Mesothelioma From Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when the linings of the organs of the body, such as stomach and lungs, or the reproductive organs, go out of control. Most cases are linked to working with asbestos, a group of minerals that have microfibers that resist chemical and
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It can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure. It is often hard to diagnose because the early symptoms are similar to those of other conditions.
Exposure
In the US, asbestos is a common substance that is found in homes and workplaces. The most frequent type of exposure is through handling asbestos-containing products or installing them on a job site. Asbestos is an naturally occurring fibrous mineral. In the United States, it was used for its insulating properties for Cassy Lawn (
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Asbestos is a well-known material because of its low cost and long-lasting properties. However, it is extremely risky if swallowed or breathed in. When it breaks or is disturbed tiny fibers can float in the air and be easily inhaled by unsuspecting people. Inhaling these fibres can lead to mesothelioma. The signs of mesothelioma may take up to 50 years to appear after the initial exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is absorbed via the lungs and becomes embedded in the tissues of the chest cavity or abdomen (peritoneum). As time passes asbestos fibers can lead to the development of tumors, known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, is caused by exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos exposure is also associated with asbestosis, which is a non-cancerous condition. Miners, asbestos workers,
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In 1931 the first mesothelioma case was identified. However, it was not until significant medical evidence was discovered that asbestos exposure was linked to the illness. In the 1940s, a link between mesothelioma and asbestos was established. Laws were passed to regulate worker safety and most asbestos-related products were prohibited. By the time this was happening, a lot of people had already died of asbestos-related diseases.
The risk of malignant melanoma increases depending on the duration and extent of asbestos exposure. It is therefore crucial that people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or at their home are aware of the level of exposure and any signs that might occur. Those who have experienced symptoms should immediately consult their physician. A doctor can assist them determine if they have mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos may cause a myriad of symptoms. Asbestos fibers can get into lung tissue and cause scarring known as plaques called pleural. These plaques can stiffen the lung tissues, making it difficult to breathe. These plaques can develop into malignant pleural msothelioma over time. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects mesothelium that is the outside of most organs. Mesothelioma can also be found in the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) and, less commonly the membrane surrounding the testicles. It typically develops 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. It is rarely diagnosed due to the fact that it is so rare.
If you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor immediately especially in the event that asbestos has been breathed. The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to those of other conditions and are difficult to recognize. Breathing problems or chest discomfort, coughing up blood and weight loss, trouble in breathing, fatigue, and fever are some of the earliest symptoms. It is not uncommon for mesothelioma to be found in people who are over the age of 65.
The most common location to find mesothelioma the body is the lung. It can be found in the abdomen and, less often, in the testicles. Most cases of mesothelioma result from exposure to asbestos fibres or dust but certain cases have been linked to other minerals, such as silica and Erionite.
The most common mesothelioma symptoms are fatigue, shortness of breath, and a dry cough. The accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion) is another common sign. Fluid can also build up in the abdomen, which can cause nausea, abdominal pain,
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Asbestos is linked to a variety of other serious health issues. These include asbestosis and lung cancer - an uncancerous scarring of the lungs. It is important to tell your doctor if ever been exposed to asbestos. This will allow them to determine the best way to assess and treat any new symptoms.
Diagnosis
When doctors diagnose mesothelioma they must also determine its stage. The stage is a gauge of the extent of the cancer and helps doctors predict how the cancer will respond to treatment.
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is to speak to their physician about their symptoms and work history. A physical examination can reveal lumps in the chest or abdomen. The doctor will also ask about the patient's family and health history. This information can help determine the possible reason for the symptoms, which could be asbestos exposure.
Once doctors have the information, they can run tests to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis. These include a chest X-ray or CT scan to look for signs of mesothelioma in the lungs, like plaques of the pleura (thickened pleura that has calcium deposits) or fluid build up between the lung and the chest wall, which is known as an effusion of the pleura. Other imaging tests that can aid include an MRI or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) mediastinoscopy (used to study and sample lymph nodes located in the centre of the chest) and endobronchial ultrasound.
A thoracoscopy is a method to detect mesothelioma. It is performed by making a small incision between two ribs. A doctor then inserts a flexible tube with a camera at the end. The tube can be inserted into the mouth or throat under the influence of sedation. It is connected to a monitor that lets the doctor see images of the area being examined. The doctor can use the tube to collect tissue samples (biopsies).
Doctors will then analyze the biopsies to determine whether they are epithelioid, sarcomatoid or mixed mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for 60% to 70 percent of all cases and is more likely to be successful than mixed or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. The type of mesothelioma depends on the length of duration the patient was exposed to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos for a long time increases the risk of developing sarcomatoid or mixed mesothelioma. The mesothelioma can be more aggressive than epithelioid.
Treatment
Some mesothelioma cancer cells can develop into tumors that invade the surrounding organs or tissues. Cancer may also spread to other areas of your body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Cancerous tumors can cause severe symptoms that can impact the quality of life of a person.
Mesothelioma usually occurs in the lining of the chest cavity (pleura) or abdomen, as well as the heart. It may also occur in the lining around the testicles. Other parts of the body are less susceptible to developing mesothelioma.
Exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. Cancer can develop if asbestos fibers are breathed in, swallowed, or absorbed into the skin. The resultant irritation can cause changes in the body's genetics which can cause cancer.
Mesothelioma symptoms are not always evident and may take up to 50 years to be evident.