Mesothelioma Asbestos Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that grows in the thin lining that surrounds internal organs. It is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos fibres which were employed in building materials and navy shipbuilding prior to the ban. There are 2 main types of mesothelioma - epithelioid and sarcomatoid. The latter is less responsive to treatment and accounts for 10% to 15 percent of diagnoses. Risk Factors A risk factor is any thing that increases the risk of developing a particular disease. For example, smoking is an important risk factor for lung cancer. Mesothelioma is not an exception. Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, however other factors can increase your chance of developing asbestos-related cancer, too. People who worked directly with asbestos in the workplace are more at risk for mesothelioma developing. This includes miners who handled raw asbestos and construction workers who removed or repaired asbestos in older buildings or used products containing it, such as insulation, pipes or glues as well as tiles. Emergency workers, firefighters and others could also be exposed to asbestos when renovating or responding to disasters. Living or working close to asbestos sites and exposing themselves to smoke from secondhand sources are also a risk. People who have been exposed to asbestos can carry particles of asbestos home on their clothes which can put family members at risk of getting sick from mesothelioma. Showering and changing clothes before leaving work can help reduce the risk. Researchers have also found that those who live near or work in proximity to an asbestos plant are more at risk of developing mesothelioma. In a study of residents living in Broni and Casale Monferrato, Italy, the distance between their homes and an asbestos cement plant was a reliable indicator of mesothelioma risk. Mesothelioma typically develops 15-40 years after exposure to asbestos. It is more common among men than women, and it becomes more severe as you get older. A family history of the disease increases the risk. Mesothelioma also occurs more frequently in those with genetic mutations that make their cells more vulnerable to asbestos. Other potential risk factors for mesothelioma include minerals as well as radiation and a virus. Minerals such as erionite, found in Turkey, and fluroedenite, found in Italy have been linked to disease. A virus known as SV40 that caused contamination of a variety of polio vaccinations in 1950s and 1960s has also been connected to the mesothelioma. Experts aren't sure what potential risks could contribute to mesothelioma. It's important that you discuss your risk factors with your physician. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma, a tumor that is cancerous starts in mesothelial (lining) cells that line the majority of the internal organs. The cells also form a protective layer known as the mesothelium. It is most commonly found in the chest's lining (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum), but may be found in the lining of the heart or the testicles. Asbestos is a grouping of minerals that naturally occur and creates fine, long fibers. These fibers are heat resistant and tough. asbestos illness mesothelioma were used to make a variety consumer products, auto parts and building materials before scientists realized how harmful they can be. Exposure to asbestos most commonly occurs during the processing and mining of the mineral. During this process, the fibers are released into the air. The asbestos particles can be inhaled or ingested, and can eventually cause mutations in the genes that cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may manifest between 20 to 60 years after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are fatigue, breathing problems and chest pain and abdomen, as well as weight loss. Other symptoms include fevers, coughing, hoarse voices, and swelling of the arms or neck. The symptoms of mesothelioma can mimic those of other conditions. This can cause misdiagnosis or delay in treatment. Consult a doctor If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially in the event that you've been exposed to asbestos in the past. There are tests that can be performed to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis including CT scans, PET scans and biopsies. Doctors can also request MRI and ultrasound tests to evaluate the presence of fluid or tumors in the body. These imaging technologies can help doctors determine if mesothelioma is advanced and if symptoms get worse or develop new ones. Diagnosis The long period of latency between asbestos exposure and the development mesothelioma is a challenge to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other illnesses that are more common. The symptoms may vary from patient to patient. The disease may affect the lungs, tummy and heart (peritoneal pericardial mesothelioma), or testicles and heart (pericardial pericardial mesothelioma). If a patient is experiencing symptoms, they should consult an experienced doctor as soon as they can. The doctor will inquire about the symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination. They will use a Stethoscope listen to the lungs and the heart. They will be able to identify any abnormalities or lumps. They will also look for any fluid buildup in the chest or abdomen that could indicate mesothelioma. The doctor may order imaging tests, like X-rays or CT scans. These scans can reveal symptoms like a buildup within the chest or abdomen and evidence that asbestos has been exposed in the past, such as deposits of calcium in the lungs, also known as the pleural plates. A CT scan can also determine if the cancer has expanded to other organs. In certain cases there are instances where a specific test known as a PET scan (positron emission tomography) can be performed. This tests uses a special dye to highlight the part of the body that is affected by mesothelioma. It can also be used to determine whether the mesothelioma cancer has spread from one area of the body to another. To confirm a mesothelioma diagnose, the doctor must take a sample of tissue from the affected area. The sample will be examined by a pathologist, a specialist in the interpretation of laboratory tests and examining tissues and organs to identify diseases. A biopsy can be performed using a needle or other invasive techniques like video-assisted surgery such as CT-guided needle biopsy, or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgeries. A biopsy is the only way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. VATS, a type of keyhole surgery that relies on a CT-guided biopsy, is one way to take a pleural mesothelioma biopsis. For pericardial or peritoneal cancers, less invasive surgical biopsy methods are available. However these tests aren't as reliable because mesothelioma in these regions is less common. Treatment Mesothelioma patients must consult specialists in this disease. Mesothelioma is a cancerous disease that affects the thin membranes that surround organs and tissues, is caused by asbestos fibers. Exposure to asbestos fibers triggers chronic inflammation that causes DNA damage and triggers the growth of mesothelioma tumours. The majority of patients develop this disease after prolonged exposure to toxic products and materials. This condition is found in a variety of places in the body including the stomach, lungs and heart. People who are exposed to asbestos while at work often include construction workers, firefighters, industrial workers, and military veterans. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. The disease has a long latency period, and symptoms can be misinterpreted as flu-like illness. The symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath and fluid buildup in the chest or abdomen. A variety of tests can be used to identify the condition. Imaging scans such as X-rays CT scans and MRIs can aid in the identification of mesothelioma. They can also perform biopsies and blood tests to determine if the abnormalities are caused by asbestos. Biopsies involve inserting a needle in the affected area and removing a small amount of tissue to be tested under a microscope. The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be difficult because the disease is comparatively uncommon and doctors may not have experience with it. The results of the tests are not always conclusive and it can take a while to collect the appropriate biopsy samples. Although there isn't a cure for Mesothelioma, active treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prolong the life. Mesothelioma treatments typically include chemotherapy surgery, radiation, or surgery, or the combination of these methods. Patients should discuss their treatment goals with their doctor. Some patients choose to undergo aggressive treatment in the hopes that it will improve their quality of life and longevity some prefer non-invasive treatments to ease symptoms and improve their comfort. Patients should also think about the impact that mesothelioma could affect their family and friends as well as financial stability and their future. A patient's family could, for instance, require a leave of absence from work to care or treat the patient. They may also have to file a lawsuit in order to get compensation.
asbestos illness mesothelioma
