Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the interior organs' linings which is most often the lungs pleura and less often the abdomen peritoneum The risk of developing the disease is higher when asbestos is exposed The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos, which is a heat- and fire-resistant mineral fiber However, symptoms may take decades to develop after exposure Symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the tissues that line the lungs, stomach and heart It is usually caused when asbestos fibers inhale and deposited in the organ lining People who been exposed to asbestos, such as plumbers, miners and carpenters are the most at risk It is also seen in people who worked with asbestos workers who brought it home on their clothes or skin Other people at risk are those who work in a household where asbestos is present and those who are disturbed by asbestos during renovations to their homes or maintenance There are four stages of mesothelioma People in the early and mid-stages do not have symptoms and may suffer for a long time before being diagnosed When they are diagnosed the cancer is advanced and difficult to treat The symptoms of mesothelioma typically are not evident until decades after exposure The condition can take a long time to develop because asbestos fibers must travel from the lungs to other body parts before they can cause mesothelioma The lining of the lungs is the most frequent place where mesothelioma begins, but it can start in the linings of the stomach or the heart It can even appear in the tissue lining the reproductive organs The best way to diagnose mesothelioma is for a doctor to conduct a biopsy of the affected area The sample is examined under a microscope in order to determine if the cells are of mesothelioma or another kind Doctors may request x-rays and CT scans to identify the problem They can also make use of MRIs to determine if there's an abnormality or if the lining around the chest or abdomen has become thicker They can also check for fluid in the chest cavity They may also order a lung function test to assess how well the lungs of a patient are functioning A misdiagnosis of mesothelioma can be detrimental, since it could delay treatment that could improve the outlook of the patient It is imperative to seek out a physician if you experience any symptoms A GP will be able to assess the symptoms and examine the history of asbestos exposure for a patient Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, occurs in the mesothelium The mesothelium lining protects organs inside the body, including the abdominal cavity and chest The most frequent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma It affects the lung's outer layer pleura Mesothelioma is not as common in the abdomen's lining peritoneum, the heart sac pericardium, or in the testicles A doctor can diagnose the disease by taking a tissue sample for imaging tests or a biopsy A doctor will determine the mesothelioma's severity that indicates the severity of the disease and how likely it is to grow The exposure to asbestos is the biggest risk factor Asbestos, a natural mineral fiber resistant to heat and fire and was extensively employed in construction and manufacturing activities until the 1970s Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have worked in asbestos milling, mining pipefitters, insulators and milling Inhaling the microscopic asbestos fibers can lead to mesothelioma The asbestos fibers can become trapped in the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring Asbestos exposure may also increase the likelihood of smoking, which may further increase the risk for mesothelioma The risk of developing mesothelioma increases with the length of time they've been exposed to asbestos Mesothelioma is the most prevalent cancer among those who have been exposed to high levels of asbestos Certain risk factors can be altered, such as the age of a person, or whether they smoke However, most mesothelioma risks are related to asbestos exposure Certain risk factors can't be changed, such as the history of a family member or genetics Mesothelioma is more likely occur in people with certain health issues or illnesses like heart disease or diabetes Treatment Mesothelioma affects mesothelium, which forms the lungs and abdomen People who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma The disease typically develops over the years after exposure It is often difficult to recognize, as symptoms often mimic other conditions and change Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma may be compensated through lawsuits or trust funds Mesothelioma has no cure, but treatments are available to treat the condition and improve quality of life Patients should seek out doctors who are skilled in treating the disease Doctors will examine the medical history of a patient to look for symptoms and mesothelioma-related risks like asbestos exposure The most commonly cited cause of Mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos It usually occurs due to breathing in tiny asbestos fibers that are floating in the air These fibers can become lodged in the lungs and cause genetic mutations that can result in cancer Pleural mesothelioma affects the linings of the lungs and is the most commonly diagnosed mesothelioma However, it can be found in the lining of the chest wall pericardium as well as the abdomen and testicles peritoneal mesothelioma Mesothelioma, like all cancers is caused by DNA mutations in a cell These mutations lead the cell to grow uncontrollably, resulting in a tumor Mesothelioma is the most common type of cancer in men who are over 75 and those who have served in the US military There are a variety of types of mesothelioma and each one has a different survival rate Patients must be aware that a diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a serious one and can be extremely difficult to treat The research is progressing, but there is still some hope Veterans with mesothelioma may be eligible for VA benefits Prevention Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is largely treatable Asbestos is a natural mineral that was once used widely in shipbuilding, construction and other industries because of its unique characteristics of strength, durability as well as fire resistance and heat insulation However, the microscopic asbestos fibers can become airborne when disturbed and if inhaled, they can cause serious health conditions such as mesothelioma Asbestos is the sole way to avoid mesothelioma Asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma https//vimeocom/703541168 of people diagnosed with the disease have been exposed at some point Other factors can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma, such as smoking, age and genes Mesothelioma is most often found in the lungs and abdomen tummy It is uncommon for mesothelioma development to occur in any other area of the body Mesothelioma can take many years to develop and may not be apparent until 20 or 40 years after exposure to asbestos People who have been exposed asbestos should consult their physician regularly if they experience any unusual symptoms This includes coughing or a shortness of breath Asbestosis symptoms include tightness in your chest with persistent coughing and a bluish color to the skin This is because the body struggles to get enough oxygen Inhaling asbestos fibers may cause irritation to the lungs, leading to scarring known as fibrosis This can result in a build-up of fluid in the lungs and other parts of the body, such as the heart Inflammation can also trigger genetic changes, which can cause cancers to grow in the lungs Asbestosis isn't curable, but there are treatments available to manage symptoms These treatments can improve breathing and quality of life for patients Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs, however it can also affect the stomach, testicles, and heart There is no way to stop mesothelioma However there are ways to reduce the risk Ask your employer about safety standards and make sure to examine the workplace for asbestos Wearing protective equipment and washing work clothes away from home is a good idea so that asbestos fibers are not found on clothes of family members