Mesothelioma - Is Mesothelioma Always Caused by Asbestos?
Asbestos may stick to workers' clothing, hair and skin. They then bring it to their homes, where family members can also be exposed to the hazardous mineral.
Anyone who is exposed has an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. The risk increases as time passes but it is believed to plateau after 40-50 years of exposure to mesothelioma pleural.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a type of cancer, affects the linings that surround 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 most common reason for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a group of extremely strong, microscopic fibers which occur naturally. From the 1930s until the 1980s, it was used in a variety of products such as buildings, vehicles, and construction materials, because it was invulnerable to fire, water and sound. When asbestos is disturbed, the fibers become airborne and can be breathed in or swallowed. Inhaling fibers can cause irritation to the lungs and stomach and abnormal cells could develop. Mesothelioma is typically caused by chrysotile asbestos. Other forms of asbestos like amphibole and tremolite, also can cause mesothelioma.
The exposure to asbestos is usually in the workplace. Mesothelioma can develop between 20 and 60 years. Signs include breathlessness, a persistent cough and fluid in the lungs. The U.S. Military used asbestos in aircrafts, ships and barracks. Veterans account for 33% of all mesothelioma patients.
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma could undergo treatment to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery can be used to manage symptoms. For instance, patients with mesothelioma of the pleural region may undergo a surgical procedure known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). During this procedure, surgeons cut off the lining of the lungs and chest cavity and then use sterile powder to inflame the area to stop the accumulation of fluid.
Mesothelioma can be very difficult to diagnose and is extremely rare. If you've been exposed to asbestos and have symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor. They will inquire about your medical history and search for signs of Mesothelioma. They will also run tests to determine what is causing the symptoms. Early treatment is the best way to guarantee the best outcome. A biopsy is the only way to know whether you are suffering from mesothelioma. However doctors can usually detect mesothelioma through a physical exam and a blood test.
How can mesothelioma be caused?
The asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma develops in the tissue that lines certain organs in the body. The most common locations for mesothelioma development are the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma can also form in the linings of the chest cavity and testicles.
People who have long-term exposure to asbestos are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma. This includes those who worked directly with asbestos or its products. Additionally, those who live near asbestos mines or mills are at risk of exposure to fibers and dust that are released into the air. Family employees are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma as they can inhale these particles through the clothing of their loved relatives.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is more prevalent in women than men. This is likely because men were more likely to be exposed to asbestos at work. Mesothelioma is a cancer that can develop between 15 and 40 years after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult for many victims to get diagnosed as their symptoms may not appear until they reach the age of 50s or more.
Like all cancers, mesothelioma begins when normal cells begin to change and expand uncontrollably. This happens when genes in the cell are damaged due to exposure to a harmful substance or by another factor, such as genetic mutations or inflammation.
Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor, and symptoms can take decades to appear. Symptoms can include a shortness of breath (dyspnea) and abdominal pain, swelling of the lungs (pleural effusion) and other indications of lung disease. Mesothelioma can also affect the skin, kidneys and reproductive organs.
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma must be examined at one of the most reputable cancer centers. They can assist patients and their family members in receiving the right care and finding treatment options. Anyone who was exposed to asbestos while at work should also consider seeking financial compensation from the companies who used this harmful substance. This compensation could be used to pay for treatment or other expenses.
What are the signs?
If a person suspects that they may have mesothelioma, they should consult with a physician immediately. Treatment can improve the quality of life and extend the life of a patient even though there is no cure. It is crucial to recognize mesothelioma early even though it's an uncommon form of cancer.
The patient should first see their primary physician and describe their symptoms. The doctor will then conduct an examination of the body and collect the medical records of the patient to determine risk factors.
Many patients with mesothelioma will experience chest or abdominal pain. This is caused by the inflammation that results from asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or swallowed and adhere to organ linings. They may then turn into cancer in the course of time.
The lung is the most frequently place where mesothelioma occurs. It is also known as mesothelioma of the pleural region. It can be found in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). This is called peritoneal Mesothelioma. It is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma and makes less than 10% of cases.
Other types of mesothelioma can occur in the membrane around the heart or reproductive organs. These kinds of mesothelioma are less common and account for only 1% of mesothelioma cases. They are generally more difficult to detect than mesothelioma with pleural origins.
The mesothelioma latency period is typically long, taking decades to manifest the first signs. 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 cancer cells in a mesothelioma patient. Other tests can be utilized to determine if there are other conditions, such as MRI, CT scans and X-rays.
If a mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctors will develop an action plan for the patient that is based on the kind and the stage of the mesothelioma. Certain mesothelioma types are more prone to certain treatments. These treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Patients can also participate in clinical trials that could help them receive newer treatments.
How do I diagnose mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers cause irritation to the lining of certain organs. As time passes, the irritated areas thicken and develop tumors, which eventually result in cancerous cells. Mesothelioma may occur in the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the intestinal tracts (peritoneal mesothelioma) testicles, the heart or both (pericardial mesothelioma). It usually takes between 15 and 50 years for mesothelioma symptoms to appear.
The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have been diagnosed by their primary care doctor or an oncologist. Their doctor will conduct a physical exam and examine their medical background and work history. If they does asbestos always cause mesothelioma suspect mesothelioma, the doctor will perform an X-ray or CT scan of the chest or abdomen. These tests will reveal if there is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs or stomach and help determine the cause of the mesothelioma.
After these tests are completed after which the doctor can examine for mesothelioma at a sample of liquid or tissue under a microscope. It is also possible to perform biopsy, which entails inserting a needle into the area where the fluid has gathered up and then taking out tiny pieces of tissue to be examined under microscope to look for mesothelioma-like cells.
Mesothelioma can be mistaken for other conditions like lung cancer or pneumonia. This is why many patients are misdiagnosed, or don't get diagnosed at all. Patients suffering from mesothelioma should speak with a specialist about their asbestos exposure.
If mesothelioma has been identified, the doctor will likely order an X-ray chest or CT scan to check for evidence of asbestos in the lungs or abdomen. A chest X ray can also reveal the presence of fluid between the lung wall and the chest, which is known as a Pleural effusion. The doctor will numb the skin and then insert a needle into the affected area to examine the fluid. They will then send a sample of fluid to a laboratory for testing for cancer cells.
If a physician diagnoses mesothelioma, they will recommend treatment options. For pleural mesothelioma treatment may involve surgery to remove the pleura as well as the surrounding tissue. Surgery is a method to remove the abdominal liner as well as a portion of the diaphragm when there is the case of peritoneal cancer. In certain instances, chemotherapy or radiation may be employed to treat mesothelioma.