Mesothelioma - Is Mesothelioma Always Caused by Asbestos?
Asbestos can cling to workers clothing, hair and skin. They then bring it to their homes where family members may also be exposed to the dangerous mineral.
Exposure to asbestos increases the chance of developing mesothelioma over the long run. The risk increases with time however, it appears to decrease after 40-50 years of exposure to pleural msothelioma.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a type of cancer, affects the tissue surrounding some internal organs. This includes the linings of the chest cavity (pleura) and abdominal cavity (pericardium) and the heart (pericardium). It is a fatal disease.
Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers are tough, tiny and naturally found in nature. It was used in building, vehicles and dozens of construction materials between 1930s and 1980s because it was resistant to fire, water and sound. Asbestos fibers are inhaled and swallowed if disturbed. Inhaling asbestos fibers, they can irritate the lungs and stomach and cause abnormal cells to form. Mesothelioma is typically caused by the chrysotile asbestos. Other asbestos forms, such as amphibole and tremolite, also can cause mesothelioma.
Exposure to asbestos typically occurs during work. Mesothelioma is a condition that can develop between 20 and 60 year. Symptoms include shortness in breath and a persistent cough. fluid in the lung. The U.S. military used asbestos in its aircrafts, ships and barracks. As as a result, veterans account for 33 percent of mesothelioma patients today.
Mesothelioma patients can receive treatment in order to treat their symptoms and improve the quality of their life. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be used to manage symptoms. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) is a procedure patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma can undergo. During this surgery surgeons will remove the chest cavity's lining and lung. They then apply sterile talcum powder to irritate the lining of the lung, which stops the formation of fluid.
Mesothelioma can be extremely difficult to diagnose and is extremely rare. However, if you have been exposed to asbestos for a significant amount of time and you are experiencing any signs it is essential to see your doctor. They will ask you about your medical history and search for signs of Mesothelioma. They will also run tests to determine what's causing the symptoms. The earlier you seek treatment, the best way to ensure the most favorable outcome. Only a biopsy can determine whether you are suffering from mesothelioma. However, a doctor can often diagnose mesothelioma with a physical exam and a blood test.
How can mesothelioma be caused?
The asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma is found in the tissue that lines certain organs in the body. The most commonly encountered sites for mesothelioma are the lungs the stomach and the heart. Mesothelioma can also form in the linings of the chest cavity, as well as testicles.
Exposure to asbestos for a long time increases the risk of mesothelioma. This includes those who have had direct contact with asbestos and its products. In addition those who live near asbestos mills or mines are at risk of exposure to the dust and fibers that are released into the air. Families of asbestos workers are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma since they may inhale the dust particles in their clothing.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer which is more prevalent among males than females. This is due to the fact that men were more likely to be exposed to asbestos in the workplace. Mesothelioma is a cancer that can develop between 15 and 40 years after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult for many patients to get diagnosed as the symptoms of mesothelioma may not be apparent until they reach the age of 50s or more.
Mesothelioma, as with all cancers, begins when normal cells begin to mutate and expanding rapidly and uncontrollably. This happens when genes in the cell are damaged mesothelioma caused by by exposure to harmful substances or by another factor like genetic changes or inflammation.
Asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma and it takes a long time for symptoms to appear. Symptoms can include breathlessness (dyspnea) and abdominal pain, swelling of the lung (pleural effusion) and other indications of lung disease. Mesothelioma can also affect the kidneys, skin and reproductive organs.
Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma should visit one of the leading cancer centers of excellence for a thorough evaluation. These specialists can assist patients and family members in receiving the right care and finding treatment options. Anyone who was exposed to asbestos at work may also want to seek financial compensation from companies which used the toxic material. This compensation could be used to cover treatment costs or other expenses.
What are the symptoms?
If a person suspects that they may have mesothelioma, they should consult a doctor immediately. While there is no cure, treatment can extend a patient's lifespan and improve the quality of life. Mesothelioma can be a rare cancer however it is important to get diagnosed as early as you can.
The first step is to visit their primary care physician and describe the symptoms. The doctor will perform a physical examination and collect the medical records of the patient to determine the risk factors.
Patients with mesothelioma are often afflicted with abdominal or chest discomfort. This is caused by inflammation that is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed and then they stick to organ linings. These can then develop into cancer in the course of time.
The lung is the most frequently place where mesothelioma occurs. This is called pleural msothelioma. It may also form on the abdomen's lining (peritoneum). This is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. It is less frequent than pleural mesothelioma and makes less than 10% of cases.
Other mesothelioma types can occur in the membrane surrounding the heart or reproductive organs. These types are less prevalent and make up only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases. They are more difficult to identify compared to pleural mesothelioma.
The mesothelioma latency period is usually long and can take decades before revealing the first signs. When symptoms do appear they may include chest pain, fatigue and weight loss.
A biopsy is typically required to confirm the presence and type of cancerous cells in a mesothelioma patient. Other tests may be used to exclude other conditions, including MRI, CT scans and X-rays.
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed, doctors will create an appropriate treatment plan based on the nature and stage of the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are more prone to certain treatments. These treatments can include surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Patients may also participate in clinical trials to receive the latest treatments.
How is mesothelioma detected?
Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma because they irritate organ linings. The irritated areas get thicker and grow into tumors over time, which eventually cause mesothelioma-related cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can form in the linings of the lungs, intestines, heart or testicles. It could take between 15 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma.
Most people with mesothelioma receive a diagnosis from their primary care physician or an oncologist. The doctor will conduct a physical exam and will review their medical and work history. If they suspect mesothelioma the doctor will perform an X-ray or CT scan of the abdomen or chest. These tests will reveal the presence of fluid in the lungs or stomach and can help determine where the mesothelioma comes from.
Once these tests are completed after which the doctor can test for mesothelioma by looking at a sample of fluid or tissue under a microscope. They can also perform the procedure of a biopsy, by inserting a needle in the area where fluid has accumulated and removing a piece of tissue for examination under a microscope.
It is important to note that mesothelioma is often mistaken for other conditions such as pneumonia or lung cancer. Because of this, many patients are misdiagnosed or don't be diagnosed at all. Patients with mesothelioma should consult an expert regarding their asbestos exposure.
If mesothelioma has been identified, the doctor may recommend a chest X-ray or CT scan to look for evidence of asbestos in the abdomen or lungs. A chest X-ray can reveal fluid accumulation between the lung wall and the chest, which is known as the Pleural effusion. The doctor will numb the skin and insert a needle into the area affected to test the fluid. They will drain a small amount of the fluid and send it to a laboratory to look for cancer cells.
If a doctor suspects Mesothelioma, they will recommend treatment options. For pleural mesothelioma treatment could involve surgery to remove the pleura as well as the surrounding tissue. For peritoneal mesothelioma surgery can involve removal of the abdominal lining as well as part of the diaphragm. In certain cases mesothelioma can be treated with radiation or chemotherapy.