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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Asbestos exposure at work is the main cause of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can occur in shipyards, construction sites and factories. Asbestos fibers inhaled are trapped in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. They cause gene mutations that cause cancer. Symptoms typically don't appear until 20 to 60 years after exposure. Signs and symptoms The symptoms of mesothelioma differ according to 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 stomach and heart. Patients may also experience other symptoms associated with their condition, including weight loss, fatigue and breathing problems. The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is to conduct a physical exam and a detailed health history. Patients should inform their doctor of any asbestos exposure or unusual symptoms or changes in their body that they have noticed. Doctors will also order imaging tests in addition to a physical exam to determine the progress of the disease and rule out other conditions such as lung cancer or pneumonia. The majority of mesothelioma-related symptoms don't show up until years after exposure to asbestos. This is because stray asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and then cling to the organs' linings, such as the lungs or stomach. As time passes the fibers cause inflammation and lead to tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are usually not apparent. manifest until the cancer has spread to other parts of the. When mesothelioma starts to show symptoms, they quickly progress and can negatively impact the quality of life of a patient. As honolulu asbestos lawsuit spreads and patients weaken, they can become and bed-bound. Many mesothelioma patients in the last stages of their illness are suffering intense pain. In addition to the physical exam, doctors ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos as well as mesothelioma risks. A history of a family member with mesothelioma or other types of cancer, smoking cigarettes, or military service can all increase a person's risk of developing the disease. The asbestos fibers that can irritate the tissues of patients suffering from mesothelioma may also cause irritation to the tissues of patients suffering from breast cancer or lung cancer. These risks can be reduced by avoiding exposure to asbestos and practicing good hygiene in the workplace. Employees should shower and change clothes immediately after leaving work to avoid bringing asbestos-containing fibers home on their clothing or skin. Those 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 containing tiny fibres that are utilized in many different ways. These fibres can be released into the air or into the lungs of those who use asbestos. Over time these fibres may build up and cause scarring of the lungs called asbestosis. It can also cause cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows within the protective linings of organs, referred to as mesothelium. It is most often found in the lining of the chest (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is frequently a factor in mesothelioma. It takes decades for mesothelioma signs to appear making diagnosis difficult. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is to visit the doctor and a physical exam. This can help your physician understand the symptoms that you are experiencing and rule out any other diseases. Your doctor may also order scans of your blood and imaging to look for mesothelioma or to identify symptoms of other illnesses like lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can aid doctors identify mesothelioma by identifying pleural effusions or the peritoneal effusion. These tests can also help doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma which determines the treatment options you have. There are four mesothelioma stages, and each one has a different outlook. The stage of mesothelioma determines how severe your symptoms are and how quickly they progress. Depending on the location of your mesothelioma, your doctor may recommend different diagnostic tests. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs and is the most frequent mesothelioma type. Doctors can also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, which targets the lining of the abdomen or pericardial mesothelioma specifically targeting the lining of the heart. During a diagnosis of mesothelioma your doctor will inquire with you about your exposure to asbestos and if you exhibit any symptoms. They will then conduct an examination and review your medical history. If they suspect that mesothelioma has developed, they will refer you to a specialist who will perform further tests and scans. These tests can help determine the type and stage of your cancer and also the extent to which it has taken over. Treatment The exposure to asbestos is the most common mesothelioma-related cause. 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 many products. In the United States, asbestos was utilized for construction materials and insulation in the 20th century before scientists discovered its dangers. Exposure to asbestos usually happens when people swallow or inhale the fibers. They cling to the lining of organs. Over time, the tissue can develop tumors, which can cause symptoms like coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. The symptoms are not typically evident for 10-50 years after the initial exposure. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma, but some people are more susceptible than others. Mesothelioma can result from any type of asbestos exposure that includes para- and occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos by their parents are at 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 can occur in different parts of the body. Around 70 to 80 percent of cases are pleural mesothelioma. It begins in the layers of tissue that line every lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma is not as common. It occurs in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum). There are two kinds of mesothelioma that are malignant that are epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is more common and is more prone to growth than mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. There is also a very rare mesothelioma which has both epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid cells. It is known as biphasic mesothelioma. The type of mesothelioma that you have could help your doctors decide what treatment to give you. Your doctors may suggest surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy to ease your symptoms and prolong your life. The kind of treatment you are offered will depend on the type of mesothelioma you have, the location where it is located, as well as your medical history. Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases however, there are a few ways you can reduce your risk. If you've been exposed to asbestos in the past, try to limit your exposure and stay away from any area that may contain it. It is also advisable to talk to your doctor regarding any unusual or persistent symptoms you may be experiencing. Recovery Many patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocked to learn that their asbestos exposure is the main cause. More troubling is the fact that their former employers did not inform them of the dangers associated with their work or take any steps to safeguard workers against asbestos, a toxic substance. A mesothelioma lawyer could help the patients seek justice by filing an action against the accountable parties. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the tissues that cover organs in the body, like the stomach and lungs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos which is a group of minerals that make long thin fibers that are strong and fire resistant. Asbestos was used extensively in automobile parts, buildings and other products before scientists discovered its health hazards in the 20th century. People who worked on projects that involved asbestos are more likely to develop mesothelioma. Shipyard workers, construction workers insulation workers, and asbestos specialists are all at risk. Asbestos also adhered to clothing and other personal items, and workers brought asbestos fibers home with them on their bodies, exposing their families to mesothelioma as well. Pleural mesothelioma, or pleural mesotheli frequent type of cancer. It affects the lining of the lungs, and the symptoms typically begin in the chest, like coughing up blood or an accumulation of fluid around the lungs. It may also affect the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). The amount of asbestos exposure and gender are two factors that affect a person's chance of developing mesothelioma. Men are more susceptible to the disease than women. Age is another factor. Family history is also as a risk factor since certain asbestos-related illnesses have been linked to specific genes. Patients who have had radiation to the chest are at greater risk for mesothelioma, as are those with a family member diagnosed with this illness. The majority of mesothelioma cases happen for those over 60 years old.