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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Asbestos exposure at work is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can occur in construction, shipyards and factories. Inhaled asbestos fibres get trapped in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and cause gene mutations that can lead to cancer. The signs typically don't show up until 20 to 60 years after exposure. Signs and symptoms The symptoms of mesothelioma differ depending on the location where the tumors are located in the body and also on the kind and stage. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs and pericardial, peritoneal and peritoneal mesothelioma affect the stomach and the heart. Patients may also experience other symptoms associated with their condition, like weight loss, fatigue and breathing difficulties. A physical examination and thorough health history are the first steps to determine if you have mesothelioma. Patients should tell their doctor about any past exposure to asbestos and mention any unusual body changes or symptoms they've noticed. Doctors may also prescribe imaging tests in addition to a physical exam to determine the progression of the disease and rule out any other diseases like lung cancer or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not always diagnosed until decades after asbestos exposure. This is due to the fact that asbestos fibers can be breathed in or swallowed, and then cling to the lining of organs such as the stomach or lungs. As time passes, these fibers cause inflammation and can lead to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms often don't manifest until cancer has spread to other areas of the body. As soon as mesothelioma begins to show signs, it can quickly worsen and impact a patient's life quality. As the cancer grows, patients can become weaker and bed-bound. Many mesothelioma patients in the late stages of their disease experience extreme pain. In addition to a physical exam doctors will inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma risk factors. A history of a family member with mesothelioma or another type of cancer, smoking cigarettes, or military service can all increase a person's likelihood of developing the disease. Patients with mesothelioma tend to be at higher risk of developing other types of cancer, such as lung and breast cancer because asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the tissues of these patients as well. The risk of developing cancer can be minimized by avoiding exposure to asbestos and maintaining a healthy lifestyle at work. For instance, employees must change their clothes before leaving work and shower immediately after work to prevent bringing home any asbestos fibers on their clothing or skin. People who live near asbestos-exposed workers must wash and change their clothes prior to entering the home. Diagnosis Asbestos is made up of a variety of minerals that occur naturally and contain tiny fibres. It can be used in various ways. The people who use asbestos could release these fibres into the air and into the lungs of those around them. As time passes the fibres build up and cause scarring in the lungs called asbestosis. It can also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the linings of protection (mesothelium) of organs. It usually develops in the chest lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Patients with mesothelioma can be exposed to asbestos in the workplace. Mesothelioma can take decades to be diagnosed, which makes it difficult to determine the cause. The first step in identifying mesothelioma begins with a visit to the doctor and a physical exam. This can help your doctor recognize the symptoms you're experiencing and rule out other illnesses. Your doctor may order blood tests or imaging scans to look for mesothelioma, or to detect symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can aid doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, by identifying pleural or the peritoneal effusion. These tests can help doctors determine your stage of mesothelioma and determine your treatment options. Each stage of mesothelioma comes with an individual prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma affects how severe the symptoms are as well as the speed at which they progress. Your doctor might utilize a variety diagnostic tests based on where the mesothelioma occurs. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma. Doctors can diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as well, which targets the lining of the abdomen or pericardial mesothelioma specifically targeting the lining of the heart. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor will inquire about the exposure to asbestos and whether you have any symptoms. They will then conduct a physical exam and examine your medical background. If they suspect mesothelioma they will refer you to an expert for further scans and tests. These tests will help diagnose the type and stage of your cancer, and also the extent to which it has spread. Treatment Asbestos exposure is the most common mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is one of the minerals that are found in rocks and soil. It is extremely strong and can be made into fine weaved fibers which are used in numerous products. In the United States, asbestos was utilized for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century before scientists discovered its dangers. Asbestos is typically exposed when people breathe in or swallow the fibers. They then cling to the lining of organs. In time, the lining can grow tumors and cause symptoms like coughing, breathing difficulties and chest pain. Symptoms do not usually appear until 10 to 50 years after initial exposure. Mesothelioma is a possibility for anyone who has been exposed asbestos, however certain types are more at risk. You can get mesothelioma from any type of asbestos exposure that includes para- and occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos by their relatives are also at a higher risk. If you or someone in your family has mesothelioma, it is recommended that you speak to a doctor about your asbestos family history. Different types of mesothelioma can be found in different areas of the body. Around 70 to 80 percent of cases are mesothelioma pleural. It starts in the tissue that covers each lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma, which is less common, is more. It is located in the interior (peritoneum) of the abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma is found in two types: epithelioid, and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a higher incidence and develops slower than mesothelioma with sarcomatoid features. There is a very rare mesothelioma type that has both sarcomatoid and epithelioid-cells. It is called biphasic mesothelioma. Your doctor can decide on the most appropriate treatment for you based upon the mesothelioma type. Your doctor may recommend radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery to ease your symptoms and prolong your life. The kind of treatment you will receive will depend on the type of mesothelioma you have, the location it is located, and your medical history. There are ways to lower your risk, even though mesothelioma cancer is not common. If you've been exposed to asbestos in the past, you should try to reduce your exposure and stay clear from any areas that could contain it. You should also talk to your doctor about any unusual or persistent signs and symptoms you experience. Recovery Many patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocked to learn that past exposure to asbestos is the reason. More troubling is the fact that their former employers did not inform them of the dangers associated with their work or take any steps to safeguard workers against asbestos, a toxic substance. A mesothelioma lawyer could help these patients find justice by filing an action against the accountable parties. Mesothelioma, a cancer, is located in the tissue that covers organs in the body, like the stomach and lungs. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals that create long thin fibers that are strong and fire-resistant. Before the discovery of asbestos' dangers to health asbestos was extensively used in building materials, automobile parts and other products. People who worked on projects that involved asbestos are more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes shipyard workers, construction workers, employees, insulation workers asbestos abatement technicians, and other workers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos particles clung to personal items, clothing and the bodies of workers. This can cause mesothelioma to their families. The most prevalent type of cancer is mesothelioma pleural. Rancho Cucamonga asbestos attorney affects the lung's lining and symptoms usually start in the chest, such as coughing up blood or the accumulation of fluid around the lungs. It can also impact the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). The amount of asbestos exposure and gender are two aspects that can impact a person's chance of developing mesothelioma. Men are more vulnerable to this disease than women. Age is also a factor. Family history is also considered as a risk factor since certain asbestos-related diseases have been linked to specific genes. Mesothelioma is more common for those who have had chest radiation or have a family member with the disease. Most mesothelioma patients are older than 60 years.