Mesothelioma - Is Mesothelioma Always Caused by Asbestos?Asbestos can adhere to the workers' clothing, hair and skin. The workers then take it home, where their families can be exposed to this harmful mineral.Exposure to asbestos increases the chance of developing mesothelioma in the long term. The risk increases with age however, it appears to decrease after 40-50 years of exposure to pleural msothelioma.What is mesothelioma?Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissue linings around certain organs in the body, including the chest cavity (pleura), abdominal cavity and heart (pericardium). It is a fatal disease.The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers are tough, microscopic and naturally occurring. It was utilized in construction sites as well as vehicles and a myriad of construction materials between 1930s and 1980s due to the fact that it resisted water, fire and sound. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in and swallowed when disturbed. Inhaling the fibers can irritate the lungs as well as the stomach, causing abnormal cells to develop. Most commonly, chrysotile is the main cause of mesothelioma. Other forms of asbestos like amphibole and tremolite, can also cause mesothelioma.Exposure to asbestos typically occurs during work. It can take between 20 to 60 years for mesothelioma symptoms to appear. Symptoms include shortness in breath and a persistent cough. fluid in the lung. The U.S. Military used asbestos in aircraft, ships, and barracks. Veterans comprise 33% of all mesothelioma patients.Mesothelioma patients might undergo treatment to treat their symptoms and improve the quality of their life. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery can help manage symptoms. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) is a procedure patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma can undergo. During this procedure, surgeons remove the lining from the lungs and chest cavity and then apply sterile powder to inflame it to stop the accumulation of fluid.Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to detect and is extremely rare. However, if you have been exposed to asbestos in a significant way and you are experiencing any signs it is essential to see your physician. They will ask you about your medical history and search for signs of Mesothelioma. They will also conduct tests to determine the cause of the symptoms. Early treatment is crucial to a successful outcome. A biopsy is the only way to know whether you are suffering from mesothelioma. A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma by a physical examination and a blood sample.How is mesothelioma a disease?The mesothelioma-related cancer caused by asbestos develops in tissues that line the organs of the human body. The most common locations for mesothelioma development are the lung (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma can also occur in the chest cavity's lining (epicatelia) and the testicles (mesothelium of the scrotum).People who have long-term exposure to asbestos are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma. This includes people who have been directly exposed to asbestos and its products. People who live near mines or mills made of asbestos are at risk for exposure to dust and fibers that are released into the air. Family members of workers are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma, because they are able to inhale these particles from the clothing of their loved family members.Mesothelioma is a rare cancer which is more prevalent among males than females. This is probably because asbestos was used by men more often at work. Mesothelioma can manifest 15 to 40 years after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult for many patients to get diagnosed as their symptoms may not appear until they are in their 50s or older.Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins when normal cells begin to mutate and growing uncontrollably. This happens when genes in the cell are damaged due to exposure to harmful substances or by another factor like genetic mutations or inflammation.Asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor and it takes a long time for symptoms to appear. The symptoms include a shortness of breath (dyspnea) abdominal pain, fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion) and other signs of lung disease. Mesothelioma may also affect the reproductive organs, skin and reproductive system.Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma should visit one of the best cancer centers of excellence to get an evaluation. These specialists can help patients and their families receive proper treatment and identify options for treatment. People who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace should also be seeking financial compensation from companies using this toxic substance. This compensation can help pay for medical treatment and other expenses.What are the symptoms?If someone suspects that they may have mesothelioma, they should see a doctor right away. Although there is no cure, treatment can prolong the lifespan of patients and increase their quality of life. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, but it's important to be diagnosed as soon as possible.The patient should visit their primary care doctor and discuss their symptoms. The doctor will perform physical examination and take the medical records of the patient to determine risk factors.Many people who have mesothelioma will experience chest or abdominal pain. This is caused by inflammation from the asbestos exposure. epithelioid mesothelioma causes can be swallowed or inhaled and then they stick to organ linings. They can develop into cancer in the course of time.The majority times, mesothelioma develops in the lungs. It is also known as pleural mesothelioma. It may also form on the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum). This is called peritoneal mesothelioma. It is less frequent than pleural mesothelioma and makes up only 10 percent of cases.Some other types of mesothelioma can develop in the membrane surrounding the heart or in the reproductive organs. These types are uncommon and make up one percent of all mesothelioma. They are generally more difficult to detect than pleural mesothelioma.Mesothelioma typically has a long period of latency, meaning that it can take decades from the date of exposure until the first symptoms appear. If symptoms do manifest, they can include chest pain, fatigue, and weight loss.A mesothelioma diagnosis typically requires a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells and to determine the type of mesothelioma a person has. Other tests can be used to rule out other conditions, like MRI, CT scans and X-rays.If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctors will develop an appropriate treatment plan according to the type and stage of the mesothelioma. Certain treatments are more efficient than others for specific kinds of mesothelioma. These treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiotherapy. Patients are also able to participate in clinical trials which could help them receive newer treatments.How do I detect mesothelioma?Mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers inflame the lining of certain organs. These irritated areas become thickened and develop tumors over time, which eventually cause mesothelioma-related cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can form in the tissues of the lungs, intestines, heart or testicles. It typically takes between 15 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest.Most people with mesothelioma are diagnosed by their primary physician or oncologist. The doctor will conduct a physical exam and review their medical and work history. If they suspect mesothelioma the doctor will perform an X-ray or CT scan of the abdomen or chest. These tests can tell if there is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs or stomach and help determine the origin of the mesothelioma.After these tests are completed after which the doctor can look for mesothelioma at a sample of liquid or tissue under the microscope. They can also conduct the procedure of a biopsy, by inserting a needle in the area in which fluid has accumulated, and then removing a small piece of tissue for examination under the microscope.It is important to note that mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as other conditions like lung cancer or pneumonia. Many patients are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed. Patients suffering from mesothelioma should speak with an expert about their exposure to asbestos.If mesothelioma is suspected and a doctor has ruled it out, they will order an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for asbestos in the abdomen or the lungs. A chest X-ray may reveal fluid accumulation between the lung wall and the chest, referred to as an pleural effusion. To examine this fluid the doctor will numb the skin and insert a needle into the area affected. They will drain the fluid, and then send it to a lab to detect cancerous cells.If a doctor determines that Mesothelioma is the cause, they will recommend treatment options. Treatment for pleural cancer can include surgery to remove pleura or the surrounding tissue. Surgery can be used to remove the abdominal lining as well as part of the diaphragm during the case of peritoneal cancer. In certain cases, chemotherapy or radiation may be used to treat mesothelioma.