15 Reasons You Shouldn't Ignore Mesothelioma Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the most common mesothelioma-related cause. Exposure can be seen in factories, shipyards, mining sites and construction. Asbestos fibres inhaled get stuck in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. They trigger gene mutations which cause cancer. The symptoms typically don't appear until 20 to 60 years after exposure. arlington heights asbestos lawyer and symptoms The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the location where the tumors are located in the body, as well as the type and stage. For instance, pleural mesothelioma symptoms typically affect the lungs. However, peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma impact the stomach and the heart, respectively. Patients may also experience other symptoms related to their condition, such as fatigue, weight loss and breathing problems. The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is a physical examination and a thorough health history. Patients should inform their doctor about any prior exposure to asbestos and report any unusual symptoms or body changes they've noticed. In addition to physical examinations doctors may also order imaging tests to see how the disease is progressing, and to rule out other conditions like lung cancer or pneumonia. Often, mesothelioma symptoms don't show up until years after exposure to asbestos. This is due to the fact that asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they cling to the organs' linings, such as the stomach or lungs. As time passes, these fibers cause inflammation and lead to tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma often don't manifest until the cancer has spread to other parts. When mesothelioma symptoms first begin to manifest they can quickly worsen and affect a patient's quality of life. Patients may be weak and bed-bound as the cancer progresses. As a result, many late-stage mesothelioma patients are in great pain at the end of their lives. In addition to a physical examination doctors will inquire about a patient's asbestos exposure and mesothelioma-related risk factors. Smoking, military service or mesothelioma-related history in a family member can increase the likelihood of developing this disease. Patients suffering from mesothelioma are typically at higher risk of developing other forms of cancer, including breast and lung cancers because asbestos fibers can cause irritation to these tissues as well. By avoiding asbestos exposure and maintaining a healthy hygiene at work, the risk can be reduced. Employees must shower and change their clothes immediately after leaving work to avoid bringing asbestos-containing fibers home on their clothes or skin. Anyone who lives close to asbestos-contaminated workers should shower and change clothes before entering the home. Diagnosis Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals with tiny fibres that are utilized in many different ways. Asbestos-users may release these fibres into the air and lungs of those around them. Over time the fibres accumulate and cause scarring of the lungs known as asbestosis. It can also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that grows in the protective linings of organs, referred to as mesothelium. It is most prevalent in the linings of the chest (pleura), or abdomen (peritoneum). Patients with mesothelioma are frequently exposed to asbestos in their work environments. It takes decades for mesothelioma to show up, which makes diagnosis difficult. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is to visit your doctor and have a physical exam. This will allow your physician to understand the symptoms that you are experiencing and rule out other illnesses. Your doctor may recommend blood tests or imaging scans to check for mesothelioma or determine the symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can assist doctors diagnose mesothelioma by identifying pleural effusion or peritoneal effusion. These tests can aid doctors in determining the mesothelioma stage and determine your treatment options. Each mesothelioma stage has a different prognosis. The stage of mesothelioma determines the severity of your symptoms and how quickly they develop. Based on the location of your mesothelioma doctor may use different diagnostic tests. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs and is the most common mesothelioma form. Doctors can also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, that targets the lining of your abdomen or pericardial mesothelioma specifically targeting the lining of the heart. In the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis your doctor will inquire about the exposure to asbestos and whether you have any symptoms. They will then perform an examination and examine your medical history. If they suspect mesothelioma has developed, they will refer you to a specialist who can perform additional tests and scans. These tests will help diagnose the type and stage of your mesothelioma, and also show how the cancer has spread. Treatment Exposure to asbestos is the most common mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos can be found in rocks and soil. It is a very strong mineral that can be transformed into thin woven fibers to be used in many products. In the United States, asbestos was used for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century until scientists discovered its dangers. Asbestos is typically exposed when people breathe or swallow the fibers. They then stick to organ linings. Over time, the tissue can develop tumors, causing symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing and chest pain. Symptoms usually do not appear until 10-50 years after initial exposure. Mesothelioma can strike those who have been exposed to asbestos, but certain people are more at risk. Any exposure to asbestos increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. This includes occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos by their relatives are also at risk. You should tell your doctor if someone in your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Different types of mesothelioma occur in different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent type, affecting around 70-80% of all cases. It starts in the layers of tissue that line every lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma, which is less common, is more. It is found in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). Malignant mesothelioma comes in two forms that are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is more common and grows slower than sarcomatoid mesothelioma. There is also a rare mesothelioma which contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is known as biphasic mesothelioma. The type of mesothelioma you have can aid your doctor in deciding what treatment to give you. Your doctor may recommend surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy to ease your symptoms and extend your life. The type of mesothelioma you have, its location and your medical history will determine the type of treatment that you receive. There are ways to lower your risk, even though mesothelioma cancer is rare. If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, try to limit your exposure to asbestos and stay away from any areas that could contain asbestos. Consult your physician in the event of any unusual or persistent symptoms. Recovery Many patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocked to discover that past exposure to asbestos is the cause. They could be even more irritated to learn that their previous employers did not inform them of the dangers of their job or take any precautions to protect workers from the harmful material. A mesothelioma lawyer could help those suffering from the disease to get justice by filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the tissue that covers organs of the body, such as the stomach and lungs. The primary cause is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that form thin, long fibers that are strong and resistant to fire. Before scientists discovered its dangers to health asbestos was used extensively in the manufacture of building materials, automobile parts, and other products. Mesothelioma is most common in those who worked on asbestos-containing projects. This includes construction workers, shipyard employees, insulation workers asbestos abatement technicians as well as other laborers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos also adhered to clothing and other personal items, and workers brought these fibers home on their bodies, which could expose their family members to mesothelioma, too. The most common form of this cancer is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the linings of the lung and is usually found in the chest. Symptoms include coughing up blood or fluid accumulation around the lungs. It can also affect the lining of the stomach (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart. The amount of exposure to asbestos and gender are two aspects that can impact the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. Men are more likely to develop this condition than women, and an individual's age is another important factor. A family history is another risk factor. Certain asbestos-related illnesses have been linked to specific genes. Mesothelioma is more frequent in people who have had chest radiation or who have a family member who has the disease. Most mesothelioma patients are older than 60 years old.