The 10 Most Scariest Things About Asbestos Disease Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, is found in the organs' linings. It is most common in the abdomen and lungs (peritoneum) but it can also be found in the pleura. Exposure to asbestos results in an higher risk of developing this disease.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a resistant to fire and heat fiber. However, symptoms may be delayed for a long time after exposure.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor that grows in the tissue of the lungs and the heart, is caused by asbestos fibers. Typically, it develops when people inhale asbestos fibers, which enter the bloodstream, and later get lodged in the organ's lining. The most susceptible to contracting this disease are those who work with asbestos, like plumbers, miners, carpenters and welders. It is also seen in people who worked with workers who brought asbestos home on their clothing or skin. Other individuals at risk are those who live in a home where asbestos is present and those who disturb asbestos during renovations to their homes or maintenance.

There are four stages to mesothelioma. People who are in the early or mid-stages don't show any symptoms and can go on for a while before they are diagnosed. By the time they get diagnosed the cancer is advanced and difficult to treat.

The symptoms of mesothelioma may not usually appear until decades after the exposure. The condition takes a long time to develop because asbestos fibers must travel from the lungs into different parts of the body before they can cause mesothelioma. The lining of lungs is the most common location where mesothelioma develops however, it could be found in the linings of the stomach or heart. It can also show up in the linings of reproductive organs.

A biopsy of the area affected is the best way for doctors to determine if mesothelioma is present. The sample is then tested under microscopes to determine whether the cancerous cells are mesothelioma, or another type of cancer.

Doctors may also request x-rays, CT scans or MRI to help identify the problem and determine if there is a tumor, a thickening or enlargement of the lining within the abdomen or chest, and fluid in the chest cavity. They can also request lung function tests to see the extent to which the lungs of an individual are functioning.

A mesothelioma misdiagnosis could be detrimental since it could delay the beginning of treatment that could improve a patient's prognosis. This is why it's crucial to consult a physician when any symptoms arise. A GP can evaluate the signs and symptoms and determine if a person has a history of exposure to asbestos.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, occurs in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the lining which protects organs inside the body which include the abdominal cavity and chest. Pleural mesothelioma affects the outer layer (pleura) of the lung. Mesothelioma is not as common in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) and the heart sac (pericardium), or in the testicles.

A doctor can identify the disease by taking a sample of tissue for imaging tests or a biopsy. A doctor can then determine the mesothelioma's grade and determine how aggressive it is and how likely it is to spread.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring, heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in the manufacturing and construction industries until the late 1970s. People who worked in professions such as asbestos mining or milling, pipefitters, insulators plumbers, pipefitters, and those who renovated homes are more at risk than others of developing mesothelioma.

Inhaling the microscopic asbestos fibers could cause mesothelioma. These tiny asbestos fibers can get trapped in the lungs, causing inflammation that leads to lung scarring. Asbestos exposure can also increase the chances of smoking, which could increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The risk of developing mesothelioma increases with the length of time they've been exposed to asbestos. Those who have been exposed to the highest levels of asbestos are at the highest risk for mesothelioma.

There are some risk factors that can be altered for example, a person's age or whether they smoke, but the majority mesothelioma risk factors are a result of asbestos exposure. Some of these risk factors cannot be altered for example, the history of a family member or genetics. Mesothelioma is more likely be diagnosed if someone has certain health issues or illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease.

Treatment

Mesothelioma affects mesothelium, which connects 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 often mimic other conditions and change. Those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma can receive compensation through lawsuits or trust fund claims.

There is no cure for mesothelioma, however, there are treatments to treat the disease and improve the quality of your life. Patients should seek out physicians who are experts in treating the disease. Doctors will review the medical history of a patient to check for symptoms and other mesothelioma-related risk factors, such as asbestos lawsuit exposure.

Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. It is typically caused by breathing in tiny asbestos fibers that float in the air. The asbestos fibers can be trapped in the lungs and cause genetic mutations that cause cancer. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and is the common type of mesothelioma. It can also affect the lining of the chest (pericardium), abdomen, and testicles (peritoneal peritoneal cancer).

Mesothelioma, as with all cancers, is caused by DNA mutations in cells. These mutations cause the cell to grow uncontrollably and result in an increase in the size of the tumor. Mesothelioma is the most common type of cancer in men who are over 75 and those who have served in the U.S. military.

There are many types of mesothelioma, and each has a different rate of survival. Patients should be aware that a mesothelioma diagnosis is a serious one and is a difficult one to treat. The research is progressing however there is some hope. Veterans with mesothelioma may also be eligible to receive VA benefits.

Prevention

Mesothelioma is a rare illness, but it is very avoidable. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once used widely in shipbuilding, construction and other industries due to its unique qualities of strength, durability as well as fire resistance and heat insulation. However, the microscopic fibers of asbestos are able to become airborne if disturbed, and if inhaled, can cause serious health problems 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 many people who are diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at some point throughout their lives. Other factors can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma, including smoking, age, and genetics.

Most commonly, mesothelioma affects the lung (tummy) and lungs. Rarely, mesothelioma can develop in other areas of the body. Mesothelioma can take a long time to develop, and it may not be apparent for 20 or 40 years following exposure to asbestos. It is crucial that those who have been exposed to asbestos regularly see their doctor if they are experiencing any unusual symptoms, especially shortness of breath and coughing.

Symptoms of asbestosis include tightness in the chest, constant coughing and a bluish appearance to the skin because the body is struggling to get enough oxygen. Inhaled asbestos case fibers can also cause irritation to the lungs, leading to scarring known as fibrosis. This can result in an accumulation of fluid in the lungs and other parts of the body, including the heart. Inflammation can also cause genetic changes that could cause cancer to grow in the lung.

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

Mesothelioma is most often found in the tummy and lungs but it can also affect the stomach, heart and testicles. There is no way to avoid mesothelioma. However, there are ways to lower the risk. They should always check for asbestos in the workplace and inquire with their employer about the safety guidelines they must adhere to. Wearing protective equipment and washing the work clothes away from home is a good idea so that asbestos fibers are not brought home on the clothes of family members.