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Mesothelioma From Asbestos Mesothelioma develops when linings around the organs of the body, such as stomach, lungs reproductive organs and the heart, grow out of control. The majority of cases are due to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that contain microscopic fibers that resist chemical and heat. After exposure, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Early symptoms are often difficult to identify, as they can be similar to other ailments. Exposure Many people in the US are exposed to asbestos at workplaces or at home. The most common exposure happens when asbestos-containing products are used or installed on the job site. Asbestos, which is a fibrous mineral that is naturally occurring is the most frequent kind of exposure. In the United States, it was utilized for its insulation properties for many years in construction and other industries, such as shipbuilding. Asbestos is a very popular material because of its low price and durability. However, it can be hazardous if swallowed or inhaled. When it breaks apart or is agitated tiny fibers can appear suspended in the air and be inhaled by unsuspecting people. Inhaling these fibers can cause mesothelioma in a person. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not be evident for 30 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is absorbed via the lungs and is absorbed in the linings of the chest cavity or abdomen (peritoneum). In time asbestos fibers can lead to the development of tumors, called mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can be linked to a non-cancerous condition known as asbestosis. Miners, asbestos workers and electricians are the most at risk of developing mesothelioma. Other risk factors include smoking and drinking alcohol, which increases the risk of mesothelioma for a person but doesn't cause it. In 1931 the first mesothelioma-related case had been identified. However it wasn't until evidence from a medical professional was discovered that asbestos exposure was linked to the disease. By the 1940s, a link was confirmed and laws were introduced to regulate safety of workers and to ban the use of asbestos. By this time, many people had already died of asbestos-related diseases. The risk of malignant mesothelioma is increased depending on the duration and amount of asbestos exposure. It is therefore important that those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in their home are aware of the degree of exposure they have received and any signs that might occur. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms should consult their doctor immediately. A doctor can help them determine if they are suffering from mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related illness. Signs and symptoms Asbestos is a highly hazardous material and exposure to it can trigger a variety of symptoms. The asbestos fibers can enter the lung and cause scar tissue that is known as plaques in the pleural region. These plaques stiffen lung tissue, making it more difficult to breathe. Over time, these plaques may turn into malignant mesothelioma of the pleural region. Mesothelioma is a cancerous enlargement of mesothelium, which covers the outer surface of many organs is the most well-known mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can also be found in the membrane around the heart (pericardium) and, less commonly the membrane surrounding the testicles. It usually develops 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. It is usually not identified because it is so rare. If you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms, it's important to see a doctor right away particularly when asbestos has been inhaled. Mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions and it can take a long time to diagnose. The earliest mesothelioma symptoms can include shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain difficulty breathing, weight loss and fever, as well as fatigue. Mesothelioma is a common occurrence in people older than 65. The most typical site for mesothelioma to be found in the body is the lungs. It can also be located in the abdomen, and, very rarely in the testicles. The majority of mesothelioma cases are caused by exposure to asbestos fibres or dust, but certain cases have been linked to other minerals like silica and erionite. The most frequently reported mesothelioma symptoms are fatigue and breathlessness, and a dry cough. Fluid build-up in the lungs is a common manifestation. Fluid can also accumulate in the abdomen, causing stomach constipation and weight loss, abdominal pain and nausea. Asbestos can cause a number of other serious health problems such as asbestosis and lung cancer, a non-cancerous scarring of the lungs. It is essential to inform your doctor if ever been exposed to asbestos. This will enable them to determine the best treatment for any new signs. Diagnosis When doctors diagnose mesothelioma, they must also determine its stage. The stage determines the severity of the cancer and allows them to determine how it will respond to treatment. The symptoms of a patient and their work history are the first step in determining if mesothelioma is present. A physical exam may reveal any lumps in the abdomen or chest. The doctor will also take into consideration the health of the patient and family history. This information will help determine the possible reason for the symptoms, which could be asbestos exposure. 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 indications of mesothelioma within the lung, such as pleural plaques (thickened pleura that has calcium deposits) or fluid build up between the lung and the chest wall, which is known as an effusion of the pleura. Other imaging tests that can aid 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 is another test that can be used to detect mesothelioma within the lungs of someone. This involves cutting a small hole within the chest between 2 ribs. A flexible tube with an integrated camera is introduced by the doctor. This can be inserted through the mouth or through the throat using sedation and is connected to a large screen so that the doctor can view images of the area they're looking at. The doctor can use the tube to collect tissue samples (biopsies). Doctors can analyze the biopsies and determine whether they are epithelioid, mixed mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is the most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for 60 to 70 % of all cases. It has a better prognosis when compared to mixed mesothelioma and sarcomatoid. The type of mesothelioma is dependent on the amount of duration that the patient was exposed to asbestos. The long-term exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing sarcomatoid mesothelioma or mixed mesothelioma. This is because the mesothelioma cells are more active than epithelioid mesothelioma. Treatment In some cases mesothelioma tumors can transform into cancerous tumors that invade surrounding tissues or organs. The cancer can also be carried through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body. Cancerous tumors can trigger severe symptoms which can affect a person's life quality. Mesothelioma is usually located in the lining of the chest cavity and abdomen or the heart. It may also occur in the lining of the testicles. Other areas of the body are less susceptible to developing mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can increase a person's risk of developing mesothelioma. The cancer can occur when tiny asbestos fibers enter the body and are inhaled or swallowed through the skin. The resulting irritation causes changes in the body's genetics which can cause cancer. Mesothelioma signs aren't always evident and may take up to 50 years for symptoms to manifest. Because of this, patients with mesothelioma are typically diagnosed after other health issues have been diagnosed. This includes fluid buildup and chest pain, as well as breathing problems. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for 85 percent of all cases. It is often difficult to diagnose pleural cancer because the early symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath are similar to other ailments. Mesothelioma patients are at a higher risk than average of developing cancer in general. They are also more likely to have a family history of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses. People who are exposed to asbestos are at higher risk because they may carry asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Furthermore, mesothelioma sufferers who undergo radiation therapy are at a higher risk since this could cause mutations in the DNA of their cells. Palm Coast asbestos attorneys can be fatal to those who are diagnosed. There is no known cure however patients can use different methods to improve their health and quality of life. The most important thing is to find the right treatment for the individual situation. Depending on their health, fitness and medical background, doctors can help patients choose the most appropriate treatment options.