Is Asbestos the Only Cause of Mesothelioma?Mesothelioma is strongly linked to exposure to asbestos for a long time. But not everyone exposed to asbestos develops this cancer.Exposure to asbestos can increase your chance of developing pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma. It may take between 20 and 50 years after exposure before mesothelioma begins to develop.People who work with asbestos may bring tiny asbestos fibers into their homes through their clothing. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace could expose family members to the risk of developing mesothelioma.Risk factorsThere are several known mesothelioma-related risk factors, including a person's job background, family history, and the type of asbestos they were exposed to. People with an history of working with asbestos or living in the homes where asbestos was used are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. They could also be predisposed genetically for the condition.Mesothelioma usually develops when an individual has been exposed to asbestos for 10 years or more. The most frequent type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma. It develops around the lungs. The second most common type of mesothelioma occurs in the peritoneal cavity. The third and most rare mesothelioma form is within the heart.It is difficult to determine the amount of asbestos-related mesotheliomas that are not caused by asbestos exposure. This is due to the fact that mesothelioma symptoms take decades to manifest. The majority of patients are diagnosed during their 50s or 60s, as they are getting close to retirement age. Mesothelioma is more common in patients older than 50 who have been exposed asbestos.Veterans comprise the majority of cases of mesothelioma. They were exposed to asbestos during their military service. Veterans were often involved in the construction of naval vessels or military structures that were asbestos-based. Others mesothelioma sufferers have worked in shipyards, asbestos companies or other industries that utilized asbestos as insulation and fireproofing.In addition to asbestos, mesothelioma has been linked to other cancer-causing chemicals, such as talcum powder and radiation therapy. Other possible causes of the disease should be investigated to discover more symptoms. This could lead to a quicker diagnosis and better treatment options to sufferers.Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma related to asbestos than women. This is due to the fact that more men worked in heavily asbestos-impacted jobs. However, more women than men are diagnosed with mesothelioma peritoneal. This could be a result of a number of factors such as exposure through secondhand wives who shake the clothing of husbands who work with asbestos or other exposures to the environment such as erionite. It is also possible that a predisposition genetic to mesothelioma or low-level asbestos carcinogenesis might be a factor in the gender gap.SymptomsThe majority of mesothelioma symptoms are seen in the lungs, however it can also affect other organs, as well. The symptoms are typically mild and akin to other diseases. It is therefore difficult to identify mesothelioma early. Combined with the long latency period between asbestos exposure and diagnosis, these signs could lead to misdiagnosis and delay treatment.Symptoms of mesothelioma include fatigue and a dry cough and difficulty breathing. It is essential to speak with your doctor about any nagging health concerns, especially if you have an history of exposure to asbestos. A visit to a specialist in mesothelioma will help doctors better know your symptoms and get you diagnosed as soon as possible.When asbestos fibers break or fall apart, they become airborne and can be breathed in or eaten. They can cause irritation and swelling when they enter the body. The tissue that is irritated may form tumors that can lead to mesothelioma.Pleural mesothelioma, which is a disease that affects the lining of the lungs is the most frequent mesothelioma. Its symptoms include shortness of breath chest pain and difficulties breathing, a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion) as well as inflammation of the lungs and fatigue. These symptoms are similar to those experienced by other diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). It is not known how asbestos fibers reach the abdomen, but it is believed that they may be swallowed or breathed into the lungs from the gastrointestinal tract.Peritoneal cancer, which affects the abdomen's lining, is rarer than lung cancer and the pleural carcinoma. It is caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers which enter the gastrointestinal tract through the respiratory system or the lymphatic system. It is unknown how asbestos fibers can reach other organs in the body, such as the scrotum and heart.Mesothelioma is a cancer, just like other types is often difficult to identify because the symptoms are similar to those of other ailments and diseases. A mesothelioma diagnosis requires a physical exam and an examination of the patient's medical as well as work history. This can include chest X-rays and CT scans which are used to detect abnormalities in the lungs or other parts of the body. A mesothelioma test can confirm the diagnosis.DiagnosisA mesothelioma is diagnosed by a combination of symptoms and a history, and specialized tests. These may include a chest X-ray, CT scan or MRI and blood work to check for abnormal cells. Doctors can also test pleural fluid or examine a tumor for signs of cancer.Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases. This makes it difficult for doctors to identify the disease in a patient until advanced stages, when mesothelioma has already progressed.Only exposure to asbestos has been proven to cause mesothelioma. The asbestos fibers that pose a risk get into the linings of certain organs, like the lungs or stomach. Once they are in the lining, they trigger mutations that cause the growth of cancerous tissue. The fibers are breathed in, ingested or absorbed by the skin.When asbestos fibers penetrate the lining of the body, they can stay there for many years. They may then become stuck and cause irritation to the tissue. This causes cancerous tumors that can develop into malignant mesothelioma.Most patients who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos at work. They typically develop pleural mesothelioma in the lining of the lungs (pleura). Asbestos can also infiltrate other parts of the human body, like the peritoneal the lining (abdominal lining) or the heart.There are four kinds. causes of mesothelioma other than asbestos for about 80percent of all cases. Other types include testicular, mesothelioma pericardial, and peritoneal.The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is most common and has the highest prognosis. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma has a less favorable prognosis.Mesothelioma cannot be cured however it can be treated in order to reduce pain and improve the quality of life of patients. Mesothelioma is a highly aggressive cancer that is able to spread quickly. However, patients can increase their chances of survival by being diagnosed early and following treatment recommendations closely. Contact a doctor immediately if you have been exposed. They can provide you with information about asbestos exposure and recommend tests to determine if mesothelioma is the cause.TreatmentThe only way to treat mesothelioma is to treat it. Treatments can make patients live longer. Doctors typically utilize the combination of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation to treat the cancer. There are also a number of newer treatments that are being tested. Some of these are aimed at eliminating the tumor and eliminating cancerous cells. Other treatments include immunotherapy which boosts the body's immune system to fight the cancer cells.Asbestos, a clumping of microscopic fibers that are used in construction is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma. When inhaled, asbestos fibres can cause irritation and scarring to the lungs, which can cause permanent damage. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur over the course of 20 years after the initial exposure. Although asbestos is no longer being used in the UK, materials containing asbestos are still present in many buildings.Anyone who has been exposed is at risk of developing mesothelioma, and the disease can develop in people with no asbestos exposure. Scientists have identified a few factors that increase your risk of developing mesothelioma. These include smoking cigarettes and changes in certain genes. These risks don't explain the reason why some asbestos-related patients develop mesothelioma whereas others don't.Men are more likely to develop pleural mesothelioma than women. This is likely due to the fact that men have more jobs in which they were exposed asbestos. However women are more likely to develop mesothelioma peritoneal. This could be due to exposure to asbestos by the wives of men working with asbestos or genetics like mutations in BAP1 gene.Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is often difficult to treat by doctors. As a result, doctors can refer patients to specialists with more expertise. Mesothelioma is a rapidly evolving disease, and new options for treatment could be on the horizon. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is essential to speak with an expert asbestos lawyer as soon as possible. They can assist you in determining the source of asbestos exposure and get compensation.