Mesothelioma - An Asbestos IllnessMesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is found in the protective linings that cover certain organs. asbestos exposure mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs but it can also grow in the chest wall or abdomen.People who have been exposed to asbestos for a long period and at high levels are at risk of developing this condition. It could take between 10 and 50 years for mesothelioma to develop symptoms.Signs and symptomsMesothelioma is a cancer that can affect the linings of some of the body's organs usually caused by exposure to asbestos. It is usually found in the lungs' linings however it can also occur in the linings of the heart or stomach. It is most common among people between 60 to 80 years old, and is more prevalent in women than men.Exposure to asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma, and symptoms of the cancer typically appear between 10 and 50 years after exposure to the mineral. This is due to stray asbestos fibers inhaled or ingested can lay dormant in organ linings before they cause health problems.Early mesothelioma signs are often confused with other illnesses such as pneumonia, influenza or lung problems. This makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition and can result in delays in treatment.In the latter mesothelioma's advanced stages patients may experience more painful and severe symptoms. The kind of symptoms that appear depends on the site of the cancer and pleural mesothelioma typically causing pain in the chest and breathing problems, whereas peritoneal mesothelioma can cause abdominal pain or swelling.Patients suffering from mesothelioma in its late stages can also experience nausea, fatigue and weight loss. In some cases cancer cells may be spread to lymph nodes and bloodstream, which could cause existing symptoms to get worse and new ones to develop.Doctors can detect mesothelioma by a thorough examination and by asking the patient about their asbestos exposure history. The doctor will refer the patient to additional tests, such as imaging technologies which can see inside the body and determine the extent to which cancer spread. These technologies can also be used to assess the treatment plan, monitor the patient's response to treatments and stage a cancer.DiagnosisMesothelioma is a form of cancer is a disease that affects the organs' linings. Exposure to asbestos is the cause. Mesothelioma can manifest anywhere between 15 and 50 years after asbestos exposure. It most commonly occurs in the pleura (lungs) however it can also occur in the peritoneum or pericardium. Mesothelioma cannot be cured, but treatment can help manage symptoms.Workers in industries that involve asbestos are more at chance of developing the disease. People who are exposed to the mineral in other ways, such as living in a house or school that has been exposed to asbestos as well, are also at risk. Mesothelioma is more common in those who are over 75 years old, and men are more susceptible to it than women.Mesothelioma has been linked to various jobs, however the majority involve those who were directly with asbestos or who worked in areas where there was substantial asbestos exposure, such as construction sites, mines and asbestos insulation plants. These include shipyard workers and electricians as well as painters, painters, and other tradespeople.Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals which are bundles of tiny fibers. Around the world, it can be found in rocks and soil. When asbestos is disturbed it releases these fibers into the air and can be inhaled. When these fibers are inhaled they can harm the lungs and lead to respiratory diseases like asbestosis. They can also cause malignant pleural mesothelioma with time.A doctor will first assess and take an medical history of the patient. They will inquire about the asbestos exposure of the patient and perform a chest X scan and CT scan.The doctor will employ a needle to extract a sample of fluid from the affected region. The sample will be analyzed for mesothelioma. They may also conduct a biopsy of the affected tissues to confirm mesothelioma.If the doctor suspects mesothelioma they will likely refer the patient to a specialist. The specialist will perform further tests and establish the treatment plan.TreatmentMesothelioma is an extremely serious and life-threatening disease. People who have been exposed to asbestos should discuss their experiences with a doctor and receive regular screenings. Mesothelioma symptoms usually appear decades after exposure to asbestos. The mesothelioma latency time can make it difficult for patients to be diagnosed. The prognosis for mesothelioma is generally good if the disease is detected early and aggressively treated.Asbestos is one of the minerals that have microscopic fibers. They are impervious to fire, heat, and chemicals and don't conduct electricity. These properties made asbestos a very popular material in the construction and other industries. The health risks of asbestos were not fully understood until recently.Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should inform their doctor if they have persistent symptoms, such as dry cough, breathing difficulties or changes in the shape of fingers and toes (finger clubbing). Mesothelioma can also cause other diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis, an inflammatory lung condition that causes scarring of the lung. This can lead to serious respiratory problems and a decrease in a patient's quality of life.There are three kinds: malignant pleural the peritoneal, and sarcomatoid. The type of mesothelioma that the patient is suffering from will determine their treatment options and outlook.The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs (pleura). Asbestos is a known cause of this cancer. It can take as long as 50 years before symptoms appear. It can cause chest pain and accumulation of fluid in the pleura.Pleural mesothelioma is usually diagnosed through tests such as a CT scan, MRI and a biopsy. These tests can identify lumps and bumps in the pleura. This helps doctors determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from.The types of mesothelioma differ by cell type and rate. The most common type of mesothelioma epithelioid accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all cases. Sarcomatoid is less prevalent than epithelioid and develops faster. Biphasic mesothelioma that combines epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid cell types is uncommon. The mesothelioma form can affect the recurrence rate of the disease.The following is a list of preventions.The most danger is for people who work with asbestos, or live in areas in which asbestos-containing materials are disposed of. Mesothelioma can also be caused by living in proximity to asbestos factories or mines or exposure to asbestos-containing airborne fibers or having a family member who worked with asbestos.Asbestos is a variety of minerals that naturally occur and contain microscopic fibers. The mineral was used to make many construction products due to its durability and fire resistance. Workers with asbestos are exposed when they break the materials or remove the items from their work area. These fibers can cause irritation to organ linings when inhaled or consumed. Mesothelioma typically develops after years of heavy and prolonged exposure to asbestos.Mesothelioma symptoms can be reminiscent of more common diseases like lung cancer, pneumonia or bronchitis. Mesothelioma is often mistakenly diagnosed due to this. Patients aren't given the proper care or receive the correct treatment as a result. A biopsy is the most efficient method of detecting mesothelioma. In a biopsy, doctors remove tissue and then examine it under a magnifying microscope to determine if the tissue is cancerous.The majority of mesothelioma cases are due to asbestos exposure in the workplace. The highest risk category is the miners and workers in the manufacture of asbestos-containing products like insulation railroad automobile, shipbuilders, and gas mask manufacturers. However it has been observed that family members of asbestos-related workers may also be at risk for an increased risk of developing mesothelioma because of exposure to asbestos from the clothing they wore at home.It is not fully known what causes mesothelioma, or why certain people are more susceptible of developing the disease than others. Researchers believe that a mix of factors are responsible, including how much and how long an individual was exposed to asbestos, the person's genes and if they received radiation treatments in the past.