Mesothelioma From Asbestos
Mesothelioma happens when the linings of organs in the body, like stomach and lungs, or the reproductive organs, become out of control. The majority of cases are related to working with asbestos, which is a group of minerals with thin microfibers that resist heat and chemicals.
After exposure, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. It is often difficult to diagnose because the early signs are similar to those of other conditions.
Exposure
In the US asbestos is a widely used substance found in homes as well as workplaces. The most common exposure occurs when asbestos-containing materials are placed on or around a jobsite. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral. In the United States, it was used to create insulation for decades in construction and other industries like shipbuilding.
Asbestos is a popular material due to its low cost and durability. However, it can be risky if swallowed or breathed in. It is easy to inhale when it is broken apart or disturbed. Inhaling these fibers could cause mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma might not be evident for 30 to 50 years after the initial exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is absorbed through the lungs and becomes embedded in the linings of the chest cavity or abdomen (peritoneum). In time, these fibers lead to the formation of tumors, known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, is caused by exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos exposure is also linked with asbestosis, which is a non-cancerous disease. Miners, asbestos workers, and electricians are the most at risk of developing mesothelioma. Other risk factors include smoking, which can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma but does not cause it.
The first documented case of mesothelioma was reported in 1931. However, the disease was not well-known until evidence from medical experts connected it to exposure to asbestos. In the 1940s, a connection between mesothelioma and asbestos was established. Laws were passed to regulate worker safety, and most asbestos-related products were prohibited. Unfortunately, by this time, many had already suffered asbestos-related illnesses and passed away.
The danger of malignant mesothelioma rises with the amount and duration of asbestos exposure. This is why it is essential for those who have had exposure to either residential or occupational asbestos to know their level of exposure and any possible symptoms. Those who are experiencing symptoms should see a doctor right away. A doctor can determine if a patient has mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related disease.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos can trigger a variety of symptoms. The asbestos fibers can penetrate the lung and cause scar tissue that is known as plaques in the pleural cavity. These plaques enlarge the lung tissue, making it more difficult to breath. Over time these plaques can turn into malignant pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer of mesothelium, a layer of tissue that lines the outside of most organs. Mesothelioma is also present in the membrane around the heart (pericardium) and more often, the membrane surrounding the testicles. It typically appears 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos and is rarely diagnosed due to the fact that it is so rare.
If you notice any unusual or persistent symptoms, it is crucial to see a doctor right away, especially in the event that asbestos has been breathed. The symptoms of mesothelioma are comparable to those of other conditions and are difficult to recognize. Shortness of breath and chest pain and bloody coughing and weight loss, trouble in breathing, fatigue, and fever are a few of the earliest symptoms. Mesothelioma is most common among people over 65.
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung (pleura) but it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) and, quite often, in the testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma). The majority of cases of mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos fibres or dust, but some have been linked with other minerals like silica and erionite.
The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms are fatigue, shortness-of-breath, and dry cough. The accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion) is a frequent manifestation. Fluid can also accumulate in the abdomen, causing nausea stomach pain, bloating, abdominal pain and weight loss.
Asbestos is a cause of other serious health issues, including asbestosis and lung cancer, a non-cancerous scabbing of the lung. It is essential to inform your doctor if ever been exposed to asbestos. Vacaville asbestos attorneys will allow them to determine the best treatment for any new symptoms.
Diagnosis
When doctors diagnose mesothelioma, they must also determine the stage. The stage is a gauge of the extent of the cancer and aids doctors in predicting how the cancer will react to treatment.
A patient's symptoms and past work history are the initial step to diagnosing mesothelioma. A physical examination may reveal lumps in the chest or abdomen. The doctor will also ask about the patient's family and health background. This information can narrow down the possible causes of symptoms, like asbestos exposure.
Once doctors have this information, they are able to conduct tests to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. This includes chest X-rays or CT scan to check for indications of mesothelioma within the lungs, like plaques in the pleural region (thickened pleura that has calcium deposits) or fluid build up between the lung and the chest wall, called an effusion of the pleura. Other imaging tests may be helpful, including an MRI scan, FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET) mediastinoscopy (used for examining and sampling lymph nodes located in the middle of the chest) and endobronchial ultrasound.
A thoracoscopy test is another that may be performed to determine mesothelioma that is present in the lungs of a person. This is accomplished by making a small incision between two ribs. A doctor then inserts flexible tube with a camera at the end. The tube can be inserted through the mouth or through the throat using sedation and is connected to a large screen so that the doctor can view images of the area they're examining. The doctor can make use of the tube to take tissue samples (biopsies).
Doctors can test the biopsies and determine whether they are epithelioid, mixed mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is by far the most prevalent mesothelioma type, accounting for 60 to 70 % of all cases. It has a much better prognosis compared to mixed mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. The type of mesothelioma is dependent on the amount of time the patient spent exposed to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos for a long time increases the chance of developing sarcomatoid mesothelioma or mixed mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that mesothelioma cells are more active than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Treatment
Certain mesothelioma tumor cells can develop into tumors that invade the surrounding organs or tissues. Cancer can also spread to other parts of your body through the lymphatic or bloodstream. Cancerous tumors can trigger severe symptoms that could affect a person's life quality.
Mesothelioma usually occurs in the lining of the chest cavity (pleura) or abdomen, as well as the heart. It can also develop around the testicles. It is rare for mesothelioma to develop in other parts of the body.
Exposure to asbestos can increase a person's risk of developing mesothelioma. The cancer can occur when tiny asbestos fibers enter the body and are inhaled or swallowed, or absorbed through the skin. The irritation that results can cause genetic changes in the body, which can result in cancer.
Mesothelioma symptoms may not be obvious and can take up to 50 years to manifest. Patients suffering from mesothelioma typically be diagnosed after other health issues have been discovered. These include fluid buildup, chest pain or breathing problems. Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent mesothelioma that is responsible for 85 percent of all cases. It is often difficult to recognize pleural cancer as the first symptoms like chest pain and shortness in breath are similar to those of other diseases.
Mesothelioma patients are at an increased risk than the average of developing cancer in general. They also are more likely to have a family history of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related ailments. People who are exposed to asbestos are at greater risk since they can carry asbestos fibers home on clothing. In addition, mesothelioma patients who receive radiation therapy are at greater risk because this can cause mutations in the DNA of their cells.
Mesothelioma can be fatal for those who are diagnosed. There is no cure for the disease however patients can use various methods to improve their health and quality of life. The most important thing is to determine the right treatment for the individual situation. Depending on their fitness, health and medical history, doctors can assist patients decide on the best treatment options.