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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Occupational asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma-related cause. Exposure to asbestos can occur in shipyards, construction and factories. As asbestos fibres are inhaled, they get caught in the lung's lining (pleura) and trigger gene mutations that lead to cancer. The signs typically don't show up until 20 to 60 years after exposure. Symptoms The symptoms of mesothelioma differ depending on the location where the tumors are located in the body, as well as the type and stage. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs while pericardial, peritoneal and mesothelioma affecting the heart and stomach. Patients may also experience additional symptoms related to their condition, like fatigue, weight loss and breathing difficulties. A physical examination and a thorough health history are the first steps to determine if you have mesothelioma. Patients should tell their doctor about any previous exposure to asbestos and mention any unusual symptoms or changes in their body they've noticed. Doctors may also prescribe imaging tests in addition to a physical examination to determine the progress of the disease and rule out any other diseases like pneumonia or lung cancer. Most often, mesothelioma symptoms don't manifest until decades after exposure asbestos. Asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, and they can adhere to the organ linings, such as the stomach and lungs. Over time, these fibers cause inflammation and eventually tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms often do not appear until the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. As soon as mesothelioma begins to show signs, they rapidly increase in severity and affect the quality of life of a patient. As the cancer grows, patients can become weaker and bed-bound. Many patients suffering from mesothelioma at the late stages of their illness are suffering severe pain. In addition to the physical exam, doctors inquire about the patient's asbestos exposure and mesothelioma-related risks. Smoking, military service or a history of mesothelioma in a family member can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. The asbestos fibers that cause irritation to the tissues of patients with mesothelioma can also irritate those of patients suffering from lung or breast cancer. The risk of developing cancer can be minimized by avoiding exposure to asbestos and practicing good hygiene in the workplace. For instance, employees must change their clothes prior to leaving for work and shower immediately after work to avoid bringing home asbestos fibers on their clothing or skin. Anyone who lives close to asbestos-contaminated workers should shower and change their clothes prior to entering the home. Diagnosis Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals that have tiny fibres that are used in many different ways. People who use asbestos may release these fibres into the air and lungs of those around them. Over time, these fibers may build up and cause lung scarring known as asbestosis. It can also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that grows within the protective linings of organs, referred to as mesothelium. It is most often found in the chest lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is a common cause in mesothelioma. It can take decades for mesothelioma signs to appear and is a difficult diagnosis. The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma involves a visit to the doctor and an examination. This can help your physician recognize the symptoms you are experiencing and rule out other conditions. Your doctor might order blood tests or imaging scans to test for mesothelioma, or to detect symptoms of other ailments like lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. These scans identify pleural or peritoneal fluid. These tests can help doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma in which you are and help determine the best treatment options for you. Each stage of mesothelioma has a different prognosis. The stage of mesothelioma determines the severity of your symptoms and how quickly they progress. Depending on the location of your mesothelioma doctor may perform different diagnostic tests. Pleural mesothelioma is a lung cancer and is the most prevalent mesothelioma type. Doctors can also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, which targets the lining of the abdomen or pericardial mesothelioma targeted at the lining of the heart. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma the doctor will ask you about your exposure to asbestos and if you have any symptoms. The doctor will perform an examination and look over your medical documents. If they suspect that mesothelioma has developed, they will refer you to an expert who can carry out further tests and scans. These tests can help determine the type and the stage of your cancer as well as how far it has spread. Treatment Asbestos exposure is the most frequent mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is found in soil and rock. It is a strong mineral that can be transformed into thin woven fibers for various products. It was utilized in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century before scientists realized its health risks to humans. Asbestos is typically exposed when people breathe or swallow the fibers. They then adhere to the linings of organs. In time, the lining can grow tumors, causing symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing and chest pain. Symptoms usually do not appear until 10-50 years after the initial exposure. Mesothelioma can strike those who have been exposed to asbestos, but some are at greater risk. Any type of asbestos exposure can increase your chances of getting mesothelioma, including occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are at risk. If you or someone in your family has mesothelioma or asbestosis, you should speak to a doctor about your asbestos family history. Different types of mesothelioma can occur in different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common type, affecting approximately 70 to 80 percent of all cases. It begins in the tissues that cover each lung (pleural msothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common. It is found in the interior (peritoneum) of the abdomen. There are two types of mesothelioma malignancy that are epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common and grows slower than mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. There is also a rare mesothelioma type that includes both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is called biphasic mesothelioma. The type of mesothelioma you have can help your doctors decide what treatment to give you. Your doctors may suggest chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy to ease your symptoms and prolong your life span. The type of mesothelioma that you have, its location and your medical background will determine the kind of treatment you will receive. There are ways to reduce your risk, even though mesothelioma cancer is rare. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you should limit your exposure to asbestos and avoid any areas in which it is possible to find. Talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms. Recovery Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma feel shocking to discover that asbestos exposure in the past is the reason. They may be even more upset to discover that their former employers did not warn them about the risks of their work or take any precautions to shield workers from the harmful material. A mesothelioma lawyer could help these patients find justice by filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissue that lines the organs of the body, including the lungs, stomach and heart. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos which is a family of minerals that form long thin fibers that are strong and fire resistant. Before the discovery of asbestos' health hazards asbestos was extensively used in building materials, automobile parts and other products. Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who been involved in asbestos-related projects. ofallon asbestos law firm includes shipyard workers, construction workers, employees insulation workers asbestos abatement technicians as well as other workers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos fibers clung to clothing, personal items, and workers' bodies. This could expose their families to mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent type of cancer. It affects the lung's lining and the symptoms typically begin in the chest, such as coughing up blood or an accumulation of fluid around the lung. It can also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart. A person's chances of developing mesothelioma depend on various factors such as the duration they were exposed to asbestos, as well as their gender. Men are more likely to get this disease than women, and an individual's age is another factor. Family history is also an important risk factor, since certain asbestos-related diseases have been linked to certain genes. Mesothelioma is more common in those who have experienced radiation to their chest, or those who have a family member who has the disease. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur for those over 60 years old.