Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and Other Asbestos-Related Illnesses Significant exposure to asbestos can cause a variety of life-threatening, serious diseases. It can take years for asbestosis, mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses to develop. They are often misdiagnosed as other diseases. People who have any exposure to asbestos may develop illnesses associated with it. However, the risk of mesothelioma in the pleural region increases by four times the time since first exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, develops in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It is a serious, potentially fatal cancer. It is believed to be the result of exposure to asbestos-containing substances or products that are often used in the workplace. Mesothelioma can be seen in firefighters, construction workers and veterans who have been exposed to asbestos. It can take between 20 and 50 years following asbestos exposure before symptoms of mesothelioma begin to manifest. The disease is named after the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that protects various organs of the body, including the chest cavity and the lungs (pleura) and stomach (peritoneum) and the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers are absorbed into the mesothelium and cause irritation, which leads to scarring. Over time the cells that are irritated develop abnormal genetic mutations, and then transform into cancerous tumors. There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type is specific to a particular part of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent kind, accounting for approximately 80percent of cases diagnosed every year. Other types include testicular, mesothelioma of the peritoneal and pleural. The symptoms of mesothelioma may differ depending on the area of the body that is affected. They may range from respiratory issues such as difficulty breathing or coughing, to abdominal pain and fluid in the lung. Patients may also experience swelling in the hands or feet and fatigue and weight loss. Early symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to other diseases, like lung cancer and lung disease. This is the reason it is vital that those who have been exposed to asbestos tell their doctor about their past exposure. They should then be screened regularly for the presence of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases. Regular checks can help make a quicker and more precise diagnosis. This will also lower the chance of complications, like latency. This can help ensure that symptoms are not overlooked and misinterpreted as other diseases. For example changes in finger and nail shape is known as asbestosis, or a normal ageing sign. What is Asbestosis? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral is extremely durable and resistant to high temperatures. In the past it was used in various industrial processes as well as consumer products, including insulation and brakes. It was also used in shingles, floor tiles and a few types of cement. Exposure to asbestos fibers for some time can cause serious health issues like mesothelioma or asbestosis. Workers in certain industries could be at a greater risk of exposure, including those involved in the mining and production of asbestos-containing products. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause stiffening and scarring in the lung tissue. The latency period is the time it takes for symptoms to appear after exposure. It's important that you tell your doctor about any asbestos exposure, so they can conduct periodic screenings. The people most at risk for developing asbestosis are those who have worked in construction, shipbuilding, or other fields where asbestos was used before its prohibition. However anyone who was exposed to a significant amount of asbestos in their work environment can develop this condition. The symptoms of asbestosis differ in severity and are extremely difficult to determine. The diagnosis of asbestosis can be made by reviewing the medical history of a patient and conducting a variety of diagnostic tests. An X-ray of the chest can identify asbestosis that is advanced, since it shows white areas on the lung that resemble honeycombs. CT scans are more detailed than X-rays and can also show signs of asbestosis. A lung biopsy can be conducted to confirm the diagnosis. This involves removing small amounts of lung tissue to be examined under a microscope. The test can determine the severity of lung disease and the presence of ferruginous bodies (golden yellow rods, beads-like structures that are coated with iron-containing proteins). Asbestosis is a progressive disease that can get worse as time passes. It can cause difficulty breathing and can create pressure on the rest of the body's organs, including the heart. Certain patients may require an operation (pleurodesis) that stops fluid from returning to the lungs, or a tube (pleurectomy) to remove their lungs on a regular basis at home. These procedures can improve breathing and quality of life. What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma and Asbestosis? It could take a long time after exposure to asbestos for the symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis to be evident. This is referred to as the latency time, and it varies from person to patient depending on the site of the tumors and other factors. The mesothelioma cancerous form is found on the mesothelium, the lining that covers many of your internal organs. The most frequent type is pleural mesothelioma that develops in the membrane surrounding your lungs and chest wall (the pleura). It can also be found in the diaphragm, peritoneum or testicles. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma typically start with a shortness of breath and dry cough. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue and abdominal pain. As the cancer progresses it may expand to other parts of the body, causing varying symptoms in each area. Asbestosis isn't a cancer however it's a respiratory condition which can trigger similar symptoms as mesothelioma. Both diseases result from inflammation resulting from exposure to asbestos. The inflammation leads to scarring of the lungs, which makes breathing difficult. Asbestosis sufferers also experience an accumulation of fluid around their lungs that can worsen symptoms. Asbestosis, as well as mesothelioma are connected to many other health issues, including fatigue and memory loss. They can also cause headaches, depression, and anxiety. In a few instances mesothelioma patients have had heart or digestive issues as well. If you suspect you have mesothelioma, your doctor will conduct a physical examination and examine your work history to see whether or not you were exposed to asbestos. Your doctor may order blood tests to test your liver, kidneys and blood cells. Chest Xrays can be used to determine whether there is a thickening of the pleura, or fluid that is in the space between the chest wall and the lungs. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify and is extremely rare. Early mesothelioma can mimic other illnesses like pneumonia or influenza. Furthermore, mesothelioma is characterized by a long latency period that makes it difficult to detect in its earliest stages. It is therefore often misdiagnosed. What is the Treatment of Mesothelioma? A doctor can determine asbestosis or mesothelioma by taking a tissue sample, also known as a biopsy. mesothelioma from asbestos exposure is important to get an early diagnosis of mesothelioma as possible, 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 through bronchoscopy or needle biopsy. In a bronchoscopy doctors insert a tube into the tissue and then take a small sample of it for pathological analysis. In a needle biopsy, the doctor inserts a needle in the lungs or chest wall to take a small amount of fluid for examination under a microscope. The most popular treatment for mesothelioma is surgery, although chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be used as well. Mesothelioma can be extremely difficult to treat, and many patients relapse after first-line treatment. People who are at greatest risk of developing mesothelioma are miners, shipyard workers insulation contractors and construction workers. School employees or hospitals could be at risk too in the event that they've had exposure to asbestos-based materials for a prolonged time. Teachers, nurses, and former pupils of schools constructed with asbestos-based materials have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. When it comes to asbestosis the most effective method of treatment is managing symptoms. These include breathing exercises as well as medication to help manage coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain. Pleural effusion, also known as fluid buildup around the lungs can exacerbate symptoms. This is the result of inflammation and death of cells in the lung's lining. It can be reduced by a procedure called VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments). Mesothelioma is a rare, yet serious cancer that is found in the linings of organs. It usually begins in the lungs, but it can be found in the peritoneum and heart. The exposure to asbestos is the reason. Asbestos is a collection of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. The symptoms typically manifest between 20 and 50 years after exposure. Men are more likely than women to contract the disease after exposure.
mesothelioma from asbestos exposure
