Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos at work is the main cause of mesothelioma. The exposure to asbestos can happen in shipyards, construction and factories.
asbestos claim fibres that are inhaled become stuck in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. They trigger gene mutations which cause cancer. The signs typically don't show up until 20 to 60 years after exposure.
Symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the location where the tumors are situated in the body and the kind and stage. Pleural mesothelioma is a lung cancer while peritoneal, pericardial, and mesothelioma affecting the stomach and heart. Patients may also experience other symptoms associated with their condition, like weight loss, fatigue and difficulty breathing.
The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma involves a physical examination and a detailed health history. Patients should inform their doctor of any asbestos exposure as well as any unusual symptoms or changes in the body that they have observed. In addition to an examination of the body, doctors will likely order imaging tests to see how the disease is progressing and to rule out other conditions such as pneumonia or lung cancer.
The majority of mesothelioma-related symptoms do not show up until years after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in, swallowed and adhere to the linings of organs such as stomach and lungs. In time the fibers cause inflammation and eventually tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms typically do not appear until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
When mesothelioma-related symptoms start, they can worsen rapidly and affect a patient's overall quality of life. As the cancer progresses patients may become weaker and bed-bound. Many patients with mesothelioma in the late stages of their illness are suffering severe pain.
In addition to the physical exam, doctors inquire about the patient's asbestos exposure as well as mesothelioma risks. A family member with mesothelioma or other types of cancer, smoking cigarettes, or military service can all increase the risk of developing the disease.
Patients with mesothelioma are often at greater risk of developing other forms of cancer, such as lung and breast cancer, because the same asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the tissues of these patients as well. By avoiding
asbestos compensation exposure and maintaining a clean environment at work, the risk can be reduced. Employees should shower and change clothes immediately after leaving work to avoid bringing asbestos legal (
agendaprose4.werite.net wrote)-containing fibers home onto their clothing or skin. People who live near asbestos-exposed workers should also wash and change their clothes prior to entering the house.
Diagnosis
Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that have tiny fibres which are used in many different ways. These fibres can be released into the air or into the lungs of those who use asbestos. In time, these fibres can accumulate and cause lung scarring known as asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is a form that develops in the protective linings (mesothelium) of organs. It most commonly develops in the lining of the chest (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). People with mesothelioma are often exposed to asbestos in the workplace. It takes decades for mesothelioma signs to appear and is a difficult diagnosis.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is to visit an expert doctor and undergo an examination. This can help your doctor recognize the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other diseases. Your doctor may recommend blood tests or imaging scans to test for mesothelioma or detect symptoms of other ailments like lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can aid doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, by identifying pleural effusions or the peritoneal effusion.
These tests can also help doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma, which will determine your treatment options. There are four stages of mesothelioma and each has a different outlook. The stage of your mesothelioma will affect how severe the symptoms are as well as how fast they will progress.
Your doctor can employ a variety of diagnostic tests based on where the mesothelioma occurs. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and is the most frequent mesothelioma form. Doctors can also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma targeting the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, focused on the lining of the heart.
In the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis your doctor will inquire about your exposure to asbestos as well as whether you have any symptoms. The doctor will conduct an examination of your body and look over your medical records. If they suspect mesothelioma they will refer you to a specialist for further scans and tests. Those tests will help to diagnose the type and stage of your mesothelioma as well as revealing how far the cancer has spread.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to
asbestos attorney. Asbestos is a group of minerals that are found in rock and soil. It is extremely strong and can be made into thin weaved fibers that are used in numerous products. It was used in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century before scientists realized its health risks to humans. Exposure to asbestos usually happens when people swallow or inhale the fibers. They adhere to organ linings. In time, the tissue can develop tumors, which can cause symptoms such as coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Symptoms do not usually appear for 10 to 50 years following initial exposure.
Mesothelioma can strike anyone who has been exposed
asbestos, but certain people are at a greater risk. Any asbestos exposure increases your risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes both para- and occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos through their family members 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. About 70 to 80 percent of cases are mesothelioma of the pleural region. It starts in the tissue that covers the lung (pleural msothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma is not as common. It is located in the lining (peritoneum) of the abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma is found in two forms: epithelioid, and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a higher incidence and develops slower than mesothelioma with sarcomatoid features. There is also a rare form of mesothelioma that includes both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is referred to as biphasic mesothelioma.
The type of mesothelioma that you have could aid your doctor in deciding which treatment option to use. Your doctors may suggest chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy to reduce the symptoms and prolong your lifespan. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the type of mesothelioma, the location it is located, and your medical background.
Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence, there are some things you can do to lower the risk. If you've been exposed to asbestos, limit your exposure to asbestos and avoid any areas where it could be present. You should also talk with your doctor regarding any unusual or persistent signs and symptoms that you have.
Recovery
Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocking to discover that exposure to asbestos in the past was the cause. It is even more disturbing the fact that their former employers failed to warn them of the dangers they face in their job or take any steps to protect workers against this toxic material. A mesothelioma lawyer can help these patients find justice by filing an action against the accountable parties.