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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Asbestos exposure at work is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Exposure can be found in shipyards, factories mining sites, construction sites and mines. As asbestos fibres are inhaled, they get caught in the lung's lining (pleura) and cause gene mutations that can lead to cancer. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 20 to 60 years after exposure. Symptoms Mesothelioma symptoms differ based on the type and the stage of cancer and the location where tumors grow in the body. For example the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma typically affect the lungs, while mesothelioma that affects the pericardial and peritone the heart and stomach, respectively. Patients may also experience symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and difficulty breathing. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma involves a physical examination and a detailed health history. Patients should inform their doctor about any past exposure to asbestos and report any unusual body changes or symptoms they've noticed. Doctors will also order imaging tests in addition to a physical exam to determine the progress of the disease and rule out any other conditions such as lung cancer or pneumonia. Most often, mesothelioma symptoms do not show up until decades after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers are inhaled, swallowed and adhere to the organ linings, such as stomach and lungs. Over time these fibers can cause inflammation and can lead to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms usually are not evident until cancer has spread to other areas of the body. When mesothelioma starts to show signs, they can quickly worsen and impact the quality of life of patients. As the cancer grows, patients can become weaker and bed-bound. Many mesothelioma patients in the last stages of their disease are in intense pain. In addition to the physical exam, doctors ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos as well as mesothelioma risks. Smoking, military service, or mesothelioma history in a family member could increase the chance of developing this disease. The same asbestos fibers that can irritate the tissues of patients with mesothelioma can also irritate those of patients with breast cancer or lung cancer. By avoiding exposure to asbestos and maintaining a healthy hygiene at work, the risk can be reduced. Employees should shower and change their clothes immediately after leaving the office to avoid bringing asbestos fibers home on their clothing or skin. Those who live close to asbestos-contaminated workers should shower and change their clothes prior to entering the house. Diagnosis Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals containing tiny fibres that are utilized in a variety of ways. People who use asbestos may release these fibres into the air and into the lungs of anyone nearby. Over time, these fibres can build up and cause scarring in the lungs, a condition known as asbestosis. It can also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, develops in the protective linings (mesothelium) of organs. It is most common in the chest lining (pleura), or abdomen (peritoneum). Patients with mesothelioma are frequently exposed to asbestos in the workplace. It takes decades for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest making diagnosis difficult. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is to see a doctor and have an examination. This will help your doctor understand the symptoms that you are experiencing and rule out other conditions. Your doctor might also recommend blood tests and imaging scans to determine if you have mesothelioma. Or to identify symptoms of other conditions like lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can aid doctors diagnose mesothelioma by identifying pleural or the peritoneal effusion. These tests can aid doctors in determining your stage of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment options for you. There are four mesothelioma stages and each has a different outlook. The stage of your mesothelioma affects how severe the symptoms are as well as how quickly they will develop. Based on the location of mesothelioma, your doctor may use different diagnostic tests. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, affecting the lungs. Doctors can also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, targeting the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, focused on the lining of the heart. In the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis your doctor will inquire about the exposure to asbestos and whether you are suffering from any symptoms. They will then perform an examination and examine your medical history. If they suspect that you have mesothelioma they will refer to a specialist who will perform additional tests and scans. These tests will help diagnose the type and stage of your cancer, and also the extent to which it has been able to spread. Treatment The exposure to asbestos is the most prevalent mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos can be found in rocks and soil. It is extremely durable and can be made into fine weaved fibers that are used in numerous products. It was used in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century, before scientists discovered the dangers it poses to human health. The exposure to asbestos typically occurs when people inhale or swallow the fibers. They then cling to organ linings. As time passes, the organ's lining may develop tumors, which can cause symptoms such as chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 10-50 years after the initial exposure. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma. However, some people are at greater risk than others. Any exposure to asbestos increases your risk of getting mesothelioma, including both para- and occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos by their parents are at risk. If you have a relative with mesothelioma or asbestosis, you should speak to an expert about your asbestos background. Different types of mesothelioma can be found in different parts of the body. About 70 to 80 percent of cases are mesothelioma of the pleural region. It starts in the layers of tissue that line each lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma, which is less common, is more. It is found in the abdominal lining (peritoneum). Malignant mesothelioma is found in two types: epithelioid, and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more prevalent than sarcomatoid and is more prone to growth. There is a rare mesothelioma that contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is known as biphasic Mesothelioma. Your doctor will decide the best treatment for you based on your mesothelioma type. Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery to ease your symptoms and prolong your life. The kind of treatment you are offered will depend on the type of mesothelioma, the location it is located, and your medical background. Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence however, there are a few ways you can lower your risk. If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, try to reduce your exposure and stay away from any area that may have asbestos. Consult chattanooga asbestos attorney if you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms. Recovery Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocking to discover that asbestos exposure in the past was the reason. More troubling is the fact that their former employers failed to inform them of the dangers associated with their work or take any action to safeguard workers against asbestos, a toxic substance. A mesothelioma lawyer could help those suffering from the disease to get justice by filing an action against the accountable parties. Mesothelioma is a cancer that forms in the tissues that line the organs of the body, including stomach, lungs and the heart. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a class of minerals that make long, thin fibers that are durable and fire-resistant. Asbestos was widely used in automobile parts, buildings and other products prior to when scientists discovered its health hazards in the 20th century. Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who been involved in asbestos-related projects. Construction workers, shipyard workers insulation workers, as well as asbestos specialists are all at risk. Asbestos particles clung to clothing, personal items and even the bodies of workers. This can cause mesothelioma to their families. The most prevalent form of this cancer is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the linings of the lungs, and typically begins in the chest. Symptoms include the coughing up of blood or fluid buildup around the lungs. It may also affect the abdomen's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). The amount of exposure to asbestos and gender are two factors that can affect a person's chance of developing mesothelioma. Men are more vulnerable to this condition than women. The age of a person is another factor. Family history is also an important risk factor, since some asbestos-related illnesses have been linked to specific genes. Mesothelioma is more frequent for those who have had radiation to their chest or have a family member with the disease. The majority of mesothelioma patients are older than 60.