Does Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma?The exposure to asbestos fibers is associated with mesothelioma. These fibers can be breathed in or swallowed. They can then cause inflammation and scar tissue which can cause cancer.The majority of patients who contract mesothelioma are a victim of asbestos exposure. The exposure could have been work-related or environmental. It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma cancer to develop.What is Asbestos?Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that are durable and resistant to corrosion and heat. Due to its strength, durability, fire resistance and insulating properties, asbestos was utilized extensively in the construction industry in the past, especially for building materials such as roofing and flooring. However, asbestos's health risks have led to its decline.When asbestos is exposed to the air, it releases tiny fibers into the air that can be breathed in by those working or living near by. Asbestos fibers can be trapped in the lungs after inhalation. In time, this may lead to mesothelioma, larynx cancers and ovary, and other respiratory illnesses.Since asbestos is a very durable material it can stay in the environment for extended periods of time. It is a health hazard for workers who handle asbestos, as well as the families of those who handle asbestos. It also poses a risk to people who live near industrial sites.Asbestos can be released into the atmosphere by mining and manufacturing processes. It can also be released through demolition or accidental disturbance, or by inadvertent disposal of asbestos-containing substances.When asbestos is present in the environment, it may affect air, water and soil. This can affect the health of animals, humans and plants. It can be inhaled or consumed and cause illness. Asbestos can remain suspended in the air for a long period of time, so it can be transported over long distances.Inhaling asbestos increases your chances of developing illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. These diseases can take decades to develop after exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos should speak to their doctor about regular tests, particularly x-rays and CT scans. Smoking increases the risk of asbestos-related diseases.The most common way to be exposed to asbestos is through occupational exposure. Asbestos poses a threat to many workers in industries like mining, manufacturing, and ship repair. Other risks include working with asbestos in home renovations or repairs, and being near an underground mine. Although asbestos is found in a small amount in the environment, a lot of people aren't impacted by this exposure.What is the process of getting Asbestos exposed? epithelioid mesothelioma causes to secondhand asbestos is possible even if asbestos exposure is the main cause. Exposure can occur when fibres are released in the air due to a disturbance of the material, like when using a product demolition, building or home maintenance or repair or renovation. Inhaling these fibres can increase your risk of developing lung cancers, such as asbestosis, peritoneal cancer and mesothelioma.The small size of asbestos fibers makes them easy to be inhaled, and they can be trapped in the lungs for lengthy time. Asbestosis is caused by an incredibly thick scar tissue that forms in the lung. The scar tissue behaves differently from healthy lung tissue and makes it difficult to breathe. The scar tissue can cause inflammation of the lungs which can cause breathing difficulties. Asbestosis can be a chronic progressive illness. The symptoms usually develop many years after the exposure and the resulting damage to the lungs is irreparable.Inform your doctor if have ever been exposed to asbestos. symptoms like breathlessness, coughing up blood or chest pain are often mistaken for other ailments and may take time to be identified. Regular visits to a physician familiar with asbestos symptoms can increase the chance of a diagnosis early.In a number of studies, mesothelioma was identified in the family of asbestos-exposure workers like those in mining, shipbuilding, and cement manufacturing. In one study, ten out of 52 cases were women whose fathers or husbands were exposed to asbestos in their work. A mesothelioma case study which looked at mesothelioma in communities with industrial or residential exposures found elevated standardized mortality rates in communities receiving vermiculite from the Libby mines in Montana.Asbestos lawsuits led the US to end asbestos in the 1980s. A number of countries have removed asbestos completely. However, people who have been exposed to asbestos will suffer from asbestos-related diseases until they pass away. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos are entitled to compensation and should talk to a mesothelioma lawyer to file a lawsuit.What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma?The symptoms of mesothelioma vary based on the type the cancer is located in and the stage of cancer. Certain symptoms, like chest pain, breathing difficulties and abdominal swelling, are common to all forms of mesothelioma. Others, such as pleural effusion (a buildup of fluid in the lungs) are more specific to mesothelioma pleural. Asbestos sufferers can also experience mesothelioma peritoneal, which can cause bowel obstruction, abdominal pain and a buildup of fluid in the abdomen.When asbestos fibers are ejected from their original position in a building or product they can be inhaled or swallowed. They can be absorbed into the lung linings or other organs. The fibers could cause scarring which causes mesothelioma.The symptoms of the condition are similar to those of other illnesses like pneumonia, influenza and chronic obstructive lung disease. Patients may also experience a cough, fever, fatigue as well as weight loss and discomfort in the abdomen or ribs. Those who develop peritoneal mesothelioma can suffer from nausea abdominal pain, vomiting, and trouble digesting food.The majority of patients with mesothelioma have a history of asbestos exposure. The most common exposure occurs when people work in or around areas that contain asbestos, like construction sites, shipyards and power plants. The most vulnerable are workers who handled asbestos materials, such as insulation workers, electricians plumbers, construction workers, and electricians. Workers in shipyards or military bases are at risk, as well as those who have been exposed to asbestos by family members who brought home contaminated clothing and tools.In addition to mesothelioma, asbestos may cause other kinds of cancer. Particularly, it can increase the likelihood of developing ovarian, colorectal and stomach cancers, as well as the gastrointestinal tract, lung, and hematologic conditions like lymphoma and leukemia.People who are exposed to asbestos can lower the risk of mesothelioma by educating themselves about the risk factors, obtaining regular medical checks and reporting any unusual or persistent symptoms to a doctor. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should ask their doctor to refer them to mesothelioma specialists to prevent misdiagnosis.What is the Treatment of MesotheliomaIt is possible to be confused if someone you know has recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma. It is important to get a diagnosis early because the signs of mesothelioma are similar to other illnesses. You should describe your asbestos exposure to your doctor and ask for an appointment with an expert. Mesothelioma specialists are trained and expertise to help you receive a proper diagnosis.The thin layer of tissue that covers the interior of many organs, including the chest (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), is affected by mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can make these cells become malignant, and they can grow uncontrollably. The resulting growths can be tumor-like or not. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, may be fatal if it develops within the lungs and abdominal cavity.Asbestos fibers become airborne when they are agitated or moved. People inhale or swallow them. They can cause irritation to the tissues, causing scarring and sometimes leads to mesothelioma developing. Mesothelioma may also affect the tissues of the heart's lining or reproductive organs.The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma vary based on the type and location. The cancer usually develops in the lining that lines the lungs. However, it could also occur on the lining the stomach or heart. The symptoms of mesothelioma are coughing, chest pain or difficulty breathing. In some cases, mesothelioma spreads to other organs of the body, including the brain.Mesothelioma is classified into three types according to the type of cell in which the cancer forms. About 80percent of patients with mesothelioma suffer from epithelioid tumors, which responds well to treatments. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is present in a small percentage of cases and it grows more rapidly. It is also more difficult to treat.The only known mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. It can take 20 to 60 years after exposure for mesothelioma develop, so it is crucial to understand your asbestos history and stay vigilant for any potential symptoms. Veterans in particular should be aware of the dangers. Asbestos is used in military bases, ships and other parts of the armed forces. This puts those who served in the Navy and other branches at a greater chance of developing mesothelioma.