Does Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a result of exposure to asbestos fibers. These fibers may be inhaled or swallowed. They can then cause inflammation and scar tissue that leads to cancer.
The majority of people who develop mesothelioma have an history of asbestos exposure. Exposure can be either occupational or environmental. It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma to develop.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring fibrous minerals that are durable and resistant to heat and corrosion. Due to its strength, durability, fire resistance and insulating properties, asbestos was used extensively in construction in the past particularly for building materials like roofing and flooring. Unfortunately, the health hazards that asbestos poses caused its decline in use.
When asbestos is exposed to the environment, it releases tiny fibers into the air which can be inhaled by those working or living nearby. Asbestos particles are absorbed into the lungs following inhalation. In time, this could result in mesothelioma, cancers of the larynx and the ovary, as well other respiratory diseases.
Asbestos is so durable it can stay in the environment for a long period of time. This makes it a threat to the health of workers who work with it, as well as their families. It also poses a risk to people who live near industrial sites.
Asbestos can be released into the environment through mining and manufacturing activities. It can also be released through accidental disturbance or demolition work or through the inadvertent disposal of asbestos-containing products.
Once asbestos is present in the environment, it can contaminate water, air and soil. This could affect the health of humans, animals and plants. It can be inhaled or consumed and cause illnesses. Asbestos can be suspended in the air for a long period of time so it can be transported over large distances.
Asbestos inhalation increases your chance of developing illnesses such as mesothelioma or lung cancer. These diseases can take decades to develop after exposure. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should speak to their doctor about getting regular tests, especially x-rays and CT scans. Also, they should refrain from smoking, which can increase the chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses.
Exposure to occupational hazards is the most popular way that asbestos is exposed. Many workers in fields that deal with manufacturing, mining, and ship repair are at risk of being exposed to asbestos. Other risks include working with asbestos during repairs or renovations to homes, and working near an underground mine. Even though very low levels of asbestos are found in the natural environment, most people do not become ill due to this exposure.
What is Asbestos Exposed?
The primary cause of mesothelioma is past occupational exposure to asbestos but it is also possible for people to be exposed through secondhand exposure. Exposure can occur when asbestos fibres are released into air by the movement of substances, for example during product use demolition, construction work, or home maintenance, renovation or repair. Inhaling these fibres can increase your chances of developing lung cancers such as asbestosis, peritoneal carcinoma and mesothelioma.
The small size of asbestos fibers makes them easy to be breathed in and can remain trapped in the lungs for lengthy durations. Asbestosis results from an incredibly thick scar tissue that forms in the lungs. The scar tissue behaves differently from normal lung tissue and makes it harder to breathe. This scar tissue can also cause inflammation in the lungs which can lead breathing problems. Asbestosis is a long-lasting, progressive disease. The symptoms usually manifest years after exposure and the resulting damage to the lungs can be permanent.
Tell your doctor if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. Symptoms such as breathlessness and bloody coughs or chest pain what causes pleural mesothelioma are often confused with other diseases and can take a long time to be recognized. Regular visits to a physician familiar with asbestos symptoms will increase the likelihood of a diagnosis early.
In a number of studies, mesothelioma was found in family members of asbestos-exposure workers like those working in mining, shipbuilding, and cement manufacturing. In one case series, ten of 52 female cases had fathers or husbands who had occupational asbestos exposure. Another mesothelioma study that looked at mesothelioma cases from communities with residential and industrial exposures identified elevated standardized mortality rates in communities that were exposed to vermiculite processing from Libby, Montana, mines.
Asbestos litigation prompted the US to phase out asbestos use in the 1980s, and many countries have since completely banned asbestos. However, people who have been exposed will continue to suffer from asbestos related illnesses until they die. Anyone who has suffered from asbestos exposure are entitled to compensation and they should consult an attorney for mesothelioma to file an asbestos lawsuit.
What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
The symptoms of mesothelioma differ depending on the type and stage of cancer. Certain symptoms, like chest pain, breathing difficulty and abdominal swelling, are common to all forms of mesothelioma. Other symptoms, such as pleural effusion (a buildup of fluid in the lungs), are more specific to pleural mesothelioma. Asbestos sufferers can also experience mesothelioma peritoneal which can lead to abdominal pain, bowel obstruction and a buildup of fluid in the abdomen.
Asbestos fibers are inhaled, or swallowed when they are released. They are then absorbed into the lining of the lung or other organs. The fibers could cause mesothelioma-related scarring.
The symptoms of pleural fibrosis are similar those of other illnesses like influenza, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Patients may also experience a fever, fatigue, weight gain, and pain in the abdomen. Those with peritoneal msothelioma may experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and difficulty digesting food.
Most people with mesothelioma had an exposure to asbestos in the past. People are exposed to asbestos when they work in or around locations that contain asbestos, like power plants, shipyards and construction sites. Workers who work with asbestos materials are at the greatest risk, including insulation workers and plumbers, electricians and construction workers. Shipyard workers or military bases are also at greater risk, as well as those who were exposed to asbestos by family members who brought home contaminated tools and clothing.
Asbestos can cause cancers that are different than mesothelioma. Particularly, it may increase the chances of developing colorectal, ovarian and stomach cancers, as well as the gastrointestinal tract, lung and hematologic conditions like lymphoma and leukemia.
People who have been exposed to asbestos may be able to lower the risk of mesothelioma by being aware of the risk factors, seeking regular medical checkups and submitting any unusual or persistent symptoms to a physician. People who have a history of exposure to asbestos should seek referrals from their doctor to mesothelioma specialists in order to prevent misdiagnosis and to ensure they receive appropriate treatment.
What is the Treatment of Mesothelioma
You might be confused if someone close to you has recently been diagnosed mesothelioma. Mesothelioma symptoms may be similar to many other diseases, so prompt diagnosis is essential. You should report your asbestos exposure history to your doctor and ask for the referral to a specialist. Mesothelioma specialists have the education and experience to assist you get a correct diagnosis.
Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs in the thin layer of protective tissue lining the insides of a variety of internal organs, such as the chest (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos can cause these cells to become malignant and grow out of control. The resulting growths can be cancer-like or non-cancerous. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, may be fatal if it develops in the lungs and abdominal cavity.
Asbestos fibers can become airborne when they are agitated or moved, and people inhale or swallow them. They can cause irritation to the tissues, which can cause scarring and sometimes leads to mesothelioma developing. Mesothelioma may also affect the tissues of the heart's lining or reproductive organs.
The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma differ based on the type of cancer and its location. Most often, the cancer develops in the lung's lining however, it can also be found in the stomach's lining or the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. In certain instances, mesothelioma may spread to other parts of the body, including the brain.
Mesothelioma can be classified into three different kinds based on the place where the cancer begins. Around 88% of mesothelioma patients suffer from epithelioid tumors, which responds well to treatments. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is found in 10% of cases and is more aggressive. It's also harder to treat.
Exposure to asbestos is the only risk factor that is known to be associated with asbestos. It could take between 20 and 60 years after exposure for mesothelioma develop, so it is vital to know your asbestos history and stay vigilant for any potential symptoms. Veterans in particular should be aware of the dangers. Asbestos was utilized in military bases and on ships, therefore those who worked in the Navy or in other branches of the armed forces are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than people who worked on the civilian workforce.