Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that attacks the linings of organs. It most commonly occurs in the lung (pleura), but can also affect the membrane that covers the abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. Even after asbestos exposure has ended, the risk continues to increase. Symptoms Asbestos is a fire- and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a myriad of commercial and industrial construction materials until the late 1970s. If the material is disturbed small asbestos fibers could be swallowed or inhaled, which can cause cancerous tumors to develop in the mesothelium lining of our organs of the human body. There are four types of mesothelioma with pleural mesothelioma being one of the most frequent. This type of cancer develops when asbestos fibers bind to the lungs, chest cavity (pleura), or stomach and stomach lining (peritoneum). Inhaling the toxins can damage healthy tissues for a long time. The cells damaged by the toxins become cancerous and grow uncontrollably. These cancerous cells can also spread to other parts in the body. This is called metastasis. Cancer begins when the DNA of a cell experiences changes. Mesothelioma begins when healthy cells are exposed to incorrect information regarding their genetic makeup, causing them to grow in uncontrolled ways. The exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, and this is usually found in the workplace. People who have worked in areas where asbestos was used -- such as asbestos contractors, coal miners and shipbuilding workers -- have a high risk of developing the disease. Asbestos may stick to clothing and equipment of workers after they leave a job location. This puts their families at risk. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary based on the type and location, however the majority of symptoms have some common features. These include a persistent cough and breathlessness, chest pain or abdominal pain and fluid buildup in the abdomen or chest. Asbestos-related victims are usually diagnosed with a combination of tests to diagnose the condition, including blood tests and an MRI or CT scan. A lung function test can also be performed to check for abnormalities. A X-ray can reveal swelling of the lungs or fluid in the chest cavity. It takes between 30 and 50 years for mesothelioma to be diagnosed following the first exposure to asbestos. Because of this lengthy latency period the disease is often mistakenly diagnosed as an infection or other health issue that is less severe. This can cause delays in treatment, which can be fatal. Diagnosis The first step in finding out if you have a diagnosis is for your doctor to conduct a medical examination and do a physical exam. This will help them see whether any of the symptoms you're experiencing could be mesothelioma. They might also suggest tests to determine if asbestos mesothelioma impacts your body. Asbestos mesothelioma is most often found in the lung lining, called the pleura. It can also happen in the lining of the heart, known as the pericardium. The stomach's peritoneum lining lining is less likely be affected by mesothelioma. In most cases of mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is at the root of the problem. These tiny fibers were used in many blue collar jobs including construction, shipbuilding, automobile and military work. They can float in the air, and when inhaled or ingested they can cause lung damage over the course of time. This could lead to lung cancer and other illnesses, including mesothelioma. A biopsy is the best method of diagnosing mesothelioma. This involves taking a small sample of the affected tissue and sending it to a lab for testing. Mesothelioma may look similar to other cancers and be difficult to diagnose. A mesothelioma specialist can give the most accurate diagnose. Another test that can be helpful for diagnosing mesothelioma is an X-ray. These tests produce images of the insides of the body to show how well your lungs are functioning. They can also identify other problems, such as fluid buildup (pleural effusion) or a mass on the chest wall. Your doctor may also suggest the use of a CT scan or an MRI. These tests make use of radio waves and a massive magnet to create detailed images of soft tissues like those in the abdomen or lungs. A CT scan can also reveal the extent of the mesothelioma found in the lungs and other parts of the body. Your doctor may also suggest the PET scan. This test gives you a small amount of a radioactive substance and takes pictures of your body to discover how your cells are utilizing the oxygen they need. Cancerous cells appear more brightly on these images than normal tissue, making them more difficult to recognize. Treatment The mesothelioma tumor affects the lining or mesothelium of the organs and tissues of the body. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. The disease can be spread to other parts via the blood or lymphatic system. The disease may cause symptoms that differ based on the stage and location of mesothelioma. Symptoms of mesothelioma can take between 20 and 50 years after exposure to be evident and may not show until late in life. It can be difficult for doctors to identify the condition since many of the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. The severity of mesothelioma will be determined by an X-ray, CT scan or other imaging tests. A biopsy will be required to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. There are three types of malignant mesothelioma. The most well-known type, pleural, occurs in the lung linings or the chest wall. The abdominal cavity's lining is affected by the second most common form, peritoneal msothelioma. The third, less popular, form of mesothelioma occurs in the lining around the testicles, referred to as the tunica vaginalis. Although the reason for mesothelioma's occurrence is not known however, it is believed that asbestos fibers may be the main cause. Asbestos fibers can get into the smallest of airways, causing irritation to the lining in the lungs. This irritation can result in the formation of abnormal cells, which eventually transform into mesothelioma. Certain people are at a greater risk than others of developing mesothelioma. Those who have been employed in industries where there was significant exposure to asbestos are more likely to develop the disease than those who did not work with the substance. This includes shipbuilding, construction manufacturing, asbestos removal, and veterans' industries. The people who are exposed to asbestos in the environment like asbestos found in soil or rocks, are also at risk of developing mesothelioma. There is no limit to asbestos exposure, however short or indirect exposures to asbestos are less likely than exposures over a longer period to asbestos to cause mesothelioma. Those diagnosed with mesothelioma should inform their doctor about any previous exposure to asbestos. An asbestos-related history could increase the odds of receiving a diagnosis that is accurate. Prognosis The prognosis of mesothelioma is dependent on a variety of factors, including the type of cancer and the stage of the disease. The doctors are better able to treat mesothelioma when it is discovered in its earliest stages and before the cancer has spread. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the linings of organs in the abdomen and chest. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing this asbestos-related disease. Symptoms typically don't appear until decades after exposure. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma in the peritoneal linings in the stomach as well as the pleural linings of lungs or pericardial linings of the heart. Certain kinds of asbestos are believed to be carcinogenic. those who work in certain industries are at risk of being exposed. Asbestos is one of the minerals with microscopic, thin fibers. It was used extensively in the construction industry, and as a part of shipbuilding, automobile repair, and other industrial processes. When it was extracted and processed, these tiny fibers were released into the air and could be inhaled. Inhaling them, they cause irritation, scarring and cell damage. Once in mesothelioma asbestos , the fibers can form in the mesothelium and trigger an abnormal growth that can lead to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of cell and the aggressiveness. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can develop between 15 and 50 years later. This is because the mesothelium is a protective covering that can take time to respond to asbestos. The people most likely to develop mesothelioma are people who worked in high-risk sectors such as shipbuilding, construction auto repair, power plant work. People who have health insurance are more likely to receive treatment that extends the life of mesothelioma, and thus have a better outlook than those who don't have access to such treatment. Other factors that may improve the prognosis of mesothelioma include overall health, smoking habits as well as gender and whether or not a patient has children. The Free Mesothelioma Guide contains more information about these factors and other factors that are specific to patients.
mesothelioma asbestos
