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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Asbestos exposure in the workplace is the main cause of mesothelioma. Exposure can occur in shipyards, factories mining sites, construction sites and mines. As asbestos fibres inhale, they are trapped in the lung's lining (pleura) and trigger gene mutations that lead to cancer. Symptoms usually don't show up until 20-60 years after exposure. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma symptoms can vary based on the type and the stage of cancer, as well as the location where tumors grow in the body. For instance Pleural mesothelioma symptoms usually affect the lungs, whereas peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma impact the stomach and the heart respectively. Patients may also experience symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. A physical exam and a thorough health history are the first steps to diagnose mesothelioma. Patients should inform their doctor of any asbestos exposure or unusual symptoms or changes in the body they have noticed. Doctors may also prescribe imaging tests in addition to a physical examination to determine the progression of the disease and rule out other diseases like lung cancer or pneumonia. Most often, mesothelioma symptoms do not show up until decades after exposure asbestos. This is due to asbestos fibers can be breathed in or swallowed, and cling to the lining of organs such as the stomach or lungs. These fibers can cause inflammation, which leads to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms often are not evident until cancer has spread to other areas of the body. When mesothelioma symptoms first begin to manifest they can quickly worsen and affect a patient's overall quality of life. As the cancer progresses, patients can become weaker and bed-bound. Many mesothelioma patients in the final stages of their disease are in intense pain. In addition to the physical exam, doctors ask about the patient's asbestos exposure and mesothelioma-related risks. A history of a family member who was diagnosed with mesothelioma or other types of cancer, smoking cigarettes, or military service can all increase the chance of developing the disease. The asbestos fibers that cause irritation to the tissues of patients suffering from mesothelioma also can irritate the tissues of patients with breast cancer or lung cancer. By avoiding exposure to asbestos and maintaining a clean environment at work, the risks can be reduced. For instance, employees should always change their clothes prior to leaving work and shower immediately after work to prevent bringing home any asbestos-containing particles on their clothing or skin. Anyone who lives close to asbestos-contaminated workers should shower and change their clothes prior to entering the house. Diagnosis Asbestos is made up of a variety of minerals that are found naturally and contain tiny fibres. It can be used in various ways. The people who use asbestos could release these fibres into the air and lungs of others around them. In time, these fibres can accumulate and cause scarring of the lungs known as asbestosis. It can also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the linings that protect organs called mesothelium. It is most common in the chest lining (pleura), or abdomen (peritoneum). Patients with mesothelioma are frequently exposed to asbestos in the workplace. It takes decades for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest making diagnosis difficult. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is to visit an expert doctor and undergo a physical exam. This can help your doctor recognize the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other illnesses. Your doctor might order blood tests or imaging scans to look for mesothelioma, or detect symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can assist doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, by identifying pleural effusion or the peritoneal effusion. These tests can aid doctors in determining the stage of mesothelioma in which you are and determine your treatment options. Each stage of mesothelioma has a different prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma affects how severe the symptoms are and how fast they will progress. Your doctor might use a variety of diagnostic tests, based on the location the mesothelioma occurs. The most common mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma of the pleural region, which affects the lungs. Doctors may diagnose pericardial or peritoneal pericardial pericardial peritoneal or peritoneal pericardial pericardial. Peritoneal peritone peritoneal peritoneal-pericardial pericardial pericardial pericardial pericardial pericardial the pericardial In the event of a diagnosis of mesothelioma the doctor will ask you about your exposure to asbestos and if you exhibit any symptoms. The doctor will conduct an examination of your body and review your medical documents. If they suspect mesothelioma they will refer you to an expert to conduct further tests and scans. These tests will help identify the type and stage of your cancer, and also how far it has taken over. Treatment Asbestos exposure is the most prevalent mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is found in soil and rock. It is a very durable mineral that can be transformed into thin woven fibers to be used in many products. It was utilized in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century before scientists discovered the dangers it poses to human health. The exposure to asbestos typically occurs when people inhale or swallow the fibers. They cling to the organ's lining. In time, the lining may develop tumors and trigger symptoms like coughing, breathing problems and chest pain. The symptoms usually do not show until 10-50 years after initial exposure. Mesothelioma can strike those who have been exposed to asbestos, however certain types are more at risk. Any type of asbestos exposure increases your risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes both para- and occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos through their family members are also at risk. It is important to inform your doctor if someone in your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Different types of mesothelioma occur in different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent type, and affects about 70 to 80 percent of cases. It starts in the tissue that covers the lung (pleural msothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma, which is less common, is more. It is found in the abdominal lining (peritoneum). There are two different kinds of malignant mesothelioma epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more prevalent than sarcomatoid and is more prone to growth. There is a very rare mesothelioma type that has both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is known as biphasic mesothelioma. Your doctor can decide on the best treatment for you based on your type of mesothelioma. Your doctor may recommend surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy to ease the symptoms and prolong your life. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the type of mesothelioma you have, the location it is located, and your medical background. Although mesothelioma is rare but there are some things you can do to lower the risk. If you've been exposed to asbestos in the past, try to limit your exposure to asbestos and stay away from any area that may contain asbestos. Talk to your doctor in the event of any unusual or persistent symptoms. Recovery Many people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocking to learn that exposure to asbestos in the past was the cause. More troubling is the fact that their former employers failed to inform them of the dangers they face in their job or take any action to protect workers against asbestos, a toxic substance. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist these patients find justice by filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that forms in the tissues that line the organs of the body, including stomach, lungs and heart. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals that create long, thin fibers that are strong and fire-resistant. Asbestos was commonly used in buildings, automobile parts and other products prior to when scientists discovered its health hazards in the 20th century. sandy asbestos attorney who worked on projects that involved asbestos are the most likely to develop mesothelioma. Shipyard workers, construction workers, insulation workers and asbestos specialists are all at risk. Asbestos also adhered to clothing and other personal items, and workers took asbestos fibers home on their bodies, which could expose their family members to mesothelioma, too. The most prevalent form of this cancer is mesothelioma of the pleura. It affects the lung's lining and the symptoms typically begin in the chest, like the coughing up of blood or an accumulation of fluid around the lung. It can also affect the abdomen's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). A person's chances of developing mesothelioma is affected by various factors which include the amount of time they were exposed to asbestos and their gender. Men are more likely to contract this disease than women, and an individual's age is another factor. A family history is also a risk factor. Some asbestos-related diseases have been linked with specific genes. Mesothelioma is more frequent in people who have had chest radiation, or those who have a parent or a sibling with the disease. Most mesothelioma sufferers are older than 60 years.