Mesothelioma Caused by Asbestos
Mesothelioma, a tumor that is cancerous, is of the lining of your lungs and stomach as well as other organs. It's caused by asbestos a group of fibrous minerals. It was extensively used in residential, commercial and military construction from the end World War II to the mid 1970s.
When asbestos fibres are breathed in, they are deposited in the outer lining of your lungs (pleura). In time, they cause inflammation and scarring.
Risk Factors
From the 1950s until the 1990s, asbestos was a very popular building material in the United States. It was valued for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. Workers in asbestos removal, manufacturing and construction may be exposed to large amounts of asbestos. Secondhand exposure is also an issue for those living with someone who works in these fields.
Several types of exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the most frequent, and is responsible for the majority of mesothelioma cases. People who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace may have handled asbestos-containing products such as pipes, shingles and furnaces. People with an history of this type of exposure have a higher chance of developing mesothelioma compared to those who were not exposed to asbestos in the workplace.
While it may appear like a job-related asbestos exposure is the only cause of mesothelioma, many other things can increase the risk. Smokers are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma since smoking cigarettes can cause lung damage and make it difficult to breathe. Exposure to radiation, especially to the chest area, also increases the risk of mesothelioma. Other causes include a mutation of the SV40 and certain minerals like taconite or erionite.
Men are more likely than women to develop mesothelioma and those over 65 years old are more prone. Men are more likely than women to have been employed in occupations in which asbestos was present. Most exposures took place prior to the Environmental Protection Agency began to regulate asbestos-related industries in the 1980s.
After a long period of time without asbestos exposure, the risk of developing peritoneal or pleural cancer diminishes. This may be due to asbestos being eliminated from the lung. However, the rate of mesothelioma recurrence remains high, and the longer an individual was exposed to asbestos the more likely they are to develop mesothelioma. The risk is higher if asbestos exposure was prolonged over a period of years and was present in more than one location.
Symptoms
The disease can manifest in the organ's lining, such as the lungs (pleural Mesothelioma), the abdomen (peritoneal Mesothelioma), or the heart (pericardial Mesothelioma). The organ's lining is referred to as the mesothelium. Asbestos exposure can cause cancer cells to grow uncontrollably in this lining, which leads to the formation of tumors. The first signs of mesothelioma may appear between 10 and 50 years, depending on the type of cancer.
A visit to the doctor is the first step to diagnosing mesothelioma. The patient should inform the doctor of any history of exposure to asbestos and any symptoms that they are experiencing. The doctor will then conduct physical examination and may order blood tests or imaging scanners to look for mesothelioma. Imaging scans include CT (computer-tomography), MRI, PET (positron-emission tomography), and X rays.
If mesothelioma is found to be a problem doctors can review these imaging scans to determine if the mesothelioma has spread. These scans can also aid in determining what kind of mesothelioma a patient has. For instance, pleural mesothelioma patients will likely have an accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity (pleural effusion).
Mesothelioma patients need to be aware that a lot of doctors aren't familiar with mesothelioma and its signs. This includes oncologists as well as primary care physicians. Mesothelioma being so rare, this is why. Certain doctors might incorrectly diagnose their patients. This can lead to an increase in symptoms and a deterioration of the disease.
In addition to the tests that can diagnose mesothelioma, doctors might also perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the cancer is an pericardial, peritoneal or testicular form of this cancer. The biopsy involves taking the tissue sample to be tested for malignant cell. It can be done at home or in the hospital. If the results are positive the patient will have undergo further treatment for mesothelioma. Asbestos-related victims can seek compensation from the companies that exposed them as dangerous products. This compensation can help cover medical expenses and lost wages, as well as other damages.
Diagnosis
It is sometimes difficult to determine if mesothelioma is a cancer because its symptoms are similar with the symptoms of other illnesses. Asbestos fibers are so small that they can enter the lungs and damage cells. The cells then alter to make them more likely to develop abnormally or become cancerous.
If someone suspects that they have mesothelioma, they should go to the doctor or hospital if their symptoms are extremely severe. The doctor will review the patient's medical history and look for asbestos exposure. The doctor will also perform an examination of the body and request a chest X ray or CT scan. These tests can detect fluid between the lungs, also known as pleural effusion, or other symptoms of Mesothelioma.
These tests can be used to rule out other ailments like pneumonia or lung cancer. They can also determine if the tumour is malignant or benign and how much it's in its spread.
Asbestos workers can also develop mesothelioma in other parts of the body such as the stomach or heart. This is because the asbestos fibres get to these areas through the lungs and travel through the bloodstream. Cancer may later spread to other parts of your body.
A doctor can test a sample of tissue or fluid from the patient in order to determine for mesothelioma. The sample is examined under a magnifying glass for cancer cells. These tests are called mesothelioma biopsies. They can be done with needle biopsy or surgical biopsy. The less invasive needle biopsy utilizes a fine needle to take small amounts of tumors. If the results of needle biopsy are not conclusive, then more invasive surgical biopsies are performed.
A more accurate mesothelioma diagnosis can be made by analysing the kind of cancer cells that are found. There are three kinds: epithelial mesothelioma biphasic mesothelioma and sarcomatoid me. The most commonly used type of mesothelioma is Pleural, which affects the linings in the lungs. The second most prevalent is peritoneal mesothelioma, affecting the abdomen's lining. The last most common is an amalgamation of the first two kinds.
It could take up to 60 years for mesothelioma develop after asbestos exposure. It is important that anyone who has worked with asbestos consults their doctor if they have breathing issues or other concerns.
Treatment
Exposure to asbestos is the only known risk factor. mesothelioma is a cancer caused by what may take a while to appear. People who have been exposed to asbestos include plumbers, welders, electricians and builders. It also affects those who worked in factories that make asbestos-based products, such as pipes, insulation for drywall, tiles, cement, talcum powder etc. It is more prevalent in women than men.
Mesothelioma cannot be cured, however, treatments can help control symptoms and slow the progression. It's important to see an GP if you have any health concerns, particularly in the event of prior exposure to asbestos. They may refer you to scans and tests that can aid in determining the cause of your problem.
Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested, causing irritation of the organ linings. Inhaling asbestos is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma of the pleura. It is a cancer that develops in the lungs' lining (pleura) however, it can also occur in the lining of the chest wall, abdomen or tunica vaginalis. People who consume asbestos are more likely to develop peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma.
It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma as symptoms can develop slowly and could be similar to other diseases or illnesses. It takes a long time for mesothelioma's development and is most often seen in people over 60 years of age.
The mesothelioma-related genetic mutations can also increase the chance of developing it.
It is possible to prevent mesothelioma by making sure you avoid asbestos and do not work in industries that utilize it. If you work in a field that employs asbestos, follow all safety and health rules to reduce the risk of exposure. If you reside in an older residence that has asbestos-containing materials take advice from a professional to get them removed. It's also important to know that asbestos can be found in some DIY products like ceiling tiles and paints with texture. You can also determine if your local council has banned the use of asbestos.