Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and Other Asbestos-Related Illnesses A prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause a number of serious, potentially life-threatening illnesses Mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related illnesses can take decades to develop and are often mistakenly diagnosed or confused with other conditions Asbestos-related diseases can affect those who have had any amount of exposure The risk of developing pleural msothelioma is increased by the fourth power of time since the first exposure What is Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs pleura and, less frequently, in the abdomen's lining peritoneum It is a serious and potentially fatal cancer It is believed to be the result of exposure to asbestos-containing materials or products which are commonly used in the workplace Mesothelioma is usually found in firefighters, construction workers and veterans who have been exposed to asbestos Mesothelioma symptoms may not appear for 20 to 50 years following asbestos exposure The disease is named after the mesothelium This thin layer of tissue surrounds numerous organs which include the lungs, the chest cavity pleura and stomach peritoneum, and heart pericardium Mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers become embedded within the mesothelium, creating irritation and scarring Over time the cells that are irritated develop abnormal genetic mutations and transform into cancerous tumors There are four different types of mesothelioma Each one affects a specific part of the body The most prevalent kind is pleural mesothelioma which accounts for approximately 80 percent of all cases diagnosed every year Other types include peritoneal mesothelioma testicular mesothelioma and pleural effusion The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the area of the body that is affected The symptoms can range from respiratory problems like coughing and difficulty breathing to abdominal pain heart palpitations, chest pain and fluid in the lung pleural effusion Some patients may also have swelling in their feet or hands finger clubbing as well as weight loss, fatigue and fever Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify, as the initial symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as lung diseases or cancer This is the reason it is vital that anyone exposed to asbestos inform their doctor about the previous exposure Then, they need to be monitored regularly for signs of asbestos-related diseases and mesothelioma These regular examinations can result in quicker and more accurate diagnosis This can also reduce the risk of complications, like latency This means that the symptoms won't be missed and may be mistaken for a different illness for example, a change in the shape of fingers and nails, known as asbestosis, or as a normal sign of ageing What is Asbestosis https//vimeocom/704935378 is a naturally occurring mineral is extremely hard and resistant to extreme temperatures In the past it was utilized for various industrial processes as well as consumer products, including insulation and brakes It was also used in shingles, floor tiles and certain types of cement Exposure to asbestos fibres over the course of a long time can lead to serious health issues, including mesothelioma and asbestosis Individuals who work in certain industries could be at a higher risk of exposure for asbestos-related diseases, such as those involved in the mining or manufacturing of asbestos-containing products Asbestosis is caused through the inhalation of asbestos fibers, which can cause stiffening and scarring of the lung tissue Symptoms usually don't appear until a few years after exposure, referred to as the latency period It is essential to inform your doctor about any asbestos exposure so that they can conduct periodic screenings The people most at risk of getting asbestosis are those who worked in construction, shipbuilding or other industries where exposure to asbestos was common prior to its prohibition Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos at work may develop the condition The signs of asbestosis vary in severity and it is difficult to determine the cause A diagnosis of asbestosis is typically established by reviewing the medical history of a patient and performing several diagnostic tests A chest X-ray can detect advanced asbestosis, as it shows areas of white on the lung that look like honeycombs CT scans can reveal asbestosis symptoms more clear than X-rays A lung biopsy can be carried out to confirm the diagnosis It involves removing a tiny amount of lung tissue for examination under the microscope The test can identify the extent of lung disease as well as the presence of ferruginous bodies golden yellow rods that are beaded and coated with iron-containing proteins It is possible to live with asbestosis however, it's a chronic disease that can get worse with time It can cause difficulty breathing and can create pressure on the body's organs and tissues, including the heart Certain patients may require an intervention to stop fluid from getting back into the lung pleurodesis or an instrument to drain the lungs at home on a regular basis pleurectomy These procedures can improve breathing and enhance the quality of life What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma It can take years after exposure to asbestos for signs of mesothelioma or asbestosis to be evident This is known as the latency period and is different from one person to the next, depending on their location of cancers and other factors Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, the lining that surrounds your organs The most common form is pleural mesothelioma which is a form of cancer that forms in the membrane that surrounds your lungs and chest wall the pleura It may also develop in the diaphragm, peritoneum or testicles The signs of pleural mesothelioma generally begin with shortness of breath and dry cough They may also be accompanied by fever, abdominal pain and fatigue As the cancer progresses it may be spread to other parts of the body, causing different symptoms in each area Asbestosis isn't a cancer however it's a respiratory condition that can cause similar symptoms to mesothelioma Both of them are caused by inflammation that results from asbestos exposure The inflammation can cause scarring to the lungs which can make breathing difficult Asbestosis sufferers also experience a buildup of fluid around their lungs that can worsen symptoms Both asbestosis and mesothelioma are associated with a variety of health issues that include fatigue and memory loss, headaches, depression and anxiety In some cases mesothelioma sufferers have experienced digestive or heart issues as well If you suspect you have mesothelioma, your physician will conduct a physical examination and look over your work history to determine whether or not you were exposed to asbestos Your doctor might order tests for your blood to examine your kidneys, liver, and blood cells Chest X rays can be used to determine if there are any fluids or thickenings in the pleura Mesothelioma is extremely rare, and it can be difficult to recognize This is due to the fact that mesothelioma's initial symptoms often mimic those of more common illnesses, such as pneumonia and influenza In addition, mesothelioma suffers from a long latency period that makes it difficult to diagnose in its earliest stages This is why it is often mistakenly diagnosed What is the treatment for Mesothelioma and Asbestosis A doctor can identify mesothelioma or asbestosis by taking the tissue sample, which is also called biopsy It is important to get an early mesothelioma diagnosis as you can, since the disease can have long latency times, which means symptoms don't show up until years after exposure to asbestos A biopsy can be carried out in several ways, including by bronchoscopy and needle biopsy In a bronchoscopy procedure, doctors insert a tube to visualize the tissue and take the smallest amount of tissue to conduct a pathological analysis In a needle biopsies procedure, the doctor inserts a needle in the lungs or chest wall to remove a small amount fluid to examine using a microscope The most commonly used treatment for mesothelioma is surgery, however radiotherapy and chemotherapy can also be used Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to treat, and many patients relapse after first-line treatment Those who are most at the risk of developing mesothelioma include shipyard workers, miners, insulation contractors and construction workers People who work in schools or hospitals may be at risk too when they've been exposed asbestos-based materials for a prolonged period of time Teachers, nurses and ex-pupils of schools constructed using asbestos-containing material have also been diagnosed with mesothelioma The best way to treat asbestosis is to manage the symptoms This can be achieved through breathing exercises and medication to manage symptoms like wheezing, chest pain, breathlessness and coughing Pleural effusion, also referred to as fluid accumulation around the lungs, can worsen symptoms This is caused by inflammation and cell loss in the linings of the lungs A procedure known as VATS can alleviate the symptoms Mesothelioma is a rare but serious cancer that develops in the linings of organs It is most often found in the lungs, but can also affect the peritoneum or heart It is caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres previously used extensively in the construction industry and other fields It usually takes between 20 and 50 years after exposure before symptoms begin The people who have been exposed are often diagnosed with the disease in their later years and men are more likely to be affected than women