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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Asbestos exposure at work is the most significant reason for mesothelioma. Exposure can be seen in factories, shipyards, mining sites and construction. Asbestos fibres inhaled get trapped in the lining (pleura) of the lungs and cause gene mutations that result in cancer. Symptoms typically don't appear until 20 to 60 years after exposure. Symptoms The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the location where the tumors are situated in the body and also on the kind and stage. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs while peritoneal, pericardial, and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region affect the heart and stomach. Patients may also experience symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and difficulty breathing. A physical examination and thorough health history are among the first steps in diagnosing mesothelioma. Patients should inform their doctor of any asbestos exposure as well as any unusual symptoms or changes in their body that they have noticed. Doctors may also prescribe imaging tests in addition to a physical examination to determine the severity of the disease and rule out any other diseases like lung cancer or pneumonia. Often, mesothelioma symptoms don't manifest until decades after exposure asbestos. Asbestos fibers are inhaled, swallowed and adhere to the linings of organs such as the lungs and stomach. Over time, these fibers cause inflammation and eventually tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms usually are not evident until cancer has spread to other areas of the body. As soon as mesothelioma begins to show signs, it quickly progress and can negatively impact a patient's life quality. Patients can become weak and bed-bound when the cancer progresses. Many mesothelioma patients in the final stages of their disease are in extreme pain. In addition to the physical exam, doctors inquire about the patient's asbestos exposure and mesothelioma risk. A family member who had mesothelioma, or any other type of cancer, smoking cigarettes or military service can all increase the risk of developing the disease. Patients with mesothelioma are often at greater chance of developing other types of cancer, including breast and lung cancers due to the fact that asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the tissues of these patients as well. By avoiding asbestos exposure and maintaining a clean environment at work, the risk can be reduced. For instance, employees must change their clothes prior to leaving work and shower immediately after work to avoid bringing home any asbestos fibers on their skin or clothing. Those who live near asbestos-exposed workers must shower and change their clothes prior to entering the house. Diagnosis Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals containing tiny fibres that are utilized in many different ways. People who use asbestos may release these fibres into the air and into the lungs of others around them. Over time, these fibers may build up and cause lung scarring known as asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer, develops in the protective linings (mesothelium) of organs. It is most prevalent in the chest lining (pleura), or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is frequently a factor in mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can take decades to be diagnosed, which makes it difficult to determine the cause. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma begins with a visit to the doctor and a physical exam. This can help your doctor recognize the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other diseases. Your doctor can also order blood tests and imaging scans to check for mesothelioma, or to detect symptoms of other illnesses like lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can assist doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, by identifying pleural effusions or peritoneal effusion. These tests will help doctors determine your stage of mesothelioma and determine your treatment options. There are four mesothelioma stages, and each one has a different outlook. The stage of mesothelioma determines how severe your symptoms are and how fast they will progress. Depending on the site of your mesothelioma doctor may recommend different diagnostic tests. Pleural mesothelioma is a lung cancer and is the most prevalent mesothelioma form. Doctors can also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma that targets the lining of your abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, specifically targeting the lining of the heart. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor will ask about your exposure to asbestos and whether you experience any symptoms. The doctor will conduct a physical examination and look over your medical documents. If they suspect mesothelioma, they will refer you to a specialist for further tests and scans. memphis asbestos attorney will help diagnose the type and stage of your cancer, as well as how far it has taken over. Treatment The exposure to asbestos is the most common mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos can be found in rocks and soil. It is extremely durable and can be made into fine, woven fibers that are used in many products. In the United States, asbestos was used in construction materials and insulation in the 20th century, before scientists discovered its dangers. Asbestos is most often exposed when people breathe or swallow the fibers. They cling to organ linings. As time passes, the organ's tissue may develop tumors that cause symptoms like chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. The symptoms are not typically evident for 10-50 years after initial exposure. Mesothelioma is a possibility for anyone who has been exposed to asbestos, but certain people are at a greater risk. Mesothelioma can be triggered by any type of asbestos exposure that includes para- and occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos by their relatives are also at a higher risk. If you or someone in your family has mesothelioma or asbestosis, you should speak to an expert about your asbestos family history. Different types of mesothelioma are found in different parts of the body. Around 70 to 80 percent of cases are mesothelioma of the pleural region. It starts in the tissue that covers each lung (pleural msothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma occurs less frequently. It is located in the lining (peritoneum) of the abdomen. There are two different kinds of malignant mesothelioma: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is more common and is more prone to growth than sarcomatoid mesothelioma. There is a very rare mesothelioma type that has both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is known as biphasic sarcomatoid mesothelio. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment for you based upon the type of mesothelioma. Your doctors may suggest surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy to lessen the symptoms and prolong your lifespan. The type of mesothelioma you have, the location and your medical history will determine the type of treatment you receive. Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence however, there are a few things you can do to lower your risk. If you've been exposed to asbestos in the past, you should try to reduce your exposure and stay clear from any area that may have it. You should also speak with your doctor about any unusual or persistent signs and symptoms you experience. Recovery Many mesothelioma patients are shocked to learn that asbestos exposure in the past is the cause. More troubling is the fact that their former employers failed to warn them of the dangers associated with their work or take any steps to protect workers against asbestos's harmful material. A mesothelioma attorney can help these patients seek justice by filing a suit against the parties responsible. Mesothelioma, a cancer, is located in the tissues that cover the organs of the body, such as the lungs and stomach. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a family of minerals that make long thin fibers that are durable and fire resistant. Asbestos was used extensively in buildings, automobile parts and other items before scientists discovered its health hazards in the 20th century. Mesothelioma is a common occurrence in people who have worked on asbestos-containing projects. Construction workers, shipyard workers insulation workers, as well as asbestos elimination specialists are all at risk. Asbestos fibers clung to personal items, clothing and even the bodies of workers. This could expose their families to mesothelioma. The most common form of this cancer is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs, and the symptoms typically begin in the chest, like the coughing up of blood or an accumulation of fluid around the lungs. It can also impact the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma depend on various factors which include the amount of time they were exposed to asbestos as well as their gender. Men are more susceptible to this disease than women. Age is another factor. Family history is also a risk factor, as certain asbestos-related illnesses have been linked to certain genes. Mesothelioma is more frequent in people who have had radiation to their chest or have a parent or a sibling with the disease. The majority of mesothelioma patients are older than 60 years old.