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Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and Other Asbestos-Related Illnesses Significant exposure to asbestos can result in a range of life-threatening illnesses. Mesothelioma, asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases can take a long time to develop, and are often mistakenly diagnosed or confused with other ailments. Asbestos-related diseases can affect individuals with any level of exposure. The risk of developing pleural mesothelioma is increased by the fourth power of time from the first exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It is a serious, potentially fatal cancer. It is believed to be caused by exposure to asbestos-containing substances or products which are commonly used in the workplace. The victims of mesothelioma are usually construction workers, firefighters or veterans as well as others who were exposed to asbestos-contaminated products. It may take between 20 and 50 years after asbestos exposure before the symptoms of mesothelioma appear. The disease is named for the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that surrounds numerous organs in the body including the chest cavity and lungs (pleura) as well as the stomach (peritoneum) and the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma arises when asbestos fibers become embedded in the mesothelium, causing irritation, which results in scarring. Over time the irritated cells undergo abnormal genetic mutations and transform into cancerous tumors. There are four distinct kinds of mesothelioma. Each one has a specific effect on a particular area of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common type, accounting for about 88% of cases diagnosed each year. Other types include testicular mesothelioma of the peritoneal and pleural. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the area of the body affected. They may range from respiratory issues like breathing difficulties and coughing to abdominal pain, heart palpitations and fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). Patients may also experience swelling in the feet or hands as well as fatigue and weight loss. The initial symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to other conditions, such as lung cancer and lung disease. It is therefore essential that anyone who has been exposed to asbestos informs their doctor of their past exposure. Then, they should be regularly monitored for symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses and mesothelioma. Regular checks can help make a quicker and more accurate diagnosis. It can also help lower the risk of complications, such as latency. This can help ensure that symptoms aren't ignored and interpreted as other diseases. For example the change in finger and nail shape, which is known as asbestosis, or as a normal ageing sign. What is Asbestosis? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is extremely durable and resistant to heat. In the past it was utilized for various industrial processes as well as consumer products, including insulation and brakes. It was also used in floor tiles, shingles and certain types of cement. Exposure to asbestos fibres over an extended period of time could cause serious health issues, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. People who work in certain fields, such as those involved in mining or manufacturing asbestos-containing products, are at greater risk of being exposed. Asbestosis is caused by the exposure to asbestos fibres which can lead to stiffening and scarring of the lung tissue. Symptoms usually don't appear until years after exposure, also known as the latency period. It's important that you tell your doctor about any asbestos exposure so they can conduct regular screenings. Those most susceptible to developing asbestosis include those who worked in construction, shipbuilding or other industries where exposure to asbestos was common before its ban. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos in the workplace may develop the condition. The symptoms of asbestosis differ in severity and are extremely difficult to determine. A diagnosis of asbestosis is typically made by reviewing the medical history of the patient and undergoing a range of diagnostic tests. These may include an X-ray of the chest, which can detect advanced asbestosis by showing white areas on the lungs that look like honeycombs. CT scans can show asbestosis signs more evidently than X-rays. A lung biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. This involves removing a small amount of lung tissue for analysis under microscope. The test reveals the extent of lung fibrosis. It also shows the presence of ferruginous bodies and asbestos bodies, beaded rod-like structures that are covered in iron-containing proteins. It is possible to live with asbestosis but it's a progressive illness that can become worse over time. It can cause difficulty breathing and may cause pressure on the body's organs, such as the heart. Some patients will need a procedure to stop fluid from coming back into the lung (pleurodesis) or an instrument to rid the lung at home on a regular basis (pleurectomy). These procedures can help ease breathing and improve quality of life. What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma and Asbestosis? It could take a long time after asbestos exposure for symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestosis to begin to appear. This is called the latency time, and it varies from patient to patient, based on the site of the tumors and other factors. The cancerous mesothelioma is found on the mesothelium, a lining that surrounds many of your internal organs. The most prevalent form is pleural. It occurs in the membrane that surrounds your lungs and chest (the pleura). hesperia asbestos attorney may also develop in the diaphragm, peritoneum or testicles. The signs of pleural mesothelioma generally start with a shortness of breath and a dry cough. Other symptoms include fatigue, fever and abdominal pain. As the cancer progresses to other parts of the body, various symptoms may be observed in each area. Asbestosis, which isn't a cancer, but rather an illness of the respiratory system that can cause symptoms similar to mesothelioma. is not a cancer. Both diseases result from inflammation resulting from asbestos exposure. The inflammation can lead to scarring of the lungs, which can make breathing difficult. Asbestosis sufferers also experience an accumulation of fluid around their lungs that can worsen symptoms. Asbestosis, as well as mesothelioma, are linked to many other health issues, including fatigue and memory loss. They can also cause headaches depression, anxiety, and headaches. In a few instances mesothelioma patients have had heart or digestive issues as well. If you suspect mesothelioma is present in your body, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and look over your employment history to determine whether you were exposed to asbestos. Blood tests may be conducted to assess the health of your liver, kidneys and blood cells. Chest X-rays can reveal the presence of thickening in the pleura or in the space between your lungs and chest wall. Mesothelioma can be difficult to detect and is extremely rare. This is due in part to the fact that mesothelioma's initial symptoms often mimic symptoms of more common ailments, like pneumonia and influenza. Mesothelioma also has a long latent phase, which makes it difficult to identify at its earliest stages. It is therefore often incorrectly diagnosed. What is the treatment for Mesothelioma? A doctor can determine mesothelioma or asbestosis by taking the tissue sample, which is also called biopsy. It is essential to obtain an early diagnosis of mesothelioma as possible, since the disease can have prolonged latency periods, which means symptoms don't start to manifest until several years after exposure to asbestos. A biopsy can be carried out using a variety of methods, such as a bronchoscopy or needle biopsy. In a bronchoscopy, doctors insert a tube to visualize the tissue and collect an insignificant amount of it to conduct a pathological analysis. In a needle biopsies, the doctor inserts a needle in the lungs or chest wall to take a small amount of fluid to be examined under a microscop. The most common treatment for mesothelioma is surgery, however radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be used as well. Mesothelioma can be extremely difficult to treat and many patients develop relapses after treatment with the first line. Shipyard workers, miners and construction workers are at the most risk of developing mesothelioma. Students who work in schools or hospitals may also be at risk when they've been exposed asbestos-based materials for a prolonged period of time. Teachers, nurses, and former pupils of schools built with asbestos-containing materials have all been diagnosed with the illness. When it comes to asbestosis the most effective method of treatment is managing symptoms. This includes breathing exercises and medications to treat symptoms such as wheezing and breathlessness, chest pain and coughing. The symptoms are often exacerbated due to the accumulation of fluid around the lung, which is often called pleural effusion. This is a result of inflammation and death of cells in the lung's lining. It can be controlled with a procedure known as VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure). Mesothelioma is a rare and serious cancer that affects the lining of organs and is a rare illness. It typically begins in the lungs, but can also be found in the peritoneum or heart. Exposure to asbestos is the reason. Asbestos is a class of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibers. It usually takes between 20 and 50 years after exposure before symptoms appear. Men are more likely than women to contract the disease following exposure.