Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is found in the inner organs' linings, most commonly the lung pleura and, less frequently the abdomen peritoneum Exposure to asbestos results in an increased risk of developing this disease Exposure to asbestos, which is a mineral fiber resistant to heat and fire, is the primary risk factor However, symptoms may take decades to develop after exposure Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that forms in the tissue that surrounds the lungs, stomach and heart Typically, it develops when people inhale asbestos fibers that enter the bloodstream and then lodge in the organ's lining The people most likely to suffer from this condition are those who worked around asbestos, like miners, plumbers carpenters, welders, and carpenters People who live in areas with asbestos-contaminated workers may also be affected Some people are at risk include those who work in a home in which asbestos is present or disturb asbestos when they are renovating or maintaining There are four stages to mesothelioma People in the early and mid-stages do not have symptoms and can go on for a while before they are diagnosed When they are diagnosed the cancer is advanced and difficult to treat The symptoms of mesothelioma typically don't manifest until decades after exposure The disease can take a long time to develop due to asbestos fibers that must be transported from the lungs into other body parts before they can cause mesothelioma The lining of lungs is the most typical place where mesothelioma begins, but it can start in the linings of the stomach or the heart It can also show up in the linings of the reproductive organs The best method of diagnosing mesothelioma is for a doctor to take a biopsy from the affected area The specimen is then examined under microscopes to determine whether the cancer cells are mesothelioma or a different kind of cancer Doctors can also order x-rays, CT scans or MRI to determine the cause and determine if there's a tumor, thickening of the lining within the abdomen or chest and fluid in the chest cavity They can also order lung function tests to see how well the lungs of a person are working A misdiagnosis of mesothelioma could be harmful, as it can delay treatment, which can improve the outlook of the patient This is why it is crucial to consult a physician whenever you notice any signs A GP can evaluate the signs and symptoms and check a person's history of exposure to asbestos Diagnosis Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the mesothelium The mesothelium lining surrounds many of the body's internal organs which include the abdominal cavity and chest The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma It affects the lung's outer layer pleura Less commonly, mesothelioma can occur in the membrane that runs along the abdomen peritoneum or the heart sac pericardium and, very often, it may develop in the testicles tunica vaginalis mesothelioma, or tunica vaginalis mesothelioma testicular A doctor can detect mesothelioma by taking tissue sample for biopsy or imaging tests The doctor will determine the degree of mesothelioma, which is an indication of how invasive and likely to spread The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos Asbestos is a natural thermal, fire-resistant and heat-resistant fiber that was employed in manufacturing and construction until the late 1970s Mesothelioma is more frequent in people who have been employed in asbestos milling, mining pipes, insulators, and pipefitters Inhaling the tiny asbestos fibers could cause mesothelioma These fibers can get trapped in the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring Asbestos exposure can also increase the risk of a smoker and increases the risk of mesothelioma The risk of mesothelioma increasing when you are exposed to asbestos exposure Those who have been exposed to the highest levels of asbestos are at greatest risk for mesothelioma Certain risk factors can be altered like the age of a person or whether they smoke However, the majority of mesothelioma risks are due to exposure to asbestos Certain factors cannot be changed such as a person's genetics or family history Mesothelioma can more easily occur if a person has certain health conditions or illnesses, such as heart disease or diabetes Treatment Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the mesothel forms the lungs and abdomen Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma The disease usually develops for decades after exposure to asbestos It can be hard to identify, since symptoms often mimic other conditions and can change Those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma can be compensated through lawsuits or trust fund claims Mesothelioma has no cure however, treatments are available to manage the disease and improve quality of life Patients should seek medical treatment from doctors who have experience treating the disease Doctors will review a patient's medical history to check for symptoms and potential mesothelioma risk factors, like asbestos exposure Exposure to asbestos is the most frequent cause mesothelioma It is typically caused by breathing asbestos fibers that float in the air The asbestos fibers can become lodged in the lungs, causing genetic mutations that could cause cancer Pleural mesothelioma can affect the linings of the lung and is the most commonly diagnosed mesothelioma It can also affect the tissue of the chest pericardium and abdomen and testicles peritoneal peritoneal cancer Mesothelioma, like all cancers is caused by DNA changes within a cell The mutations cause the cells to expand in uncontrolled ways, resulting in the formation of a tumor Mesothelioma is most commonly found in males over 75 and those who have served in the US military There are many mesothelioma types and each has a distinct survival rate Patients should know that a mesothelioma diagnosis can be serious and is difficult to treat There is hope, however as research continues to make advances in extending the duration of the duration of survival In addition, veterans with mesothelioma must be aware that they may be eligible for benefits through the VA The following is a list of preventatives Mesothelioma Although rare, it is extremely avoidable Asbestos is a mineral that is naturally occurring that was once used widely in shipbuilding, construction and other industries because of its unique characteristics of strength, durability, heat insulation, and fire resistance However, the microscopic asbestos fibers become airborne when disturbed, and if inhaled, could cause serious health issues such as mesothelioma The only way to prevent mesothelioma is to not be exposed to asbestos Asbestos exposure is the most significant cause of mesothelioma most people diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at some time throughout their lives Smoking or aging, as well as genetics can also increase the risk of mesothelioma Mesothelioma is most often found in the abdomen and lungs tummy It is rare for mesothelioma to develop in any other area of the body Mesothelioma can take many years to develop and may not show up until 20 or 40 years following exposure to asbestos People who have been exposed to asbestos should consult their doctor regularly if they have any unusual symptoms This may include coughing, or shortness of breathe Asbestosis symptoms include chest tightness as well as persistent coughing and a blueish hue to the skin This is due to the body's struggle to get enough oxygen Inhaling asbestos fibers can also cause irritation to the lung tissues and cause scarring called fibrosis https//vimeocom/704887390 can lead to a build-up of fluid in the lungs and in other areas of the body, including the heart Inflammation can cause genetic changes that could cause cancer to grow in the lung Asbestosis isn't curable however there are treatments to manage symptoms These treatments can improve the quality of life and air quality for patients Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs, however it can also affect the stomach, testicles, and the heart There is no way to prevent mesothelioma However there are ways to decrease the risk Ask your employer about safety standards and make sure to be sure to check your workplace for asbestos Wearing protective gear and washing the work clothes away from home is a good idea to ensure asbestos fibers don't get brought home on the clothing of family members