Mesothelioma - Is Mesothelioma Always Caused by Asbestos?
Asbestos can stick to workers' clothes, hair and skin. They then bring it home and family members could also be exposed to the dangerous mineral.
Exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma in long term. The risk increases with time, but the rate of increase appears to slow for pleural mesothelioma after 40-50 years since exposure.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a type of cancer, affects the surrounding some internal organs. This includes the linings of the chest cavity (pleura) and abdominal cavity (pericardium) and the heart (pericardium). It can be fatal.
The main reason for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers are extremely strong, tiny and naturally found in nature. From the 1930s until the 1980s, it 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 breathed in or swallowed. When inhaled, the fibers can cause irritation to the lungs and stomach and cause abnormal cells to develop. Chrysotile is the most commonly used ingredient in the main cause of mesothelioma. Other asbestos forms like amphibole and tremolite can cause mesothelioma.
The exposure to asbestos is usually at work. It can take between 20 and 60 years for mesothelioma symptoms begin to manifest. Symptoms include shortness in breath as well as a persistent cough. fluid in the lungs. The U.S. military used asbestos in its aircraft, ships and barracks. Veterans account for 33% of the mesothelioma patients.
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma can be treated to reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life. The symptoms can be treated through chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) is a procedure patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma can undergo. During this procedure, surgeons cut off the lining of the chest cavity and lungs and then apply sterile powder to inflame the area, which prevents fluid build-up.
Mesothelioma is very rare and it can be difficult to determine. However, if you've had significant exposure to asbestos and you are experiencing any signs it is crucial to consult your doctor. They will inquire about your medical history and look for signs of Mesothelioma. They will also conduct tests to determine what is causing the symptoms. Early treatment is the best method to ensure the best outcome. A biopsy is the sole definitive test for mesothelioma. However doctors are able to diagnose mesothelioma with an examination and a blood test.
What is mesothelioma as a condition?
The asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma is found in the tissues that line certain organs of the body. The most frequent sites for mesothelioma are the lungs the stomach, and the heart. Mesothelioma may also be found in the lining of the chest cavity (epicatelia) and in the testicles (mesothelium of the scrotum).
Exposure to asbestos for a long time increases the risk of mesothelioma. This includes people who have had direct contact with asbestos and its products. People who live near mines or mills of asbestos are also at risk for exposure to fibers and dust that are released in the air. Families of asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that they are able to breathe in the particles in their clothing.
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, is more common among men. This is likely due to the fact that asbestos exposure was more prevalent in men more frequently at work. Mesothelioma is a cancer that can develop between 15 and 40 years after asbestos exposure. It can be difficult for patients to be diagnosed since their symptoms may not be apparent until they reach 50.
Like all cancers, mesothelioma begins when normal cells begin to mutate and expand in an uncontrolled manner. This happens when genes in the cell are damaged due to exposure to harmful substances or by another factor like genetic changes or inflammation.
Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor. Symptoms can take decades to appear. The symptoms include a shortness of breath (dyspnea) and abdominal pain, swelling of the lung (pleural effusion) and other signs of lung disease. Mesothelioma can also affect the kidneys, skin and reproductive organs.
Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma should visit one of the best cancer centers of excellence for a thorough evaluation. They can assist patients and their families get the best medical treatment and suggest options for treatment. Those who have been exposed to asbestos at work should also seek financial compensation from companies who use this harmful material. This compensation can help pay for treatment and other expenses.
What are the symptoms?
If someone suspects that they might have mesothelioma in their body, they should see a doctor immediately. Although there isn't a cure, treatment can prolong the life span of a patient and improve their the quality of life. It is crucial to recognize mesothelioma early even though it's an uncommon form of cancer.
The patient should visit their primary care physician and describe their symptoms. The doctor will perform an examination of the body and collect the patient's medical records to determine risk factors.
Many patients with mesothelioma will experience abdominal or chest discomfort. It is epithelioid mesothelioma causes caused by the inflammation that occurs due to asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or swallowed and stick to organ linings. Over time, these can grow into cancer.
The majority of the time mesothelioma begins to develop in the lungs. It is also known as mesothelioma pleural. It may also form on the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum). This is referred to as peritoneal mesothelioma. It is less frequent in just 10% of cases, than mesothelioma pleural.
Other types of mesothelioma may be found in the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs. These forms are rare and only represent one percent of all mesothelioma. They are more difficult to detect compared to pleural mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma generally has a long latency period, meaning it can take decades from the date of first exposure until the first symptoms appear. When they do, they can include breathing difficulties, chest pain, fatigue and weight loss.
A mesothelioma diagnosis typically requires a biopsy to confirm presence of cancerous cells and to determine which kind of mesothelioma someone has. Other tests can be used to determine if there are other conditions, such as MRI, CT scans and X-rays.
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed, doctors will create an action plan for the patient according to the type and stage of the cancer. Some treatments are more effective than others for certain mesothelioma types. These treatments include chemotherapy, surgery or radiotherapy. Patients can also take part in clinical trials to test new treatments.
How is mesothelioma detected?
Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma when they cause irritation to organ linings. As time passes, the affected areas become thicker and grow into tumors, which eventually result in cancer cells. Mesothelioma can occur in the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma), intestines (peritoneal mesothelioma) testicles, the heart or both (pericardial mesothelioma). It can take between 15 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma.
The majority of patients with mesothelioma receive a diagnosis from their primary care physician or an oncologist. Their doctor will conduct a physical examination and look over their medical background 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 if there is a fluid buildup in the lungs or stomach and help determine the cause of the mesothelioma.
Once these tests are completed, the doctor can look for mesothelioma at a sample of liquid or tissue under the microscope. They can also perform the procedure of a biopsy, by inserting needles into the area in which fluid has accumulated, and pulling out a portion of tissue to examine under the microscope.
Mesothelioma is often mistaken for other conditions like lung cancer or pneumonia. Many patients are misdiagnosed, or never diagnosed. Patients suffering from mesothelioma should speak with an expert about their asbestos exposure.
If mesothelioma is suspected the doctor will request a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for asbestos in the abdomen or lungs. A chest X ray can also reveal the presence of fluid between the lung wall and the chest, called a Pleural effusion. To examine this fluid the doctor will first inject numbness into the skin and an instrument into the affected area. They will drain a small amount of the fluid, and then send it to a laboratory to detect cancerous cells.
If a physician diagnoses mesothelioma, they will recommend treatment options. Treatment for pleural cancer may include surgery to remove the pleura and the surrounding tissue. Surgery can be used to remove the abdominal lining, as well as the part of the diaphragm in the case of peritoneal cancer. In some cases mesothelioma is treated with chemotherapy or radiation.