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Mesothelioma From Asbestos Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancerous growth on the linings of certain organs of the body, is caused by asbestos exposure. It's caused by exposure to asbestos. Exposure can happen at home or at work. Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura). It can also affect the linings of the stomach or heart, and may spread to other parts. Exposure The occupational exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses. The exposure to asbestos can be caused through a variety, including working in asbestos mills or mines producing asbestos-related products, cleaning up asbestos after asbestos removal, removing, repairing or replacing asbestos-containing materials, and living near asbestos facilities. It is also possible to be exposed to asbestos in non-work situations such as taking home contaminated clothing from asbestos workers or living close to an asbestos-rich geological deposit like zeolites (a group of minerals that are chemically similar to asbestos). Mesothelioma takes between 20 and 50 years to develop after initial exposure to asbestos. This time period called the latency phase is a critical time. People who were exposed to asbestos for the longest duration of time are the most at risk. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma due to the higher exposure rates to asbestos that they encounter in blue-collar jobs and all branches of the military. Exposure to asbestos may lead to a condition called pleural mesothelioma. This form of mesothelioma affects the pleura, thin membrane that line the lungs and chest cavity. Asbestos exposure can cause the pleura to thicken and fibrotic, which makes it hard for the patient to breathe. The pleura may also develop fluid pockets or effusions, that show up on x-rays. A person who has been exposed to asbestos for a prolonged period of time could develop another chronic lung disease known as asbestosis. This is a scarring in the lungs that can cause chest pain and shortness of breath. The disease can also make it difficult for patients to take a deep breath and may cause crackling sounds from their lung, which doctors call rales. Asbestosis can also increase the chance of developing other types of cancer, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestosis can be caused by numerous factors, including smoking cigarettes. Smoking does not seem to cause or worsen mesothelioma. Smoking is not good for anyone who has been exposed to asbestos. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma, a tumor that is cancerous that affects the tissues that surround organs in the body, is caused by asbestos fibers. Exposure to asbestos fibers could increase the risk of developing the disease. It occurs in the lining around the lungs, known as pleural mesothelioma or in the lining around the abdomen. Mesothelioma is a cancer that can be diagnosed between 15 and 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in brakes, insulation, and shingles before the 1970s. Workers who handled these materials or removed them were exposed to asbestos fibers. They can be breathed in or ingested which can cause irritation and lead to mesothelioma. The highest risk is for those who worked in industries such as mining, construction and manufacturing.
This mesothelioma type causes coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and a lump. They may also experience fever or fatigue. If diagnosed with mesothelioma, the doctor will conduct a medical history and do a physical exam. Blood tests, imaging scans and a biopsy will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. There are many other asbestos-related diseases that can be mistaken for mesothelioma. It is important to speak to a mesothelioma lawyer that has experience in the field to increase your chances of receiving the right diagnosis. A lawyer will evaluate your case and determine if you are eligible to receive compensation. You could be eligible to make a mesothelioma claim to get the financial assistance you're entitled to. This is why it's essential to contact a reputable mesothelioma law firm right away. Diagnosis Asbestos fibers lodge in the cellular linings of membranes of the pleura (near the lung) or the peritoneum (near the abdominal cavity). In most cases the disease manifests in the pleura. Pleural mesothelioma can make it difficult to breathe due to a buildup of fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall. The disease typically takes years to develop This is why people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma tend to be retired workers or older individuals. Men are more likely suffer from mesothelioma than women because they've worked in jobs where exposure to asbestos was more common, including construction and shipbuilding. Asbestos fibers when inhaled, cause irritation to the pleura, the liner that runs along the lungs. The irritation can cause the body to create tumors, which may expand to other areas of the body. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may include difficulty breathing, chest swelling and pain, as well as chronic coughing. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma through a physical examination and by looking at symptoms. They may order imaging scans that help them see tissue abnormalities such as tumors. They will also inquire about the individual's working history and whether relatives have been exposed to asbestos. A biopsy is performed when doctors suspect mesothelioma. During the procedure, the doctors will remove small pieces of the tumor, and then analyze them under a microscope to search for cancer cells. The type of biopsy is based on the size and the location of the tumor. In cases of pleural melanoma, doctors often use needle biopsy to collect samples of the tumor. A thin, long needle is put through the chest's skin between the ribs and into the pleura. The doctors insert the needle after numbing the area with a local anesthetic. The type of mesothelioma detected will determine which treatment options are available, as well as the prognosis, or expected outcome. The two most commonly used types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and Sarcomatoid. Biphasic Mesothelioma is less well-known has a mix of both cell types. Treatment The majority of people diagnosed with pleural cancers spent years working in jobs that exposed them to asbestos. It was most often in jobs that were related to construction or shipbuilding. Even though asbestos is no longer being used in buildings, old products and building materials may contain asbestos. You can also find asbestos in vehicles, sports equipment and other items made before asbestos was banned. Asbestos is composed of microscopic fibres which are easily inhaled and can become airborne. These particles can settle in the lungs and cause irritation. If the irritation continues to be severe it can result in cancerous cells that create tumors in the lung's lining. The disease generally takes a few years to develop, and most people with mesothelioma are now retired. Mesothelioma is a rare, but deadly cancer that can be fatal. The symptoms often mimic other conditions and do not show until late in the course of the disease. There are no screening tests for the disease, therefore it is difficult to identify. The treatment options for mesothelioma depend on the type and the location of the cancer. Patients with mesothelioma who have surgery to remove cancerous tissue, improve breathing, and treat other symptoms. Other options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and a combination of these treatments. For people who aren't candidates for surgery, a physician may recommend draining fluid build-up in the chest, called pleurodesis. Video assisted thoracic (VATS) surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to carry out the procedure. If a patient is not eligible for VATS, a pleural drainage can be used to alleviate shortness of breath and pain. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancerous cells and shrink tumors in the lungs. https://vimeo.com/703555962 combine it with another cancer treatment to achieve the best results. The symptoms of mesothelioma are often painful and debilitating. However patients and their families can collaborate with a mesothelioma doctor to determine the best treatment to manage the symptoms. A team of experts will develop a customized treatment plan that will reduce symptoms and improve the chances of survival. Patients can also talk to their doctors about palliative care, which focuses on improving quality of life by relieving discomfort and decreasing symptoms. |
