Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. Mesothelioma and Asbestos Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. The time of latency can last up to 40 years after exposure. Moreover, it is often misdiagnosed because its symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases or illnesses. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral is a strong and microscopic fibers. It was utilized in a myriad of products from the 1930s through the 1980s, due to its resistance to the heat and fire. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium is a layer tissue that covers and protects most of your organs. Mesothelioma begins in the cells of this layer and spreads to other parts of the body. It can affect the diaphragm, lungs and heart, as well as the intestines. The exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. It typically takes 10 - 50 years for symptoms to appear, and they can be misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. It can develop on the lung linings stomach and bowels (peritoneal msothelioma) or in the linings of the lungs. Mesothelioma can develop in asbestos-exposed people, particularly when exposure was long and a large amount of asbestos were present. It can also occur due to exposure to asbestos through secondhand sources. Workers exposed to asbestos could carry asbestos fibers back to their homes, forming a layer on their clothing. This puts their family at risk of mesothelioma. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma. However, those working in certain professions are more at risk. Construction workers, for example, electricians, plumbers and welders are at risk of developing mesothelioma since they are exposed to loose asbestos dust while working on construction projects. Mesothelioma is also common in veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their time in the military. If someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma, they receive a biopsy to determine nature and stage of their cancer. A biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue from the area affected, usually through surgical intervention or using a needle. This is then examined under a microscope in order to look for mesothelioma cancerous cells. Mesothelioma cell types can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for 70 percent of diagnoses and is the most responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is much less frequent and has a less favorable prognosis. Mesothelioma is a challenging disease to treat. It is possible to detect it early and extend the lifespan of patients. Asbestos-related patients should inform their doctor about any history of asbestos exposure and schedule regular checkups. This can help doctors detect mesothelioma signs and symptoms at the earliest stage and enable them to be qualified for treatment options. The symptoms of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that is found in the linings of certain organs. There are four types of mesothelioma. The most popular type is pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung cancer. Other types include peritoneal mesothelioma of the testicular and [[https://www.cassylawn.top/9vz-1pkiojf-uc2-s4py54-e23q7s-2096/|Cassylawn.Top]] pericardial regions. People who are exposed to asbestos in their work are at risk of developing this disease. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that produces fibrous material. Inhaling or ingestion of this fiber can cause serious health problems, including mesothelioma. The asbestos fibers can cause abnormal growths in the tissues of those who are exposed to them. The growths can be either benign or cancerous, and may spread to other parts of the body. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. They often mimic other illnesses like pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis. Men are more likely to suffer from mesothelioma than women. People who are exposed asbestos in the workplace are at most risk of developing mesothelioma. These include those working in shipyards manufacturing, construction, maintenance of buildings as well as at military bases. The most commonly reported symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain and difficulty breathing. The pain is caused by an effusion of pleural fluid. The fluid stops the lung's capacity to expand during inhalation. Other symptoms include a cough, fever as well as weight loss, fatigue, and an overall feeling of unwell. Many doctors mistakenly diagnose mesothelioma as another disease due to it being a rare disease. Patients should always consult a physician whenever they experience symptoms and inform them of any prior asbestos exposure. Doctors will perform a series tests and analyze biopsy specimens to diagnose mesothelioma. They also conduct scans of the brain to determine if there is mesothelioma and [[https://www.cassylawn.top/up3q8-re7c0-4e8n-zj2-8k8bfp-3866/|Cassylawn.Top]] other asbestos-related diseases. These tests comprise a CT scanner, an MRI scan, PET scanning and an Xray. Diagnosis of Mesothelioma The early signs of mesothelioma are like those of more common diseases. The rarity of the disease can mean that it could take a long time before patients be diagnosed. Asbestos sufferers should undergo regular health checks and report their previous exposure to a physician. This will help doctors identify mesothelioma earlier, which will allow for more treatment options. Malignant pleural melanoma is cancer that affects the tissue that lines lungs the chest cavity, abdomen and chest (mesothelium). It takes decades for asbestos fibers to get into the mesothelium, where they damage the tissue over time and lead to tumor growth. Symptoms usually develop in the chest or abdomen and may include coughing, pain weight loss and difficulty breathing. Doctors employ a combination of tests to identify mesothelioma. The first step is a physical examination that asks regarding asbestos exposure in the past. Imaging scans, blood tests and a biopsy are generally performed next. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are able to spot mesothelium-related issues including fluid between the lungs, [[https://www.cassylawn.top/v2i60gq-u5ei29-0aznms-ge04m-6frw3pz-2197/|Cassy lawn]] - [[https://www.cassylawn.top/8z2m-p3l5n-qz9j-9oo470-06weg-170/|https://www.cassylawn.top/8z2m-p3l5n-qz9j-9oo470-06weg-170/]] - chest wall, scarring, and other lung problems. MRI and PET scanners are a great tool to identify lung tumors and other parts of the body. A biopsy is the most reliable method of diagnosing mesothelioma. The biopsy can be used to collect a sample from the mesothelium to determine if mesothelioma caused the. Doctors can make use of a needle inserted into the chest of the patient with CT guidance, video-assisted thoracentesis or a robotically guided procedure called Thoracoscopic surgical biopsy. Biopsies are also used to check for other types of cancer and can be done with the chest CT scan, through thoracentesis, or robotically using the thoracoscopic procedure. The biopsy can determine if mesothelioma affects the pleura, peritoneum or other organs. An expert in mesothelioma can review the results of the biopsy to determine the most effective treatment option. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma might appear like other types of cancer and other conditions on imaging tests, making it vital to have a knowledgeable mesothelioma doctor on your team. Treatment of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma, a type of cancer, is extremely aggressive that affects the mesothelium, the layer of tissue that protects the body's internal organs. Exposure to asbestos, [[https://www.cassylawn.top/86z8nkn-67xa-7zhpzf-4xe-1zg-4106/|Cassy Lawn]] a grouping of minerals that have microscopic fibres which was used extensively in construction, is the cause. Most often, mesothelioma affects the lung lining and abdomen. It may also affect the testes, or the peritoneum. After inhalation asbestos fibers can become stuck in the lining of the lungs or chest cavity, as well as abdomen. In time, this may result in the accumulation of scar tissue, which could eventually lead to the development of tumors. Mesothelioma may not be the same as lung cancer, and it may take years before symptoms begin to show. After a biopsy has been performed on the affected area, a diagnosis of mesothelioma can be made. There are four distinct types of mesothelioma that affect different regions of the body. The most prevalent type is malignant pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. Around 80% of mesothelioma diagnoses each year are caused by this type. Patients are diagnosed in stages 1 to 4 with stage 3 being the most prevalent. Pleural mesothelioma symptoms may resemble the symptoms of other diseases, making it difficult for healthcare professionals to make an quick and accurate diagnosis. This is especially evident in the initial stages when symptoms like a dry cough or chest pain may occur. They are easily confused with other diseases. Malignant mesothelioma can spread from one area of the body to another. For example mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is found in the abdomen's lining and can cause similar symptoms, such as abdominal swelling, pain, and distension. Pericardial mesothelioma could affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing and fluid around the heart. Those who worked with asbestos prior to the 1980s and when its use was phased-out and was deemed to be a health risk, are at the highest risk. Construction workers, electricians, electrical technicians, military veterans and those who worked at shipyards or power plants are all at risk. The elderly make up the vast majority of those affected. This is because men were more likely to work in industries in which they were exposed to asbestos, for example, shipbuilding and construction.