Mesothelioma - Is Mesothelioma Always Caused by Asbestos?
Asbestos may stick to workers' clothing, hair and skin. Workers return home and their families are exposed to this dangerous mineral.
Exposure to asbestos increases the chance of developing mesothelioma in the long-term. The risk increases with time but the rate of increase appears to level off for pleural mesothelioma in the 40-50 years since exposure.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer, affects the tissue coverings that surround certain internal organs. This includes the linings of the chest cavity (pleura), the abdominal cavity (pericardium) and the heart (pericardium). It is a fatal disease.
The main reason for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers are extremely strong, tiny and naturally found in nature. Between the 1930s and 1980s, asbestos was used in a variety of products including buildings, vehicles, and construction materials, because it was resistant to water, fire, and sound. When asbestos is disturbed the fibers are airborne and can be inhaled or swallowed. Inhaling fibers can cause irritation to the lungs and stomach, and abnormal cells may form. The majority of the time, chrysotile is the reason for mesothelioma. Other forms of asbestos like amphibole or tremolite may also cause mesothelioma.
Asbest exposure is the most frequent at work. It can take between 20 and 60 years for mesothelioma symptoms begin to manifest. Symptoms can include shortness of breath and a cough that does not disappear, and fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). The U.S. military used asbestos in its aircrafts, ships and barracks. Veterans account for 33% today of all mesothelioma patients.
Mesothelioma patients can receive treatment to control their symptoms and improve their quality of life. The symptoms can be treated through chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. For instance, patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma are able to undergo a surgical procedure called VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). During this procedure, the surgeons cut off the lining of the lungs and chest cavity and then apply sterile powder to inflame the area to stop the accumulation of fluid.
Mesothelioma is very rare and it is difficult to identify. If you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor. They will inquire about your medical history and search for symptoms of Mesothelioma. They will also conduct tests to determine the cause of the symptoms. Getting treatment early is the best method to ensure the best outcome. A biopsy is the only definitive test for mesothelioma. However doctors are able to identify mesothelioma by a physical exam and a blood test.
How can mesothelioma be caused?
The mesothelioma cancer that is caused by asbestos is caused by the tissues that line the organs of the human body. The most popular places for mesothelioma development are the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma can also form in the linings of the chest cavity, as well as testicles.
Exposure to asbestos for a long time increases the mesothelioma danger. This includes people who have worked directly with asbestos or its products. Those who live near mines and mills of asbestos are also at risk of exposure to dust and fibers that are released into the air. Family members of workers are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma since they may inhale the particles through the clothing of their loved ones.
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, is more common among men. This is likely because men were exposed to asbestos more often while working. Mesothelioma is a cancer that can develop between 15 and 40 years after exposure to asbestos. It is difficult for mesothelioma victims to be diagnosed since their symptoms may not be apparent until they reach the age of 50.
Mesothelioma, as with all cancers, starts when normal cells begin to mutate and expanding in uncontrolled ways. This happens when genes in cells are damaged due to exposure to a harmful substance or another trigger such as genetic changes or inflammation.
Asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor and it can take decades for symptoms to show up. The symptoms include breathlessness (dyspnea) abdominal discomfort, fluid in the lungs and other signs of lung diseases. Mesothelioma can also affect the kidneys, skin and reproductive organs.
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma must be examined at one of the top cancer centers. These specialists can help patients and their families get the best treatment and identify options for treatment. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos in the workplace should also seek financial compensation from companies using this toxic material. This compensation can help pay for medical treatment and other expenses.
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
A person should consult an expert immediately in the event that they suspect they have mesothelioma. While there is no cure, treatment can extend the life span of a patient and improve their the quality of life. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, but it's important to be diagnosed as early as is possible.
The first step is to visit their primary care physician and explain their symptoms. The doctor will do an examination of the body and write note of the medical history of the patient to determine their risk factors.
Patients with mesothelioma typically experience abdominal or chest discomfort. This is caused by inflammation caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed and stick to organ linings. These can then develop into cancer over time.
The lung is the most frequent site where mesothelioma develops. It is also known as pleural mesothelioma. It can be found in the abdominal lining (peritoneum). This is called peritoneal Mesothelioma. It is less frequent, only 10 percent of cases, than mesothelioma pleural.
Other mesothelioma types can occur in the membrane surrounding the heart or reproductive organs. These forms are uncommon and make up one percent of all mesothelioma. They are more difficult to diagnose when compared to pleural mysothelioma.
The mesothelioma's latency time is usually long it takes a long time to show the first symptoms. If they do, they could include breathing difficulties, chest pain, fatigue, and weight loss.
A biopsy is usually needed to confirm the presence and type of cancerous cells in a mesothelioma patient. Other tests, like MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays, can be used to rule out other diseases out.
Doctors will develop a treatment plan for mesothelioma depending on its stage and type. Some treatments are more efficient than others for specific kinds of mesothelioma. These treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Patients may also participate in clinical trials to test new treatments.
How can mesothelioma be detected?
Mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers inflame the organ's lining. Over time, the irritated areas thicken and develop tumors that eventually lead to cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be found in the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the intestinal tracts (peritoneal mesothelioma), heart or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). It can take between 15 and 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest.
The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have been diagnosed by their primary doctor or oncologist. Their doctor will conduct a physical exam and review their medical and work history. If they suspect mesothelioma the doctor may take an X-ray or CT scan of the chest or abdomen. These tests can reveal the presence of fluid in the stomach or lungs and aid in determining where the mesothelioma is originating from.
Once these tests are completed The doctor can then examine for mesothelioma at a sample of fluid or tissue under a microscope. It is also possible to perform biopsy, which entails inserting needles into the region in which the fluid has built up, and then removing tiny pieces of tissue to look under microscope to look does asbestos always cause mesothelioma for mesothelioma-like cells.
It is crucial to remember that mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other conditions such as lung cancer or pneumonia. Many patients are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed. Mesothelioma sufferers need to consult a specialist and speak to their doctors about their asbestos exposure.
If mesothelioma has been suspected, a doctor will order a CT scan or chest Xray to check for asbestos in the abdomen or the lungs. A chest X ray can also reveal the presence of fluid between the lung wall and the chest, which is known as the Pleural effusion. The doctor will numb your skin and insert an needle into the area affected to examine the fluid. They will drain a sample of the fluid and send it to a lab to look for cancer cells.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will recommend treatment options. For mesothelioma that is pleural, treatment may involve removal of the pleura and surrounding tissue. For peritoneal mesothelioma surgery can include taking out the abdominal lining and part of the diaphragm. In some cases, chemotherapy or radiation may be used to treat mesothelioma.