Does Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma?The exposure to asbestos fibers is linked to mesothelioma. These fibers can be inhaled or swallowed. They may cause inflammation and scar tissue which can lead to cancer.The majority of patients who contract mesothelioma are a victim of asbestos exposure. Exposure could be occupational or environmental. It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma cancer to develop.What is Asbestos?Asbestos is a grouping of fibrous minerals that are impervious to corrosion, heat and naturally occurring. In the past, asbestos was widely used in construction due to its strength and fire resistance, as well as insulation properties. However, asbestos's health risks have led to its decline.When asbestos is exposed to the elements it releases tiny fibers into air that can be breathed in by people working or living nearby. Asbestos particles are absorbed into the lungs following inhalation. This can lead to respiratory diseases, such as mesothelioma as well as cancers of the larynx, ovary and other respiratory organs.Asbestos is so strong that it can stay in the environment for a long time. It is a health hazard for those who work with asbestos and the families of those who handle asbestos. It also poses a risk to those who live near industrial sites.Asbestos can be released into the atmosphere through manufacturing and mining activities. It can also be released through accidental disturbances or demolition work, or through improper disposal of asbestos-containing products.Asbestos can contaminate soil, water and air after it has been introduced into the environment. This can affect the health of animals, plants and humans. It can be inhaled or ingested, causing illnesses. Asbestos is able to remain suspended in the air for extended periods of time and allow it to travel across vast distances.Inhaling asbestos increases the chance of developing diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. It could take years for these illnesses to develop. People who have been exposed to asbestos should consult their doctor about having regular tests, especially x-rays and CT scans. Smoking can increase the risk of asbestos-related diseases.Exposure to occupational hazards is the most common way asbestos is exposed. Asbestos poses a threat to many people who work in industries such as mining, manufacturing, and repair of ships. Other hazards include working with asbestos during home renovations or repairs or being in proximity to a mine. Even though very low levels of asbestos are found in the environment, most people are not ill from exposure to asbestos.How can Asbestos Exposed?While the primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos in the workplace but it is also possible for people to also be exposed through secondhand exposure. Exposure can occur when asbestos fibres are released into the air due to the disturbance of materials such as during product use demolition, building or home maintenance, renovation or repair. Inhaling mesothelioma not caused by asbestos increases your risk of developing lung cancers, such as asbestosis, peritoneal cancer, and mesothelioma.Asbestos fibres are small and are easily inhaled. They can also remain trapped in the lungs for an extended period of time. This creates a thick scar tissue in the lungs called asbestosis. This scar tissue behaves in a different way from normal lung tissue and makes it more difficult to breathe. This scar tissue can also cause inflammation in the lungs that could lead to breathing issues. Asbestosis is an ongoing, chronic illness. The symptoms of asbestosis usually manifest after a long time following exposure and the lung damage is permanent.Inform your doctor if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. Signs like breathlessness and bloody coughs or chest pain are often misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses and can take a long time to be identified. Regular visits to a doctor who is knowledgeable about asbestos symptoms can increase the chances of a prompt diagnosis.A number of studies have documented mesothelioma cases in the family of workers working in industries with asbestos exposure like mining, shipbuilding, or cement manufacturing. In one study, ten out of 52 cases were women whose husbands or fathers had exposure to asbestos in the workplace. A mesothelioma case study which examined mesothelioma from communities with industrial or residential exposures found elevated standardized mortality rates in communities that were exposed to vermiculite from the Libby mines in Montana.Asbestos lawsuits resulted in the US to phase-out asbestos in the 1980s. Many countries have since eliminated asbestos completely. However, people who have already been exposed to asbestos will suffer asbestos-related diseases until they pass away. Those who have been exposed to asbestos are entitled compensation and should speak with mesothelioma attorneys regarding filing a lawsuit.What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?The symptoms of mesothelioma may differ depending on the type the cancer is located in and the stage of cancer. Certain symptoms, like breathing difficulty, chest pain and abdominal swelling, are common to all forms of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is more likely to cause symptoms like pleural fluid effusion. Asbestos victims can also experience mesothelioma peritoneal, which can cause abdominal pain, bowel obstruction and fluid buildup in the abdomen.When asbestos fibers become dislodged from their original place in a building or product they may be inhaled or swallowed. They can then be absorbed into the lining of the lung or other organs. The fibers could cause mesothelioma-related scarring.The symptoms of the condition are similar to those of other illnesses such as pneumonia, influenza and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Patients may also experience cough, fever, fatigue weight loss, and discomfort in the abdomen or the ribs. Patients who develop peritoneal mesothelioma can suffer from nausea abdominal pain, vomiting and difficulty digesting food.The majority of mesothelioma patients had prior exposure to asbestos. People are exposed to asbestos when they work in or around places which contain asbestos, for example shipyards, power plants, and construction sites. People who work with asbestos-containing materials are at the highest risk for exposure, including insulation workers as well as plumbers, electricians and construction workers. Workers in shipyards or military bases are also at greater risk, as are those who have been exposed to asbestos by family members who brought home contaminated clothes and tools.In addition to mesothelioma, asbestos can cause other kinds of cancers. Particularly, it can increase the chances of developing ovarian, colorectal and stomach cancers and the gastrointestinal tract, lung, and hematologic diseases like lymphoma and leukemia.Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can help lower the risk of mesothelioma by being aware of the risk factors, having regular medical checkups and reporting any unusual or persistent symptoms to a doctor. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should ask their doctor to refer them to mesothelioma experts to avoid misdiagnosis.What is the Treatment of MesotheliomaYou may be confused if someone you know has recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to other illnesses, therefore early diagnosis is important. Your doctor should be informed of the asbestos exposure and refer you to a specialist. Specialists in mesothelioma have the necessary training and experience to provide you with the correct diagnosis.The thin layer of tissue that covers the inside of various organs, including the chest (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), is affected by mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can make these cells become malignant, and grow uncontrollably. The growths that result can be either tumor-like or non-cancerous. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, but it can be fatal if it develops in the lungs or abdominal cavity.Asbestos fibers become airborne when they are agitated or moved, and people can inhale or swallow them. They can cause irritation to tissues, causing scarring which could lead to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can also affect the heart's lining and the reproductive organs.The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary based on the type and the where it is located. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in the lining that lines the lung. However, it can also occur on the lining the stomach or the heart. Symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, coughing or difficulty breathing. In some instances, the cancer may be spread to other parts of the body, including the brain.Mesothelioma is classified into three types according to the cell type where the cancer forms. About 88% of mesothelioma patients suffer from epithelioid tumors, which responds well to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma that occurs in 10% of all diagnoses, gets more advanced and is harder to treat.The only known mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma may develop between 20 and 60 years after asbestos exposure. It is essential to know your asbestos history and to be alert to any potential symptoms. Veterans should be aware of the dangers. Asbestos is used in military bases as well as ships and other components of the armed forces. This puts those who have served in the Navy and other branches at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma.