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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Asbestos exposure at work is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can occur in construction, shipyards and factories. As asbestos fibres are inhaled, they get caught in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and cause gene mutations that can cause cancer. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 20 to 60 years after exposure. Signs and symptoms The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the location where the tumors are located in the body and the stage and type. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs while peritoneal, pericardial, and mesothelioma affecting the stomach and the heart. Patients may also experience additional symptoms that are associated with their condition, such as weight loss, fatigue and breathing problems. A physical exam and a detailed health history are the first steps in diagnosing mesothelioma. Patients should inform their doctor about any previous exposure to asbestos and report any unusual symptoms or body changes they've observed. In addition to performing physical examinations, doctors will likely request imaging tests to determine how the disease is progressing and to rule out other ailments like lung cancer or pneumonia. Mesothelioma may not be diagnosed until years after asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in swallowed, absorbed and stick to the organ linings, such as stomach and lungs. In time these fibers can cause inflammation and can lead to tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are usually not apparent. show up until the cancer has spread to other parts. When mesothelioma starts to show signs, it quickly progress and can negatively impact the quality of life of a patient. Patients may be weak and bed-bound as their cancer progresses. Many patients suffering from mesothelioma at the last stages of their disease experience extreme pain. In the course of a physical exam, doctors will ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma risk factors. A history of a family member with mesothelioma, or any other type of cancer, smoking cigarettes or military service can all increase a person's likelihood of developing the disease. The same asbestos fibers that can irritate the tissues of patients suffering from mesothelioma also can irritate the tissues of patients suffering from breast cancer or lung cancer. By avoiding exposure to asbestos and maintaining a clean environment at work, these risks can be reduced. For instance, employees should change their clothes prior to leaving for work and shower immediately after work to prevent bringing home any asbestos fibers on their clothing or skin. Anyone who lives near asbestos-exposed workers must shower and change their clothes prior to entering the home. Diagnosis Asbestos is made up of an assortment of minerals that occur naturally and are made up of tiny fibres. It can be used in various ways. These fibres are released into the air or the lungs of people who use asbestos. Over time, these fibres can build up and cause scarring in the lungs, a condition known as asbestosis. It could also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, grows in the protective linings (mesothelium) of organs. It is most commonly found in the chest lining (pleura), or abdomen (peritoneum). People with mesothelioma are often exposed to asbestos in the workplace. It can take decades for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest and is a difficult diagnosis. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is visiting your doctor and have a physical exam. This will help your doctor understand the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other diseases. Your doctor can also order imaging scans and blood tests to look for mesothelioma or to detect symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These scans can reveal the presence of peritoneal or pleural fluid. These tests can aid doctors in determining your stage of mesothelioma and determine your treatment options. Each mesothelioma stage has a different prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma will affect how severe the symptoms are and the speed at which they progress. Your doctor may use a variety of diagnostic tests based on where the mesothelioma occurs. The most frequent mesothelioma type is mesothelioma that affects the lung. Doctors can diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as well, targeting the lining of the abdomen or pericardial mesothelioma targeted at the lining of the heart. In the event of a diagnosis of mesothelioma the doctor will ask you about your asbestos exposure and whether you experience any symptoms. They will then conduct physical examination and review your medical history. If they suspect mesothelioma is present, they will refer to a specialist who can perform additional tests and scans. These tests will help diagnose the type and the stage of your cancer as well as how far it has taken over. Treatment Exposure to asbestos is the most frequent mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is found in soil and rock. It is a very strong mineral that can be turned into thin woven fibers for many different products. In the United States, asbestos was used for construction materials and insulation in the 20th century before scientists discovered its dangers. The exposure to asbestos typically occurs when people swallow or inhale the fibers. They adhere to the organ's lining. In time, the tissue can develop tumors, causing symptoms such as chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Symptoms do not usually appear for 10-50 years after initial exposure. Mesothelioma can affect those who have been exposed to asbestos, but certain people are more at risk. You can get mesothelioma from any type of asbestos exposure, including occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are also at a higher risk. You should tell your doctor if someone in your family is diagnosed with mesothelioma. Different types of mesothelioma occur in different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent type, and affects about 70 to 80% of all cases. It starts in the tissue that covers each lung (pleural msothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common. It occurs in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). Malignant mesothelioma comes in two forms of epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common and develops slower than sarcomatoid mesothelioma. There is also a very rare mesothelioma type that includes both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is called biphasic Mesothelioma. Your doctor will decide the most appropriate treatment for you based on your type of mesothelioma. Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery to relieve your symptoms and prolong your life span. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the type of mesothelioma, the location where it is located, as well as your medical background. Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases however, there are a few ways you can lower your risk. If you've been exposed to asbestos, you should limit your exposure to asbestos and avoid any areas where it could be present. Consult your physician for any unusual or persistent symptoms. Recovery Many people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma find it shocking to learn that asbestos exposure in the past is the cause. It is even more disturbing the fact that their former employers did not inform them of the dangers they face in their job or take any steps to safeguard workers against asbestos, a toxic substance. A mesothelioma attorney can help these patients seek justice by filing a suit against the parties responsible. Mesothelioma is a cancer that forms in the tissues that line the body's organs, including the lungs, stomach and the heart. The most significant reason for this is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a class of minerals that forms long, thin fibers which are strong and resistant to fire. Before scientists discovered its dangers to health asbestos was extensively used in the manufacture of building materials, automobile parts and other products. People who worked on projects that involved asbestos are the most 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 fibers stick to personal items, clothing and even the bodies of workers. This can expose their families to mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent form of this cancer. It affects the linings of the lungs, and typically begins in the chest. Symptoms include the coughing up of blood, or fluid buildup around the lungs. It can also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma is affected by many factors such as the amount of time they've been exposed to asbestos, as well as their gender. frisco asbestos attorneys are more likely to contract this condition than women, and the person's age is a significant factor. Family history is also considered an important risk factor, since certain asbestos-related illnesses have been linked to certain genes. Mesothelioma is more prevalent for those who have had chest radiation or have a family member with the disease. Most mesothelioma patients are older than 60.