They adhere to the lining of organs. Over time, the lining may develop tumors and cause symptoms like coughing, breathing difficulties and chest pain. The symptoms do not typically show until 10 to 50 years after initial exposure.
Mesothelioma is a possibility for anyone who has been exposed asbestos, however certain types are at greater risk. Any asbestos exposure increases your risk of getting mesothelioma, including occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos by their relatives are also at a higher risk. You should tell your doctor if someone in your family is diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Different types of mesothelioma occur in different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent type, and affects approximately 70 to 80 percent of all cases. It starts in the layers of tissue that surround the lungs (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma occurs less frequently. It is found in the interior (peritoneum) of the abdomen. There are two types of mesothelioma that are malignant that are epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more prevalent than sarcomatoid and is more prone to growth. There is a rare mesothelioma that contains both sarcomatoid and epithelioid-cells. It is known as biphasic Mesothelioma.
The type of mesothelioma can aid your doctor in deciding what treatment to give you. Your doctor may suggest radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery to alleviate your symptoms and prolong your life span. The kind of treatment you are offered will depend on the type of mesothelioma you have, where it is located and your medical background.
There are ways to lower your risk of developing mesothelioma is a rare cancer. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you should limit your exposure to asbestos and avoid any areas where it could be present. Talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms.
Recovery
Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocked to discover that past exposure to asbestos is the main cause. They may be even more irritated to learn that their former employers didn't warn them about the risks of their work or take any steps to shield workers from the harmful material. A mesothelioma lawyer can help the patients seek justice by filing a suit against the parties responsible.
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is located in the tissues that cover organs in the body, including stomach and lungs. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a family of minerals that create long, thin fibers that are strong and fire resistant. Before the discovery of asbestos' dangers to health asbestos was used extensively in construction materials, automotive parts and other products. Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who been involved in asbestos-related projects. This includes construction workers, shipyard employees, insulation workers, asbestos abatement technicians and other laborers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos particles clung to clothing, personal items and even the bodies of workers. This can cause mesothelioma to their families.
The most frequent form of this cancer is mesothelioma of the pleura. It affects the linings of the lung and is usually found in the chest. Symptoms include bleeding from the chest or fluid accumulation around the lungs. It can also impact the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).
The chances of a person developing mesothelioma are affected by several factors which include the amount of time they've been exposed to asbestos and their gender. Men are more likely to contract this disease than women, and an individual's age is another factor. A family history is also a risk factor. Certain asbestos-related illnesses have been linked with specific genes. Patients who have had radiation to the chest are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. The same is true for those who have a family member who has been diagnosed with the disease. Most mesothelioma patients are older than 60.