Mesothelioma - Is Mesothelioma Always Caused by Asbestos?
Asbestos can cling to workers hair, clothes and skin. Workers then take it home, where their families are exposed to this dangerous mineral.
Those who are exposed have the potential for developing mesothelioma. The risk increases over time however, the rate of increase appears to be settling for pleural mesothelioma at the time of 40-50 years since exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissue linings around certain organs in the body that include the chest cavity (pleura) the abdominal cavity, and the heart (pericardium). It is a fatal disease.
The main reason for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers are tough, microscopic, and naturally found in nature. Between the 1930s to 1980s, it was used in a variety of items including buildings, vehicles, and construction materials, because it was resistant to water, fire, and sound. When asbestos is disturbed the fibers expand and can be inhaled or swallowed. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the stomach and lungs and abnormal cells can develop. Mesothelioma is usually caused by chrysotile asbestos. Other asbestos forms like amphibole and tremolite, can also cause mesothelioma.
Asbest exposure is the most frequent at workplaces. Mesothelioma can occur between 20 and 60 year. Symptoms can include shortness of breath as well as a cough that will not go away and fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). The U.S. Military used asbestos in aircrafts, ships and barracks. As as a result, veterans account for 33 percent of mesothelioma cases in the present.
Mesothelioma patients may undergo treatment to treat their symptoms and improve their quality of life. The symptoms can be treated through chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) is a procedure patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma can undergo. During this surgery, surgeons remove the lining of the chest cavity and lung, and then apply sterile talcum powder to inflame the lining, which prevents fluid from building up again.
Mesothelioma is very rare and it can be difficult to diagnose. However, if you have been exposed to asbestos in a significant way and are experiencing any symptoms it is essential to consult your physician. They will ask you about your medical history, look for signs of mesothelioma, and conduct tests to determine the root of the symptoms. The earlier treatment is the key to a successful outcome. Only a biopsy can determine if you have mesothelioma. However, a doctor can often diagnose mesothelioma with a physical exam and a blood test.
How is mesothelioma a disease?
The asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma is found in the tissue that lines certain organs of the body. The most frequent sites for mesothelioma include the lungs, the stomach and the heart. Mesothelioma can also occur in the lining of the chest cavity (epicatelia) and the testicles (mesothelium of the scrotum).
People who have been exposed for a long period to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing mesothelioma. This includes those who worked directly with asbestos or its products. People who live near mines and mills of asbestos are also at risk of exposure to dust and fibers that are released in the air. Family members of workers are at a greater chance of developing mesothelioma because they are able to inhale these particles from the clothing of their loved ones.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects more women than men. This is likely because asbestos exposure was more prevalent in men more often while working. Mesothelioma can develop 15-40 years after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult for many victims to diagnose as the symptoms of mesothelioma may not be apparent until they reach the age of 50s or older.
Mesothelioma, like all cancers begins when normal cells begin to mutate and growing in uncontrolled ways. This happens when the genes of the cell are damaged by exposure to harmful substances or by another factor like genetic changes or inflammation.
Asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma and it can take decades before symptoms begin to manifest. The symptoms include breathlessness (dyspnea) abdominal discomfort, swelling on the lungs, and other signs of lung diseases. Mesothelioma can also affect the kidneys, skin and reproductive organs.
Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma must be examined at one of the top cancer centers. They can assist patients and their families receive proper medical treatment and suggest options for treatment. People who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace should also seek financial compensation from the companies who use this harmful substance. This compensation could help pay for treatment costs and other expenses.
What are the signs of mesothelioma?
A patient should see with a doctor right away when they suspect they have mesothelioma. Although there isn't does asbestos cause mesothelioma , treatment can prolong the lifespan of patients and increase their the quality of their life. It's important to diagnose mesothelioma as early as is possible, even though it is a rare type of cancer.
The patient should first visit their primary care doctor and describe their symptoms. The doctor will conduct an examination and write down the patient's medical history to identify their risk factors.
Many patients with mesothelioma will experience chest or abdominal pain. This is caused by inflammation from the asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed and can adhere to organ linings. Over time, these can grow into cancer.
The lung is the most common site where mesothelioma develops. It is also known as pleural mesothelioma. It can also grow on the abdomen's lining (peritoneum). This is referred to as peritoneal mesothelioma. It is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, making up only 10 percent of cases.
Some other types of mesothelioma can be found in the membrane around the heart or in the reproductive organs. These kinds of mesothelioma are rare and only represent 1percent of mesothelioma. They are more difficult to diagnose compared to pleural mesothelioma.
The mesothelioma latency period is typically long and can take decades before revealing the first signs. When symptoms do appear they could include chest pain, fatigue, and weight loss.
A biopsy is typically needed to confirm the presence and type of cancerous mesothelioma cells in a patient. Other tests, like MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays, can be used to rule out other diseases out.
Doctors will develop mesothelioma treatment plans depending on its stage and type. Certain types of mesothelioma are more susceptible to certain treatments. These treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiotherapy. Patients are also able to participate in clinical trials to receive the latest treatments.
How do I detect mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers irritate the tissues of certain organs. The irritated areas get thicker and develop tumors in time, which can result in mesothelioma cancer cells. Mesothelioma can be found in the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma) or in the intestines (peritoneal mesothelioma) testicles or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It can take between 15 and 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest.
Most patients diagnosed with mesothelioma get a diagnosis from their primary care physician or an oncologist. Their doctor will conduct a physical exam and look over their medical background and work history. If they suspect mesothelioma, the doctor might perform an X-ray or CT scan of the abdomen or chest. These tests will reveal the presence of fluid in the stomach or lungs and can help determine where mesothelioma comes from.
Once these tests are complete, the doctor can examine for mesothelioma at a sample of fluid or tissue under microscope. They can also take a biopsy by inserting needles into the area in which fluid has accumulated, and pulling out a piece of tissue to be examined under a microscope.
It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases like lung cancer or pneumonia. This is why many patients are misdiagnosed, or don't get diagnosed at all. Patients with mesothelioma must consult an expert about their asbestos exposure.
If mesothelioma is suspected the doctor will request a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for asbestos in the abdomen or lungs. A chest X-ray may reveal a swell of fluid between the lung and the chest wall, which is called an pleural effusion. The doctor will numb the skin and insert a needle into the affected area to check the fluid. They will drain the fluid, and then send it to a lab to search for cancerous cells.
If a doctor diagnoses mesothelioma they will recommend treatments. For pleural mesothelioma treatment could involve removal of the pleura as well as the surrounding tissue. For peritoneal mesothelioma, surgery can involve removing the abdominal lining and part of the diaphragm. In some cases mesothelioma can be treated with chemotherapy or radiation.