Cambridge Education

Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, develops in the linings of internal organs. It is prevalent in the abdomen and lungs (peritoneum) however it can also be found in the pleura. Exposure to asbestos results in an increased risk of developing the disease.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos, a non-flammable and heat-resistant fiber. The symptoms may not manifest for decades after exposure.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma, a tumor that is cancerous that grows in the tissue of the lungs and the heart, is caused by asbestos fibers. Typically, it occurs when a person inhale asbestos fibers that get into the bloodstream and get absorbed in the lining of organs. The people most likely to suffer from this disease are those who worked around asbestos, for example, miners, plumbers, carpenters and welders. It can also occur in people who worked with workers who brought asbestos to their homes on their clothes or the skin. Other people at risk are those who live in a home where asbestos is present and those who disturb asbestos during home renovations or maintenance.

There are four stages of mesothelioma. People who are in the early or mid-stages don't show any symptoms and may suffer for years before they are diagnosed. When they are diagnosed, the cancer is more advanced and difficult to treat.

The symptoms of mesothelioma may not typically appear until decades after the exposure. The condition is slow to develop because asbestos fibers must travel from the lungs to different parts of the body before they can cause mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases begin in the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma) however it could be found in the stomach lining or heart. It can also appear in the linings of the reproductive organs.

The best method of diagnosing mesothelioma is for the doctor to take a biopsy from the affected area. The biopsy is examined under a microscope in order to determine if the cancer cells are mesothelioma or another kind.

Doctors can also order x-rays, CT scans or MRI to determine the cause and see whether there is an abnormality, a thickening of the lining within the abdomen or chest, and fluid in the chest cavity. They may also order lung function tests to determine the extent to which the lungs of a patient are functioning.

A misdiagnosis for mesothelioma may be dangerous, as it could delay treatment that could improve the prognosis of the patient. It is imperative to seek out a physician if you experience any symptoms. A GP can evaluate the signs and symptoms and determine if a person has a history of exposure to asbestos compensation.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, occurs in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the lining that protects organs in the body which include the abdominal cavity and the chest. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the outer layer (pleura) of the lungs. Mesothelioma is less frequently seen to occur in the membrane that runs along the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart sac (pericardium) and, more rarely, it can arise in the testicles (tunica vaginalis mesothelioma or vaginalis mesothelioma testicular).

A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma by taking a tissue sample for biopsy or imaging tests. The doctor will determine the degree of mesothelioma. It is a measure of how aggressive and likely it is to spread.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a natural thermal, fire-resistant and heat-resistant fiber that was employed in the manufacturing and construction industries up to the late 1970s. People who worked in occupations such as asbestos lawsuit mining or milling, pipefitters, insulators plumbers, as well as those who remodelled older homes are at greater risk than other people of developing mesothelioma.

Inhaling the tiny asbestos fibers can lead to mesothelioma. These tiny asbestos fibers can get trapped in the lungs and cause inflammation that can lead to lung scarring. Asbestos exposure may also increase the likelihood of smoking, which could increase the risk of mesothelioma.

A person's risk for mesothelioma increases with the amount of time they were exposed to asbestos. The people who have been exposed to the highest levels of asbestos are at the greatest chance of developing mesothelioma.

There are some risk factors that can be altered like the age of a person or whether they smoke, but the majority of the mesothelioma risk factors are a result of asbestos exposure. Certain risk factors cannot be altered for example, a person's family history or genetics. Mesothelioma risks are also increased if they have certain health conditions or illnesses like diabetes or heart disease.

Treatment

Mesothelioma affects mesothelium, which lines the lungs and abdomen. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The disease usually develops for decades after asbestos exposure. It is often difficult to identify since symptoms are often similar to other conditions. They can also appear and disappear. Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma can receive compensation through lawsuits or trust fund claims.

Mesothelioma is not curable However, treatment options are available to control the disease and improve the quality of life. Patients should consult with doctors who are experts in treating the disease. Doctors will examine a patient's medical history to check for symptoms and possible mesothelioma risk factors, like asbestos exposure.

Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. It is usually caused by breathing in tiny asbestos litigation fibers that float in the air. The asbestos fibers can be lodged in the lungs and trigger genetic mutations that result in cancer. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the linings of the lung and is the most common mesothelioma type. However, it can also be found in the linings of the chest wall (pericardium), abdomen, and testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma).

Mesothelioma, as with all cancers, is caused by DNA mutations within a cell. These mutations lead the cell to grow uncontrollably, resulting in an increase in the size of the tumor. Mesothelioma is the most common type of cancer in those over the age of 75 and those who have served in the U.S. military.

There are a variety of types of mesothelioma and each one has a different survival rate. Patients must be aware that mesothelioma is an extremely serious condition and can be very challenging to treat. The research is making progress however there is possibility. Additionally, those who suffer from mesothelioma should be aware that they might be eligible for benefits through the VA.

Prevention

Mesothelioma, although rare, is highly preventable. Asbestos is a natural mineral that was previously used extensively in construction, shipbuilding and other industries because of its unique characteristics of strength, durability as well as heat insulation, and fire resistance. However, the tiny fibers of asbestos case become airborne when disturbed, and if breathed in, they could cause serious health issues such as mesothelioma.

The only way to avoid mesothelioma is to not be exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is the primary reason for mesothelioma and most people diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos compensation at some time in their lives. Smoking, age, and genes can also increase the risk of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma most commonly affects the lungs and abdomen (tummy). It is rare for mesothelioma develop in any other part of the body. Mesothelioma takes many years to develop, and it could not appear for 20 or 40 years after exposure to asbestos. It is essential that those who have been exposed to asbestos regularly visit their doctor if they're experiencing any unusual symptoms, including shortness of breath and coughing.

Symptoms of asbestosis include tightness in the chest, persistent coughing and a bluish appearance to the skin because the body is trying to get enough oxygen. Inhaled asbestos fibers can also irritate the lungs, leading to scarring referred to as fibrosis. This can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, and other organs including the heart. Inflammation can cause genetic changes, which could cause cancers to grow in the lungs.

There is no cure for asbestosis, but there are treatments to alleviate the symptoms. These treatments can improve the quality of life and breathing for patients.

Mesothelioma most often occurs in the lungs and tummy but can also affect the stomach, heart and testicles. It isn't always possible to prevent mesothelioma from occurring, but there are steps individuals can take to lessen their risk of exposure. Always check for asbestos in the workplace and talk to their employer for safety standards that they should adhere to. Wearing protective equipment and washing the work clothes away from home is a good practice to ensure that asbestos fibers are not brought home on the clothing of family members.