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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. Repeated exposure to asbestos fibers leads to chronic inflammation that damages the mesothelium and causes DNA changes.

The risk of malignant mesothelioma increasing with cumulative exposure and to the third or fourth power of time since the first exposure. It can take between 10 and 50 years after the exposure for symptoms to manifest.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is found in the cells that cover the body's tissues, also known as the mesothelium. The mesothelium lining protects organs as well as other tissues by lubricating them so they slide against each other without difficulty. The mesothelioma cancer can be spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs, heart and abdomen. It can also trigger other symptoms, including chest pain and fatigue.

Symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years before they show up and make it difficult for doctors to recognize the disease. It is also possible to mistake for other conditions such as pneumonia or flu.

Patients might experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, constant coughing and chest pain or 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 abdomen or chest (peritoneal mesothelioma), a condition that is known as an pleural effusion.

Like lung cancer, mesothelioma is not detectable on imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan until the cancer has progressed for several years. Often, doctors must perform an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis. This can be accomplished by bronchoscopy, or a needle biopsy.

These diagnostic procedures assist doctors diagnose mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option for the patient. Doctors can also review the history of a patient's asbestos legal exposure to determine whether they are at risk for developing asbestos-related illnesses.

The people who are exposed to asbestos in their work environments are at risk of developing mesothelioma and other diseases. The most at-risk occupations are those employed in shipbuilding, construction and other blue-collar sectors as well as veterans of the United States Armed Forces. People who live with asbestos-exposed workers also are at risk of developing mesothelioma particularly if the worker brings asbestos fibers from the workplace on their clothing.

Anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma will benefit from visiting their physician regularly for a checkup, and discussing any health concerns related to asbestos. This is especially important because mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases, like asbestosis.

Diagnosis

The first symptoms of mesothelioma can look like the flu or pneumonia, or intestinal problems. The long time of latency means patients may experience symptoms for 10 - 50 years after asbestos exposure. The fact that it is similar to other diseases also makes it hard to diagnose. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary based on the area of the body that is affected.

The first step is to talk with your primary care physician or a different doctor who can pinpoint the source of your symptoms. They will request your medical history, and then look for any indication that asbestos exposure is mentioned. They will also perform physical examinations and carry out basic tests like blood work or X-rays.

A biopsy is sometimes required to confirm a diagnosis dependent on the type of mesothelioma. A biopsy is carried out by inserting a needle in the abdomen or chest and then taking a small amount. The tissue is then studied to determine if it has mesothelioma cancerous. Mesothelioma cells are either epithelioid or sarcomatoid. Both types are malignant. 70% of mesothelioma is epithelioid, and the rest is sarcomatoid.

Once a mesothelioma biopsy has been conducted, doctors can develop a treatment plan. They typically refer the patient to a specialist in order to determine the best treatment option for their particular condition.

Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a class of minerals that appear as small thin fibers. These fibers are found in rock and soil and are typically released into the air during mining, construction and other activities. Inhaling these fibers can cause inflammation of the lungs. This could eventually lead to mesothelioma. The cancer is typically centered in the lungs, however it may also develop in the lining of the tummy (peritoneal mesothelioma) or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma).

Treatment

Mesothelioma also referred to as cancer is a malignant development of cells that infiltrate the tissues and organs of the surrounding area. Cancerous cells can also spread to other areas of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.

The treatment options for mesothelioma differ according to the type and the location. Doctors are currently using surgery and chemotherapy to treat mesothelioma. The use of radiation therapy is typically in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or surgery. It is designed to kill cancerous cells and decrease swelling and pain associated mesothelioma.

Asbestos exposure can lead to asbestosis, which is a non-cancerous disease which causes scarring of the lungs and other body parts. Asbestos exposure can also cause mesothelioma, a more serious form of asbestos-related disease that is usually fatal. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that typically affects the lungs and abdomen. The symptoms can include breathlessness, coughing, and chest pain. X-rays or CT scans can help diagnose mesothelioma. The images that result reveal areas of greater density, which could indicate either scar tissue (or an actual tumor). Doctors can conduct an bronchoscopy or needle biopsy to determine the distinction.

A bronchoscopy is done by inserting an extremely thin flexible tube into respiratory passages in order to observe the tissue and take samples to test. A needle biopsy consists of injecting an injection of liquid into the area to take a small piece of tissue for testing. Both procedures are painful, but they aid in diagnosing mesothelioma or asbestosis.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be compared to the symptoms of other diseases and can take as long as 50 years to develop after initial exposure. The time lag between asbestos exposure and the onset of symptoms can make it difficult to identify the disease. It is common for people to be misdiagnosed with other illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia.

While scientists don't know for sure what causes mesothelioma, they do understand that exposure to asbestos increases the risk. Asbestos is a risk in industries like asbestos mining, manufacturing and construction. Workers also transport asbestos-containing substances to their homes as well as other workplaces, where they can breathe in or ingest the fibers. The asbestos types most commonly involved in mesothelioma cases are amphibole and serpentine asbestos fibers. The serpentine type of asbestos is less cancerous than the amphibole type, however both are capable of causing illness.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue lining internal organs. It is usually caused by asbestos settlement exposure which is an amalgamation of minerals that is resistant to heat and sturdy. It is thought that asbestos case fibres are absorbed into the lungs and then irritate the mesothelium. As time passes this irritation could trigger genetic mutations that can result in the growth of tumours.

The exposure to asbestos can occur in a variety of ways, including manufacturing, mining, repair or cleaning asbestos-containing products. You may also be exposed at home through washing or wearing asbestos-containing clothing. Some people are more at risk of developing mesothelioma because of their family history of the disease or a predisposition to it due to other factors such as genetics.

Mesothelioma patients can exhibit various symptoms that are often similar to other ailments. It can be difficult for doctors diagnose mesothelioma in its early stages. It is important that people who have been exposed asbestos inform their doctor and request regular checks.

The majority of mesothelioma cases can be traced back to asbestos exposure in the workplace. However, research shows that exposure to asbestos in the environment can also cause mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that asbestos dust can be transported from workplaces to other places in which people live. People who live within 2000 meters of an asbestos mine or cement plant are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Some patients with mesothelioma are diagnosed with asbestosis, a lung disease, prior to the mesothelioma forming. Asbestosis causes thickening of the lung and can make it difficult to breathe. This condition can lead people to need oxygen at home, and they may have to undergo lung surgeries such as a lobectomy.

Additionally, some patients who suffer from mesothelioma receive treatment to treat the symptoms of their cancer. People with mesothelioma may be given drugs to help breathe or participate in clinical trials to test treatments. Mesothelioma is still a fatal disease, but early detection and treatment can improve the chances of survival. Patients who have undergone multiple cycles of chemotherapy and surgery have been able to prolong their lives by up to 10 years.