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Mesothelioma

Construction workers, industrial workers, military veterans and others who worked with asbestos-contaminated products are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The repeated exposure to asbestos fibers causes chronic inflammation that damages the mesothelium and triggers DNA changes.

Malignant mesothelioma risk increases proportionally with cumulative exposure and up to the third or fourth power of the time since the first exposure. It can take between 10 and 50 years after the first exposure for symptoms to show up.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is one type of cancer that develops in the cells that cover the body's tissues, also known as the mesothelium. This lining protects organs and tissues by lubricating them so that it can slide smoothly against each other. Malignant mesothelioma may be spread to various parts of the body, and affect the lungs, the heart and abdomen. Other symptoms include chest pain and fatigue.

The symptoms of mesothelioma may take between 10 and 50 years to appear and make it difficult for doctors to diagnose the disease. It can also be mistaken for other diseases, like pneumonia or flu.

Patients may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, chest pain or a change in the shape of the nails and fingers known as clubbing. In addition, patients with mesothelioma can develop a buildup of fluid in the belly or chest (peritoneal mesothelioma) which is known as a pleural effusion.

As with lung cancer, mesothelioma cannot be visible in imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan, until the cancer has advanced for a number of years. Doctors must often perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. This can be accomplished with an bronchoscopy, or needle biopsy.

These diagnostic procedures can assist doctors to make a mesothelioma diagnosis and develop the treatment plan for the patient. Doctors can look over a patient's asbestos exposure history to determine if has a chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses.

The highest risk is for workers exposed to asbestos at their workplaces. People working in construction, shipbuilding, and other blue-collar occupations and veterans of the United States Armed Forces are at high risk. People who are exposed to asbestos claim workers also are at risk of mesothelioma, especially if they bring home asbestos fibers on his or her clothing.

Those who have been diagnosed as having mesothelioma will benefit from visiting their physician regularly for a checkup, and discussing any health concerns that are related to asbestos. This is particularly important since mesothelioma can be mistaken for other diseases, such as asbestosis.

Diagnosis

The initial signs of mesothelioma often appear to be flu-like or pneumonia, or intestinal problems. The long latency period of the disease means that patients can experience symptoms for 10 - 50 years after asbestos exposure. It can be difficult to identify due to its similarity to other diseases. Many mesothelioma symptoms also differ depending on the region of the body that is affected.

The first step is to see an primary care doctor or a specialist who can identify the root of your symptoms. They will ask for a full medical history and check to determine whether asbestos settlement exposure has been mentioned. They will also perform an examination and run the basic tests such as blood work or X rays.

Based on the type of mesothelioma, a biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is done by inserting a needle into the abdomen or chest, and then taking a small amount. It is then examined in a laboratory to search for mesothelioma cancerous cells. Mesothelioma cancer cells can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid, and both are malignant. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% of mesothelioma cases, while sarcomatoid is responsible for the rest.

Once a mesothelioma biopsy has been taken, doctors will create an action plan. They will refer the patient to an expert to determine the most effective treatment for their condition.

Mesothelioma can be caused by the exposure to asbestos fibers that are microscopic. Asbestos is minerals that appear like bundles of thin, tiny fibers. These fibers are found in rocks and soil and are often released into the air during mining, construction and other activities. Inhaling fibers can cause inflammation in the lung. Over time, this can result in scarring (asbestosis) and eventually mesothelioma. The cancer usually occurs in the lung. However, it can also develop in the linings of the stomach (peritoneal pericardial) or in the testicles.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a cancer, which is abnormal growth of cells that invade nearby organs and tissues. Cancerous cells can also expand through the lymphatic bloodstream to other areas of your body.

The treatment options for mesothelioma are different depending on its type and the location. Today, doctors are using chemotherapy and surgery to treat mesothelioma. Radiation therapy is often used in conjunction with surgery and/or chemotherapy. It is designed to kill cancerous cells as well as reduce the pain and swelling associated with mesothelioma.

Asbestos exposure could cause asbestosis. It is a non-cancerous disease that causes scarring on the lungs and on other parts of the human body. Asbestos exposure can also cause mesothelioma which is a more severe form of asbestos disease that can be fatal. Mesothelioma is a virulent cancer that is most often found in the abdomen and lungs. The symptoms can include coughing, breathlessness and chest pain. X-rays or CT scans can help diagnose mesothelioma. The images produced show areas of increased density, which could indicate either scar tissue (or an abnormal tumor). Doctors can conduct the procedure of bronchoscopy, or needle biopsy to determine the difference.

A bronchoscopy is performed by inserting a thin, flexible tube into the respiratory passages in order to observe the tissue and then collect samples for testing. A needle biopsy involves injecting a liquid into the region to take a small piece of tissue to test. Both procedures are painful, but the results aid in diagnosing asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other diseases and can take as long as 50 years to develop following initial exposure. The latency period between asbestos exposure and the onset of symptoms can make it difficult to determine the condition. It's not uncommon for people to be misdiagnosed with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia.

While scientists aren't the moment what causes mesothelioma they do understand that exposure to asbestos increases the risk. Asbestos can be ingested through industries like asbestos mining, manufacturing, and construction. Additionally, asbestos-containing materials are frequently transported by workers to their homes and other workplaces where fibers are ingested or inhaled. The asbestos types most frequently involved in mesothelioma cases are serpentine and amphibole asbestos fibers. The serpentine type is usually less carcinogenic than the amphibole variety but both types may cause disease.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue lining internal organs. It is typically caused by asbestos exposure as an amalgamation of minerals that are resistant to heat and sturdy. It is thought that asbestos fibres get into the lungs and irritate the mesothelium. This irritation could lead to genetic mutations which eventually lead to tumour growth.

Asbestos can be exposed in many ways, including during manufacturing, mining, cleaning or repairing asbestos-related products. You may also be exposed at home by wearing or washing someone else's asbestos-containing clothes. Some people are more at risk of developing mesothelioma due to of their family history of the disease, or they have an increased risk due to other factors such as genetics.

Mesothelioma case patients may have a variety of symptoms, and they often mimic other illnesses. It can be difficult to help doctors to recognize mesothelioma in its early stages. It is crucial that people who have been exposed to asbestos law disclose their history to their doctor and ask for regular checks.

The majority of mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos exposure in the workplace. However, studies show that exposure to asbestos case from the environment can cause mesothelioma too. This is because asbestos dust can be transported from the workplace to other areas where people reside. Residents who live within 2000 meters of an asbestos mine or cement plant are at a higher risk of mesothelioma.

Some patients with mesothelioma are diagnosed with asbestosis, a lung condition, before their mesothelioma begins. Asbestosis causes thickening of the lungs and can make breathing difficult. People suffering from this condition are likely to require oxygen at home and could require lung surgery such as lobectomy.

In addition, some people with mesothelioma are treated for symptoms of their cancer. People with mesothelioma may be given medications to help them breathe or be part of clinical studies for experimental treatments. Mesothelioma is still a fatal disease, but early diagnosis and treatment can improve the prognosis. Patients who have undergone multiple rounds of surgery and chemotherapy have been able extend their lives by as much as 10 years.