Mesothelioma - Is Mesothelioma Always Caused by Asbestos?
Asbestos can adhere to the workers' clothing, hair and skin. Workers then take it home where their families are exposed to this dangerous mineral.
People who are exposed face an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. The risk increases over time but the rate of increase appears to be settling for pleural mesothelioma after 40-50 years after exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the linings of tissue surrounding some internal organs which include the chest cavity (pleura), abdominal cavity and heart (pericardium). It is a fatal disease.
The most common reason for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers are strong, tiny and naturally occurring. Between the 1930s and 1980s, asbestos was used in a variety of products including buildings, vehicles, and construction materials, because it was invulnerable to water, fire and sound. When asbestos is disturbed the fibers become airborne and can be inhaled or swallowed. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the lungs and stomach and abnormal cells can form. Most commonly, chrysotile is the cause of mesothelioma. Other forms of asbestos like amphibole or tremolite can also cause mesothelioma.
Asbest exposure is the most frequent at work. It can take between 20 to 60 years for mesothelioma symptoms to begin to manifest. Signs of mesothelioma can include shortness in breath as well as a cough that will not disappear, and fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). The U.S. military used asbestos in its ships, aircraft and barracks. As as a result, veterans account for up 33 percent of mesothelioma patients today.
Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma can undergo treatment to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. The symptoms can be controlled by surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma of the pleural region are able to undergo a surgical procedure known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). During this procedure, surgeons remove the lining from the lungs and chest cavity and then apply sterile powder to inflame the area, which prevents fluid build-up.
Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to detect and is extremely rare. If you have been exposed to asbestos and experience symptoms, you should consult your physician. They will inquire about your medical history, look for signs of mesothelioma and conduct tests to determine the cause of the symptoms. Early treatment is the best method to ensure the most favorable outcome. A biopsy is the only way to determine if you have mesothelioma. A doctor can identify mesothelioma with a physical examination and an analysis of the blood sample.
How can mesothelioma be caused?
The asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma forms in the tissues that line certain organs in the body. The most commonly encountered sites for mesothelioma are the lungs, the stomach, and the heart. Mesothelioma can also grow in the linings of the chest cavity as well as testicles.
People who are exposed for a long time to asbestos are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes people who have worked directly with asbestos and its products. People who live near mines or mills made of asbestos are at risk for exposure to dust and fibers that are released in the air. Family members of workers are also at a greater chance of developing mesothelioma because they are able to inhale these particles through the clothing of their loved ones.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is more prevalent in men than women. This is due to the fact that men were more commonly exposed to asbestos at work. Mesothelioma can manifest 15 to 40 years after asbestos exposure. It is difficult for mesothelioma victims to be diagnosed because their symptoms may not manifest until they reach 50.
Like all cancers, mesothelioma begins when normal cells begin to mutate and multiply uncontrollably. This occurs when genes are damaged in cells through exposure to harmful substances or other triggers that cause genetic mutations and inflammation.
Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor and it takes a long time before symptoms begin to manifest. Signs of mesothelioma include shortness of breath (dyspnea), abdominal discomfort, fluid on the lungs and other indications of lung disease. mesothelioma caused by arsenic can also affect the kidneys, skin and reproductive organs.
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma must be evaluated at one of the most reputable cancer centers. These specialists can assist patients as well as their family members in receiving the right medical treatment and in identifying options for treatment. People who have been exposed to asbestos while at work may also want to seek financial compensation from the companies which used the toxic material. This compensation could be used to pay for treatment and other expenses.
What are the signs?
A person should consult an expert immediately when they suspect they have mesothelioma. Although there isn't a cure, treatment can prolong the lifespan of patients and increase their quality of life. It is crucial to recognize mesothelioma as soon as possible even though it's a rare form of cancer.
The patient should first see their primary physician and discuss their symptoms. The doctor will conduct a physical exam and take down the medical history of the patient to identify their risk factors.
Many people who have mesothelioma will experience chest or abdominal discomfort. This is due to inflammation caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or swallowed, and stick to organ linings. They can develop into cancer in the course of time.
The majority of the time mesothelioma begins to develop in the lung. This is known as mesothelioma pleural. It can also grow on the abdomen's lining (peritoneum). This is called peritoneal mesothelioma. It is less prevalent in just 10 percent of cases, compared to the pleural msothelioma.
Other mesothelioma types can be found in the membrane around the heart or reproductive organs. These types are extremely rare and account for 1percent of mesothelioma. They are more difficult to detect in comparison to pleural mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma generally has a lengthy time of latency, which means it can take decades from the date of first exposure until the first symptoms appear. If symptoms do manifest they may include chest pain, fatigue, and weight loss.
A biopsy is often required to determine the presence and type of cancerous mesothelioma cells in a patient. Other tests can be used to exclude other conditions, including MRI, CT scans and X-rays.
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed by a doctor, they will formulate a treatment plan that is based on the type and stage of the cancer. Certain treatments are more effective than others for certain kinds of mesothelioma. They may include chemotherapy, surgeries or radiation therapy. Patients are also able to participate in clinical trials to receive the latest treatments.
How do I diagnose mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers inflame the organ's lining. Over time, the damaged areas grow thicker and form tumors that eventually lead to cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can form in the linings of the lungs or intestines, the heart, or testicles. It can take anywhere from 15 to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma to show up.
The majority of patients with mesothelioma are diagnosed by their primary care doctor or an oncologist. Their doctor will perform a physical exam and review their medical and work history. If the doctor suspects mesothelioma he may perform an X-ray of the chest or abdomen. These tests can show the presence of fluid in the lungs or stomach and help determine where the mesothelioma comes from.
The doctor can then check for mesothelioma with a sample of tissue or fluid under the microscope. They can also take the procedure of a biopsy, by inserting a needle in the area in which fluid has accumulated, and removing a piece of tissue to be examined under a microscope.
It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases, such as pneumonia or lung cancer. This is why many patients are misdiagnosed or don't receive any diagnosis at all. Mesothelioma sufferers should seek out a specialist and speak with their medical professionals about their asbestos exposure.
If mesothelioma has been identified, the doctor will likely order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to detect signs of asbestos in the abdomen or lungs. A chest Xray may reveal a swell of fluid between the lungs and the chest wall, which is called an pleural effusion. The doctor will numb the skin and insert an needle into the affected area to examine the fluid. They will then send a small amount of fluid to a laboratory for testing for cancerous cells.
If a doctor diagnoses Mesothelioma they will suggest treatment options. For pleural mesothelioma treatment may involve surgery to remove the pleura and surrounding tissue. Surgery is a method to remove the abdominal lining as well as part of the diaphragm in the case of peritoneal cancer. In certain cases, mesothelioma may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation.