![[PukiWiki]](image/pukiwiki.png "[PukiWiki]")
|
Mesothelioma From Asbestos Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when the linings of the organs of the body, like the stomach and lungs or the reproductive organs, go out of control. Most cases are caused by working with asbestos, which is a group of minerals with microfibers that resist chemical and heat. It can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure. The early signs are often difficult to identify due to the fact that they can be similar to other ailments. Exposure In the US, asbestos is a widely used substance found in homes as well as workplaces. The most common exposure happens when asbestos-containing products are used or installed on a jobsite. Asbestos, a fibrous mineral that is naturally occurring, is the most common type of exposure. In the United States, it was used to create insulation for a long time in the construction industry and other fields like shipbuilding. When asbestos is inhaled it becomes embedded in the tissue of the chest cavity (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). These fibers can cause tumors called mesothelioma over time. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure can also be associated with asbestosis, which is a non-cancerous disease. Miners, asbestos workers and electricians are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma. Smoking is another risk factor, but it doesn't cause mesothelioma. The first known case of mesothelioma was reported in 1931. However, the disease was not well-known until medical evidence that was significant connected it to asbestos exposure. By the 1940s, a link was confirmed and laws began to regulate safety of workers and ban most uses of asbestos. Unfortunately, by this point many people had already contracted asbestos-related illnesses and passed away. The risk of malignant melanoma increases depending on the duration and extent of asbestos exposure. It is therefore important that people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or at their home are aware of the level of exposure they have received and any symptoms that might develop. Those who are experiencing symptoms should seek out a physician immediately. A doctor can help them determine if they have mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related illness. Signs and symptoms Asbestos is a highly hazardous material and exposure to it can cause a variety of symptoms. The asbestos fibers can penetrate the lung and cause scar tissue known as pleural plaques. These plaques stiffen lungs, making it harder to breathe. These plaques can grow into malignant pleural mesothelioma over time. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, which lines the outside of most organs. Mesothelioma can be seen in the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium), and less commonly in the membrane that surrounds the testicles (peritoneum). It usually develops 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos, and is often not diagnosed because it is so rare. If you experience unusual or persistent symptoms, it's important to see a doctor right away especially when asbestos has been inhaled. The symptoms of mesothelioma are comparable to those of other conditions and are difficult to diagnose. The first mesothelioma-related symptoms include breathlessness and chest pain, coughing, weight loss, breathing difficulties and fever, as well as fatigue. It is not uncommon for mesothelioma to be seen in people over the age of 65. Mesothelioma occurs most often in the lungs (pleura) however it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum) and, quite rarely, in the testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma). Most cases of mesothelioma can be traced back to asbestos dust or fibres but others have been linked to silica or erionite. The most common symptoms of mesothelioma are fatigue, shortness of breath, and a cough that is dry. Fluid build-up in the lungs is another common symptom. Fluid can also build up in the abdomen, which can cause nausea stomach pain, bloating, abdominal pain and weight loss. Asbestos can cause variety of other serious health issues. These include asbestosis and lung cancer, which is an uncancerous scarring of the lungs. If you have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to inform your doctor know about your previous history of exposure. This will allow them to determine the best treatment option for any new symptoms. Diagnosis When diagnosing mesothelioma, doctors must also determine the stage. The staging process is a reflection of the severity of the cancer and enables them to determine how it will respond to treatment.
Once doctors have the information they can conduct tests to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. This includes chest X-rays or CT scan to detect signs of mesothelioma in the lung, such as pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) or the accumulation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall, which is known as an effusion of the pleura. Other imaging tests that could help include an MRI, FDG-positron emission tomography (PET), mediastinoscopy (used to study and sample lymph nodes at the center of the chest) and endobronchial ultrasound. A thoracoscopy may be used to detect mesothelioma. This is done by cutting a small cut between two ribs. A doctor then inserts a flexible tube that has a camera at the end. This can be inserted through the mouth or throat with sedation and is connected to a large screen so the doctor can see images of the area they are looking at. The doctor can make use of the tube to collect tissue samples (biopsies). Doctors can test the biopsies and determine whether they are epithelioid, mixed mesothelioma, or sarcomatoid meso. Epithelioid is the most common mesothelioma type, accounting for 60-70 percent of all cases. It has a much better prognosis when compared to sarcomatoid and mixed mesothelioma. The type of mesothelioma also is a function of the time that the patient was exposed to asbestos. Those who were exposed to asbestos for a longer amount of time are more likely to have sarcomatoid or mixed mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cancer is more aggressive than epithelioid. Treatment In some cases mesothelioma tumors can transform into cancerous tumors that infiltrate surrounding organs or tissues. Cancer can also spread to other parts of your body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Cancerous tumors can cause severe symptoms that impact the quality of life of an individual. Mesothelioma is usually found in the chest cavity's lining and abdomen or the heart. It may also grow around the testicles. It is less frequent for mesothelioma to occur in other parts of the body. Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Cancer may develop if asbestos fibers are inhaled, taken in, or absorbed by the skin. The resultant irritation can cause changes in the body's genetics which can cause cancer. Mesothelioma symptoms may not be obvious and can take up to 50 years before they be evident. Patients suffering from mesothelioma typically be diagnosed after other health issues have been discovered. A buildup of fluids, chest discomfort or breathing issues are all possible signs. The most prevalent form of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, accounts for 85 percent. It is sometimes difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma pleural because the initial symptoms, such as chest pain and shortness of breath are similar to other ailments. Mesothelioma patients are at an increased risk than the average of developing cancer generally. They are also more likely to have mesothelioma-related family history or other asbestos-related diseases. People who live in areas with asbestos-contaminated workers are at greater risk of developing asbestosis, since they carry asbestos fibers to their homes on their clothes. Furthermore, mesothelioma sufferers who receive radiation therapy are at higher risk since this could cause mutations in the cell's DNA. Mesothelioma can be fatal to those who are diagnosed. There is no cure for mesothelioma, however, there are many ways patients can improve their health and quality. The most important thing is to find the best treatment for their individual case. Depending on their health, fitness and medical history, doctors can assist patients choose the most appropriate treatment options. |
