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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that protect different organs of the body known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. However, it also can be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used in the construction of cars, homes, and buildings. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances may cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure. It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing problems and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, may develop. There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most commonly used kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and hinders their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is found, the patient can be diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Symptoms Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs. Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses. Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases. In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor may also order an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure. When they perform a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung's lining (pleura), though it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in ship construction, buildings automobiles and many other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos. Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time irritation can lead to scar tissue that can lead to tumors. Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are evident in your body. Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of asbestos-related patients have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form. The exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They can then become trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma. The asbestos-related workers and were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members may breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes. Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence, it is important to see a physician for any symptoms that could be linked to the condition. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and a chest Xray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor, your doctor will talk with you about treatment options. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available. |
