Mesothelioma Construction workers, industrial workers, military veterans and others who worked with asbestos-contaminated products are at risk of developing mesothelioma The continual exposure to asbestos fibers causes chronic inflammation that damages the mesothelium DNA changes are also triggered by this inflammation The risk of developing malignant mesothelioma increases with cumulative exposure and to the third or fourth power of the time since the first exposure It could take between 10 and 50 years after the first exposure for symptoms to show up Symptoms The mesothelium is a lining of cells that make up the body This lining protects the organs and tissues by lubricating it so that it can slide effortlessly against each other Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer that can be spread to various parts of the body, and affect the lungs, the heart and abdomen Other symptoms include fatigue and chest pain The symptoms of mesothelioma may take anywhere from 10 to 50 years to manifest, which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition It can also be confused with other conditions, such as the flu or pneumonia Patients may experience symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing or the rubbing of the nails and fingers Patients with mesothelioma may also develop a fluid accumulation in the chest peritoneal or belly This is known as an pleural effusion Contrary to lung cancer, mesothelioma is not visible on imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans until the cancer has grown over a period of time Often, doctors need to conduct an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis This can be done with an bronchoscopy, or needle biopsy These diagnostic procedures can assist doctors make a mesothelioma diagnosis and establish the best treatment option for the patient Doctors can also review a patient's history of asbestos exposure to determine whether they are at risk for developing asbestos-related illnesses The highest risk is for those exposed to asbestos in their workplaces Workers in shipbuilding, construction and other blue-collar jobs as well as veterans of the United States Armed Forces are at a high risk People who have asbestos-exposed workers are also at risk of developing mesothelioma particularly if the worker brings home asbestos fibers on his or her clothing Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma could benefit from regularly visiting their doctor of choice for a checkup and talking about any health concerns related to asbestos This is especially important because mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases, such as asbestosis Diagnosis Early signs of mesothelioma can appear like pneumonia, flu, or intestinal problems Patients might not show symptoms until 10 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos due to the long latency period It can be difficult to diagnose because of its resemblance to other diseases Many mesothelioma symptoms also vary based on the area of the body that is affected The first step is to see a primary care doctor or another doctor who can determine the cause of your symptoms They will ask for a full medical history and check to find out whether asbestos exposure has been mentioned They will also conduct physical examinations and carry out basic tests such as blood work or Xrays Depending on the mesothelioma type, a biopsy might be required to confirm the diagnosis The procedure involves inserting a needle in the abdomen or chest to take a small portion of the tissue The tissue is then examined to determine if it has cancerous mesothelioma Both mesothelioma types are malignant, no matter if they are epithelioid, or sarcomatoid Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 of mesothelioma cases, while sarcomatoid mesothelioma accounts for the remaining 70 After a mesothelioma biopsied procedure has been performed, doctors can make a treatment plan They will refer the patient to an expert who will determine the best treatment option for their particular condition Mesothelioma is caused by the exposure to asbestos fibers that are microscopic Asbestos is a group of minerals that look like bundles of tiny thin, slender fibers They are found in soil and rock and are usually released into the air during construction, mining and other activities Inhaled fibers can cause inflammation in the lungs This could eventually lead to mesothelioma The cancer is usually located in the lungs, but it can also form in the lining of the tummy peritoneal mesothelioma or in the testicles pericardial mesothelioma Treatment Mesothelioma is also known as cancer is an abnormal growth of cells that invades the tissues and organs of the surrounding area Cancerous cells can also spread to other areas of the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system Mesothelioma treatment options are different based on the nature and location of mesothelioma Today, doctors are using chemotherapy and surgery to treat mesothelioma Radiation therapy is often used in combination with chemotherapy and/or surgery It helps to decrease the pain and swelling caused by mesothelioma as well as eliminate cancerous cells Asbestos exposure can trigger asbestosis, a condition that is not cancerous that results in scarring of the lungs as well as other parts of the body It can also cause mesothelioma which is a more serious form of asbestos illness that's typically fatal Mesothelioma is a virulent cancer that usually affects the abdomen and lungs It can cause breathlessness, coughing, and chest pain Mesothelioma can be identified by X-rays and CT scans https//vimeocom/704727731 produced reveal areas of greater density, which could be a sign of scar tissue or an abnormal tumor Doctors can perform an bronchoscopy or needle biopsy to determine the difference A bronchoscopy involves inserting thin tube into the breathing passages to visualize the tissues and collect samples for testing A needle biopsy involves injecting liquid into the area in order to remove the tissue to test Both procedures are painful, but they help doctors diagnose asbestosis or mesothelioma Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses and can take as long as 50 years to develop following initial exposure The time between exposure to asbestos and the onset of symptoms can make it difficult to determine the disease People are often misdiagnosed as having other diseases like pneumonia or flu Although scientists aren't able to pinpoint for sure what causes mesothelioma, they do know that exposure to asbestos can increase the risk Asbestos exposure can be a result of working in industries such as asbestos mining, manufacturing and construction In addition, asbestos-containing materials are often transported by workers to homes and other workplaces where fibers can be consumed or inhaled The asbestos types most often involved in mesothelioma cancer cases are amphibole and serpentine asbestos fibers The type of asbestos called serpentine is less harmful than amphibole one, however both are capable of causing illness Prognosis Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue lining internal organs It is typically caused by exposure to asbestos as a grouping of minerals that are resistant to heat and durable It is thought that asbestos fibres are absorbed into the lungs and then irritate the mesothelium In time, this irritation can cause genetic mutations that can result in the growth of tumors The exposure to asbestos can happen in many ways, such as mining, manufacturing, repairing or cleaning asbestos-containing products It is also possible to be exposed through the daily routine of a person's life, such as washing or wearing clothes that contain asbestos Some people are more at risk of developing mesothelioma due to of their relatives' history of the disease or an increased risk of developing it due to other factors, such as genetics Patients with mesothelioma may have a variety of symptoms, which often mimic other illnesses This can make it difficult for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma earlier It is crucial for those who have been exposed to asbestos to discuss their history with their physician and request regular examinations The majority of mesothelioma cases result from asbestos exposure at work However, studies show that exposure to asbestos in the environment can cause mesothelioma too Asbestos dust can be spread from work sites to places in which people live Mesothelioma is more common in people living within 2000m of an asbestos mine or a cement plant Before developing mesothelioma people develop asbestosis Asbestosis can cause the lungs to become thicker and make it difficult for patients to breathe This condition can cause people to require oxygen at home and they may have to undergo lung procedures such as the surgery called a lobectomy Some people with mesothelioma also receive treatment for their symptoms They may be given drugs to help them breathe or take part in clinical trials for new treatments Mesothelioma is still a lethal disease, but early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chance of survival Patients who have undergone multiple rounds of surgery and chemotherapy have been able to extend their lives up to 10 years