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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Exposure to asbestos at work is the main reason for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can occur in shipyards, construction and factories. Asbestos fibres inhaled get trapped in the lining (pleura) of the lungs and cause gene mutations that cause cancer. The symptoms typically don't appear until 20 to 60 years after exposure. Symptoms The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where the tumors are located in the body, as well as the kind and stage. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs and pericardial, peritoneal and mesothelioma affecting the heart and stomach. Patients may also experience other symptoms related to their condition, like weight loss, fatigue and breathing problems. A physical examination and a thorough health history are among the first steps to determine if you have mesothelioma. Patients should inform their doctor of any asbestos exposure as well as any unusual symptoms or changes in their body that they have observed. In addition to an examination of the body doctors may also request imaging tests to determine how the disease is progressing and also to rule out other conditions such as pneumonia or lung cancer. Mesothelioma is often not diagnosed until years after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, and they can adhere to the linings of organs such as stomach and lungs. These fibers can cause inflammation, which leads to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't manifest until cancer has spread to other areas of the body. When mesothelioma starts to show symptoms, they quickly progress and can negatively impact a patient's life quality. Patients may become weak and bed-bound when the cancer grows. As a result, many mesothelioma patients in late stage suffer severe pain towards the end of their lives. In addition to a physical exam doctors will also inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma risk factors. A history of a family member who had mesothelioma or another type of cancer, smoking cigarettes, or military service can all increase the likelihood of developing the disease. The asbestos fibers that cause irritation to the tissues of patients with mesothelioma may also cause irritation to the tissues of patients with breast cancer or lung cancer. By avoiding asbestos exposure and maintaining a healthy hygiene at work, the risk can be minimized. Employees must shower and change their clothes immediately after leaving the office to avoid bringing asbestos fibers home onto their clothing or skin. Anyone who lives near asbestos-exposed workers must wash and change their clothes prior to entering the house. Diagnosis Asbestos is a grouping of minerals that occur naturally and have tiny fibres. It can be used in various ways. These fibres are released into the air or into the lungs of those who use asbestos. As time passes the fibres accumulate and cause scarring of the lungs called asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the protective linings of organs called mesothelium. It is most prevalent in the linings of the chest (pleura), or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is often a factor in mesothelioma. It takes decades for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest, which makes diagnosis difficult. The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is to visit the doctor and a physical exam. This will help your doctor understand the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other diseases. Your doctor might order blood tests or imaging scans to check for mesothelioma, or to identify symptoms from other conditions like lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans are a way to diagnose mesothelioma. These scans can reveal the presence of peritoneal or pleural fluid. These tests can also assist doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma which determines the treatment options you have. There are four stages of mesothelioma and each has a different prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma determines how severe the symptoms are and how fast they will progress. Your doctor may use a variety of diagnostic tests depending on where the mesothelioma occurs. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and is the most common form of mesothelioma. Doctors may diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as well, that targets the lining of your abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, targeted at the lining of the heart. In the event of a diagnosis of mesothelioma, your doctor will ask you about your exposure to asbestos and whether you experience any symptoms. They will then conduct a physical exam and review your medical background. If they suspect that mesothelioma is present, they will refer to a specialist who will perform additional tests and scans. These tests will help diagnose the type and the stage of your cancer and also the extent to which it has been able to spread. Treatment Mesothelioma is most often caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is found in rocks and soil. It is extremely strong and can be made into fine weaved fibers which are used in numerous products. In the United States, asbestos was used for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century, before scientists discovered the dangers of asbestos. pontiac asbestos attorney is usually exposed when people inhale, or swallow the fibers. They are then bonded to the linings of organs. Over time, the tissue can develop tumors that cause symptoms such as coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 10 to 50 years after the initial exposure. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma. However, some people are more susceptible than others. Mesothelioma can result from any asbestos exposure that includes para- and occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos by their family members are also at a higher risk. If someone in your family has mesothelioma or asbestosis, you should speak to a doctor about your asbestos background. Different types of mesothelioma occur in different parts of the body. Around 70 to 80 percent of cases are mesothelioma of the pleural region. It begins in the tissues that cover each lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma appears less often. It is found in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). Malignant mesothelioma is found in two forms: epithelioid, and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more frequent than sarcomatoid and grows slower. There is also a very rare mesothelioma type that has both epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid cells. It is known as biphasic mesothelioma. The type of mesothelioma you have can aid your doctor in deciding what treatment to give you. Your doctors may recommend chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy to ease your symptoms and prolong your life span. The type of mesothelioma that you have, its location and your medical history will determine the type of treatment you will receive. There are ways to decrease your risk, even though mesothelioma is a rare cancer. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you should limit your exposure to it and avoid any places where it may be present. You should also speak to your doctor about any unusual or persistent signs and symptoms you experience. Recovery Many mesothelioma patients are shocked to discover that asbestos exposure in the past is the main cause. They may be more irritated to learn that their former employers didn't warn them about the risks of their work or take any precautions to protect workers from this toxic material. A mesothelioma lawyer can help the patients seek justice by filing an action against the accountable parties. Mesothelioma, a cancer, is located in the tissues that cover organs in the body, including the lungs and stomach. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos which is a group of minerals that create long thin fibers that are tough and fire-resistant. Before scientists realized its health hazards asbestos was used extensively in building materials, automobile parts, and other products. People who were involved in projects that required asbestos are more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes construction workers, shipyard employees, insulation workers, asbestos abatement technicians and other laborers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos also clung to clothing and other personal items, and workers carried these fibers home with them on their bodies, exposing their family members to mesothelioma as well. The most prevalent form of this cancer is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the linings of the lungs and usually starts in the chest. The symptoms include the coughing up of blood, or fluid buildup around the lung. It can also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart. A person's chances of developing mesothelioma are affected by many factors such as the duration they were exposed to asbestos and their gender. Men are more likely to get this condition than women, and the person's age is another factor. Family history is also an important risk factor, since certain asbestos-related illnesses have been linked to certain genes. Patients who have had radiation to the chest are at greater risk for mesothelioma, as are those who have a family member who has been diagnosed with the disease. Most mesothelioma sufferers are older than 60 years.