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Mesothelioma From Asbestos Mesothelioma develops when linings around the organs of the body, such as the stomach, lungs, reproductive organs and the heart, expand beyond their limits. The majority of cases are related to asbestos, a class of minerals that contain microscopic fibers that resist heat and chemicals. It can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure. It is often difficult to recognize because the initial signs are similar to those seen in other ailments. Exposure In the US asbestos is a widely used substance found in homes as well as workplaces. The most common type of exposure is from handling asbestos-containing materials or installing them on a job site. Asbestos, a fibrous mineral that is found naturally is the most well-known kind of exposure. In the United States, it was utilized for its insulation properties for decades in construction and other industries like shipbuilding. Asbestos was a popular product because of its durability and low price. However, it can be risky if swallowed or breathed in. If it breaks up or is disturbed tiny fibers can be floating in the air and can be easily inhaled by unwary people. Inhaling these fibers could lead to mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma might not be evident for 30 to 50 years following initial exposure to asbestos. When asbestos is breathed in, it gets absorbed into the lining of the chest cavity (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). These fibers can cause tumors known as mesothelioma in the course of time. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer, is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is also linked with asbestosis, a non-cancerous condition. The people who are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma are asbestos workers, miners, electricians insulation workers, construction workers, and military veterans. Smoking is a risk factor, however it doesn't cause mesothelioma. In 1931 the first case of mesothelioma had been reported. However it wasn't until evidence from a medical professional was collected that asbestos exposure was associated with the disease. In the 1940s, a connection between asbestos and mesothelioma was established. The law was made to regulate safety of workers and the majority of asbestos-related products were prohibited. Unfortunately, by this time, many had already suffered asbestos-related illnesses and died. The risk of malignant melanoma increases with the duration and amount of exposure to asbestos. This is why it is essential for those who have had occupational or residential exposure to asbestos to know their level of exposure and any potential symptoms. Those who are experiencing symptoms should seek out a physician immediately. A doctor can determine if a patient is suffering from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness. Symptoms Asbestos can cause many symptoms. Asbestos fibers can get into the lung and cause scar tissue known as pleural plaques. These plaques can stiffen the lung and make it more difficult to breathe. In time the plaques could transform into malignant pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, a cancerous growth of the mesothelium that covers the exterior of a variety of organs is the most well-known mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can also be found in the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) and, less commonly the membrane surrounding the testicles. It typically develops 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos, and is rarely diagnosed due to the fact that it is so uncommon. It is important to see a doctor as soon as you can if you're experiencing any unusual or persistent signs and symptoms, particularly if you have been exposed to asbestos. Symptoms of mesothelioma can resemble those of other conditions and it can take a long time to diagnose. Breathing problems or chest pain and bloody coughing, weight loss, difficulty in breathing, fatigue and fever are a few of the first signs. It is not uncommon for mesothelioma symptoms to be found in people who are who are over 65. The most common location to find mesothelioma the body is the lungs. It can also be located in the abdomen and, very rarely in the testicles. The majority of cases of mesothelioma can be traced back to asbestos dust or fibres however, others have been connected to erionite or silica. The most frequently reported mesothelioma symptoms are fatigue, shortness of breath, and a dry cough. Fluid build-up in the lungs is another frequent sign. Fluid can also gather in the abdomen, causing stomach swelling and weight loss, abdominal pain and nausea. Asbestos is a cause of other serious health issues, including asbestosis and lung cancer, a non-cancerous scabbing of the lung. It is important to tell your doctor if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. This will allow them to determine the best way to evaluate and treat any new symptoms. Diagnosis When doctors diagnose mesothelioma they must also determine the stage. The staging process is a reflection of the severity of the cancer and enables them to predict how it will respond to treatment. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for a patient to speak to their doctor about their symptoms and work history. A physical exam can also detect any lumps or lesions in the abdomen or chest. The doctor will also take notes on the patient's health and family background. This information can help pinpoint the causes of symptoms, like asbestos exposure. Once doctors have the data, they can perform tests to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose. These include chest X-rays or CT scan to detect evidence of mesothelioma in lung, such as plaques in the pleural region (thickened pleura that has calcium deposits) or a build-up of fluid between the lung and the chest wall, referred to as an effusion of the pleura. Other imaging tests can be helpful, including an MRI scan, FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) mediastinoscopy (used to look at and sample lymph nodes located in the middle of the chest) and endobronchial ultrasound. A thoracoscopy may be used to test for mesothelioma. This involves making a small cut within the chest between 2 ribs. A doctor then inserts a flexible tube with cameras at the end. The tube can be inserted in the throat or mouth while under the influence of sedation. It is connected to a display that lets the doctor see images of the area being studied. The doctor can then make use of the tube to collect tissue samples (biopsies) from the pleura. Doctors will then analyze the biopsies to determine if they are epithelioid, or mixed mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for 60 70 % to 70 percent of all cases. It has a better chance of survival than mixed or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. The type of mesothelioma you have is dependent on the amount of duration that the patient was exposed to asbestos. Those who were exposed to asbestos for a longer amount of time are more likely to develop mixed or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. This is because the mesothelioma cells are more aggressive than those of epithelioid mesothelioma. Treatment In some instances, mesothelioma cells develop into cancerous tumors which invade surrounding tissues or organs. The cancer can also spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other areas of the body. Cancerous tumors may cause severe symptoms that can impact a person's life quality. Mesothelioma is typically found in the chest cavity's lining and abdomen or the heart. It can also develop around the testicles. Other parts of the body are less likely to develop mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. Cancer can develop if asbestos fibers are breathed in, swallowed, or absorbed into the skin. The irritation that follows can cause genetic changes within the body, which can cause cancer. Tulsa asbestos lawyers of mesothelioma are usually not obvious and may take between 20 and 50 years or more to set in. Patients with mesothelioma are likely to be diagnosed after other health problems have developed. Fluid buildup and chest discomfort, as well as breathing issues are all possible signs. The most common form of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, accounts for 85 percent. It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma of the pleural region because the first symptoms, such as chest pain and shortness of breath are similar to other conditions. Patients with mesothelioma are at an increased risk of developing other types of cancer. They are more likely to have a family history of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses in their family. People who work with people exposed to asbestos may be at greater risk since they can carry asbestos fibers home on clothing. In addition, mesothelioma patients who receive radiation therapy are at greater risk because this can cause mutations in the DNA of their cells. Mesothelioma is a serious illness that could be fatal for those diagnosed. There is no cure for mesothelioma however, there are many ways that patients can improve their health and quality. Finding the best treatment is essential. Depending on their health, fitness and medical background, doctors can help patients choose the most appropriate treatment options.