Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Asbestos exposure in the workplace is the most significant cause of mesothelioma Exposure can be found in shipyards, factories mining sites, construction sites, and other Asbestos fibres that are inhaled become stuck in the lining pleura of the lungs They cause gene mutations that lead to cancer Symptoms typically don't appear until 20 to 60 years after exposure Signs and symptoms The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the location where the tumors are situated in the body and the stage and type Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs and pericardial, peritoneal and peritoneal mesothelioma affect the heart and stomach Patients may also experience additional symptoms that are associated with their condition, including weight loss, fatigue and breathing difficulties https//vimeocom/704933427 to diagnose mesothelioma is to conduct a physical exam and detailed health history Patients should inform their doctor of any asbestos exposure and any unusual symptoms or changes in their body that they have observed In addition to performing physical examinations doctors may also request imaging tests to determine how the disease is progressing and also to rule out other ailments like lung cancer or pneumonia Most often, mesothelioma symptoms don't show up until decades after exposure to asbestos Asbestos fibers can be breathed in, swallowed and adhere to the linings of organs such as stomach and lungs These fibers can cause inflammation, which leads to tumors The signs of mesothelioma usually don't appear until the cancer spreads to other parts When mesothelioma-related symptoms start they can quickly worsen and impact a patient's quality of life Patients may be weak and bed-bound as their cancer progresses Many patients suffering from mesothelioma at the late stages of their disease experience extreme pain In addition to a physical exam, doctors will ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma-related risk factors Smoking, military service or a history of mesothelioma in a family member could increase the likelihood of developing the disease Patients with mesothelioma tend to be at a higher risk of developing other forms of cancer, including lung and breast cancer, because the same asbestos fibers can cause irritation to these tissues too By avoiding asbestos exposure and maintaining a healthy hygiene at work, the risks can be minimized For instance, employees must change their clothes prior to leaving work and shower right after work to avoid bringing home any asbestos-containing particles on their skin or clothing Those who live near asbestos-exposed workers should also shower and change their clothes prior to entering the house Diagnosis Asbestos is made up of a variety of minerals that occur naturally and are made up of tiny fibres It can be utilized in various ways These fibres can be released into the air or into the lungs of those who are using asbestos As time passes, these fibres can build up and cause lung scarring known as asbestosis It can also lead to cancer Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that grows in the linings that protect organs known as mesothelium It is most commonly found in the chest lining pleura or abdomen peritoneum Patients with mesothelioma are frequently exposed to asbestos in the workplace It takes a long time for mesothelioma signs to appear, which makes diagnosis difficult The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is to visit the doctor and an examination This will allow your physician to identify the symptoms you are experiencing and rule out other conditions Your doctor can also order scans of your blood and imaging to look for mesothelioma or to detect symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases X-rays computerised tomography, CT computerised imaging and MRI scans can be used to detect mesothelioma These scans can reveal pleural or peritoneal fluid These tests can also help doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma which determines the treatment options you have There are four mesothelioma stages, and each one has different prognoses The stage of mesothelioma will determine how severe your symptoms are and how quickly they progress Depending on the location of mesothelioma, your doctor may recommend different diagnostic tests The most common mesothelioma type is mesothelioma that affects the lung Doctors may also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, which targets the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, focused on the lining of the heart In the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis your doctor will inquire about the exposure to asbestos and whether you have any symptoms The doctor will conduct an examination and look over your medical documents If they suspect that mesothelioma is present, they will refer to a specialist who can perform further tests and scans Those tests will help to determine the type and stage of your mesothelioma as well as revealing how the cancer has spread Treatment Mesothelioma is most often caused by exposure to asbestos Asbestos is present in rock and soil It is a very strong mineral that can be transformed into thin woven fibers for many different products It was used in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century, before scientists learned of the dangers it poses to human health Asbestos is usually exposed when people breathe in, or swallow the fibers They are then bonded to the organ's linings In time, the tissue can develop tumors, causing symptoms such as coughing, breathing problems and chest pain The symptoms do not typically show until 10 to 50 years after the initial exposure Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma However, some people are at greater risk than others Mesothelioma can result from any asbestos exposure that includes para- and occupational exposure People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are also at risk If someone in your family has mesothelioma, you should talk to a doctor about your asbestos history Different types of mesothelioma can be found in different areas of the body About 70 to 80 percent of cases are pleural mesothelioma It starts in the tissue that covers the lung pleural msothelium Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common It occurs in the abdominal lining peritoneum Malignant mesothelioma comes in two types epithelioid, and sarcomatoid Epithelioid mesothelioma has a higher incidence and grows slower than mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid There is also a rare form of mesothelioma that contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells It is known as biphasic mesothelioma Your doctor will decide the most appropriate treatment for you based on the mesothelioma type Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery to alleviate your symptoms and prolong your life The kind of treatment you are offered will depend on the type of mesothelioma you have, the location it is located, and your medical background Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, try to limit your exposure and stay clear from any places that might contain asbestos Consult your physician in the event of any unusual or persistent symptoms Recovery Many patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocked to learn that asbestos exposure in the past is the cause More troubling is the fact that their former employers failed to inform them of the dangers associated with their work or take any steps to protect workers against asbestos, a toxic substance A mesothelioma lawyer can assist those suffering from the disease by filing a lawsuit against the parties responsible Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that forms in the tissue that lines the body's organs, including the stomach, lungs, and the heart It is caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals that form long, thin fibers that are durable and fire resistant Asbestos was used extensively in buildings, automobile parts and other products before scientists realized its health risks in the 20th century People who worked on projects that involved asbestos are most likely to develop mesothelioma Construction workers, shipyard workers, insulation workers and asbestos specialists are all at risk Asbestos also clung to clothing and other personal items, and workers carried asbestos fibers home on their bodies, exposing their families to mesothelioma, too The most prevalent type of cancer is pleural mesothelioma It affects the lung's lining, and the symptoms typically begin in the chest, like the coughing up of blood or an accumulation of fluid around the lung It can also affect the stomach's lining peritoneal pericardial or the heart The amount of asbestos exposure and gender are two factors that affect the likelihood of developing mesothelioma Men are more likely to develop this condition than women, and an individual's age is another factor A family history is also a risk factor Certain asbestos-related illnesses have been linked to specific genes Mesothelioma is more frequent for those who have had chest radiation or who have a family member with the disease The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in people who are over 60 years old