Mesothelioma - Is Mesothelioma Always Caused by Asbestos?
Asbestos can stick to workers clothing, hair and skin. The workers then take it home where their family can be exposed to this harmful mineral.
Anyone who is exposed has a long-term risk of developing mesothelioma. The risk increases over time but the rate of increase seems to slow for pleural mesothelioma after 40-50 years after exposure.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects the tissue linings that surround some internal organs. This includes the linings of the chest cavity (pleura), the abdominal cavity (pericardium) and the heart (pericardium). It can be fatal.
Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is one of the strong, microscopic fibers that are naturally occurring. It was used in buildings, vehicles and dozens of construction materials between 1930s and the 1980s as it resisted fire, water and sound. When asbestos is disturbed the fibers expand and can be inhaled or swallowed. Inhaled fibers can cause irritation to the lungs and stomach and abnormal cells can develop. Chrysotile is the most commonly used ingredient in the cause of mesothelioma. Other forms of asbestos like amphibole and tremolite, can also cause mesothelioma.
Asbest exposure is most prevalent at workplaces. It can take between 20 to 60 years for mesothelioma symptoms develop. The symptoms can include shortness of breath and a cough that does not disappear, and fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). The U.S. military used asbestos in its aircrafts, ships and barracks. As the result, veterans make up 33 percent of mesothelioma patients today.
Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may receive treatment to help manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy can ease symptoms. For example, patients with mesothelioma pleural can undergo a surgical procedure known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). During this surgery surgeons cut off the lung's lining and lung, and then use the sterile talcum powder in order to inflame the lining, which prevents fluid from building up again.
Mesothelioma can be very difficult to detect and is extremely rare. If you've been exposed to asbestos for a significant amount of time and are experiencing any symptoms, it is important to see your physician. They will ask you about your medical history and search for symptoms of Mesothelioma. They will also run tests to determine what is causing the symptoms. Getting treatment early is the best way to ensure the most favorable outcome. Only a biopsy can determine whether you have mesothelioma. A doctor can detect mesothelioma through a physical exam and the collection of blood samples.
How is mesothelioma caused?
The mesothelioma cancer that is caused by asbestos is a result of the growth of tissues that line the organs of the human body. The most frequent places for mesothelioma to develop are the lung (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma can also grow in the linings of the chest cavity as well as testicles.
People who are exposed for a long time to asbestos are at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes those who have worked directly with asbestos and its products. Additionally those who live close to asbestos mines or mills are at risk of exposure to fibers and dust that are released into the air. Families of asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma because they are able to breathe in the particles in their clothing.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, is more common among men. This is probably due to the fact that males were more commonly exposed to asbestos in the workplace. Additionally, mesothelioma takes between 15-40 years after exposure to develop. It can be difficult for patients to diagnose because the symptoms may not show up until they reach the age of 50.
Mesothelioma, as with all cancers, begins when normal cells begin mutating and multiplying uncontrollably. This happens when the genes of the cell are damaged by exposure to a harmful substance or by another factor such as genetic mutations or inflammation.
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor. Symptoms can take decades to appear. Signs of mesothelioma include shortness of breath (dyspnea) and abdominal discomfort, swelling on the lungs, and other signs of lung diseases. Mesothelioma can also affect the skin, kidneys and reproductive organs.
Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma should visit one of the leading cancer centers of excellence for an assessment. The specialists at these centers can assist patients as well as their family members in receiving proper treatment and determining the best options for treatment. Those who were exposed to asbestos at work should also consider seeking financial compensation from the companies who used this harmful substance. This compensation could be used to cover treatment costs or other expenses.
What are the symptoms?
A patient should see a doctor immediately when they suspect they have mesothelioma. Although there is no cure, treatment can prolong the lifespan of patients and increase their the quality of life. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer however it is important to get diagnosed as early as you can.
The first step is for a patient to see their primary care physician and describe their symptoms. The doctor will do an examination and write note of the patient's medical history to determine their risk factors.
Many patients with mesothelioma will experience chest or abdominal discomfort. This is because of inflammation from the asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, and they stick to organ linings. These can then develop into cancer in the course of time.
The lung is the most frequently location where mesothelioma can occur. This is called pleural msothelioma. However, it can also be found in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). This is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. It is less common than pleural mesothelioma and makes less than 10% of cases.
Other mesothelioma types can occur in the membrane around the heart or reproductive organs. These types are less prevalent and account for only one percent of mesothelioma cases. They are typically more difficult to diagnose than pleural mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma generally has a long latency period, meaning it can take decades from the date of exposure until the first symptoms appear. When symptoms do appear they could include chest pain, fatigue and weight loss.
A biopsy is often needed to confirm the presence and type of cancer cells in a mesothelioma patient. Other tests may be used to rule out other conditions, like MRI, CT scans and X-rays.
Doctors will create mesothelioma treatment plans based on its stage and type. Certain types of mesothelioma are more prone to certain treatments. These treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Patients can also take part in clinical trials to receive the latest treatments.
How do I diagnose mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers inflame the organ's lining. As time passes, the irritated areas thicken and develop tumors that eventually lead to cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be found in the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma) or in the in the intestines (peritoneal mesothelioma), heart or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). It can take anywhere from 15 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest.
The majority of patients with mesothelioma are diagnosed by their primary care doctor or oncologist. Their doctor will conduct a physical exam and review their medical history and work history. If the doctor suspects mesothelioma, he may perform an X-ray of the abdomen or chest. These tests will reveal if there is an accumulation of fluid in the stomach or lungs and help is mesothelioma always caused by asbestos determine the cause of the mesothelioma.
Once these tests are complete after which the doctor can examine for mesothelioma at a sample of fluid or tissue under the microscope. They can also perform biopsy, which involves inserting needles into the region in which the fluid has built up, and then removing tiny pieces of tissue to be examined under the microscope for mesothelioma cell.
Mesothelioma is often mistaken for other conditions such as lung cancer or pneumonia. Many patients are misdiagnosed, or are not diagnosed. Mesothelioma sufferers should consult an expert and talk to their physicians about their exposure to asbestos.
If mesothelioma is suspected and a doctor has ruled it out, they will order a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for asbestos in the abdomen or the lungs. A chest X-ray may reveal a swell of fluid between the lungs and the chest wall. This is referred to as a pleural effusion. The doctor will numb your skin and insert a needle into the affected area to test the fluid. They will drain the fluid and then send it to a laboratory to detect cancerous cells.
If a doctor determines that Mesothelioma is the cause, they will recommend treatment options. Treatment for pleural cancer may include surgery to remove the pleura or the surrounding tissue. For peritoneal mesothelioma surgery can include taking out the abdominal lining and part of the diaphragm. In certain cases chemotherapy or radiation could be employed to treat mesothelioma.