Mesothelioma - Is Mesothelioma Always Caused by Asbestos?Asbestos can stick to workers' hair, clothing and skin. Workers then take it home where their families are exposed to the dangerous mineral.Exposure to asbestos increases the chance of developing mesothelioma in long run. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases over time but the rate of increase appears to slow for pleural mesothelioma at the time of 40-50 years after exposure.What is mesothelioma?Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the linings of tissue around certain organs in the body, including the chest cavity (pleura), abdominal cavity, and the heart (pericardium). It can be fatal.The exposure to asbestos is the most common reason for mesothelioma. Asbestos is a class of strong, microscopic fibers that are naturally occurring. It was used in buildings, vehicles and dozens of construction materials between the 1930s and 1980s because it resisted fire, water and sound. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled and swallowed if disturbed. Inhaling asbestos fibers, they can cause irritation to the lungs and stomach, causing abnormal cells to form. Chrysotile is the most commonly used ingredient in the cause of mesothelioma. Other forms of asbestos, such as amphibole and tremolite, also can cause mesothelioma.The exposure to asbestos is usually at work. Mesothelioma can develop between 20 and 60 year. Signs include breathlessness and a persistent cough. fluid in the lungs. The U.S. military used asbestos in its aircraft, ships and barracks. Veterans account for 33% of all mesothelioma patients.Mesothelioma patients can undergo treatment to treat their symptoms and improve the quality of their life. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery can ease symptoms. For example, patients with pleural mesothelioma may undergo a surgical procedure known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). During this surgery, surgeons remove the lining of the chest cavity and lung and then apply the sterile talcum powder in order to inflame the lining, preventing fluid from building up again.Mesothelioma is extremely rare and can be difficult to determine. If you have been exposed to asbestos and have symptoms, it's important to consult your doctor. They will ask you about your medical history and look for signs of Mesothelioma. They will also run tests to determine what's causing the symptoms. The earlier you seek treatment, the best way to guarantee the most favorable outcome. A biopsy is the only way to know whether you have mesothelioma. However doctors are able to identify mesothelioma by an examination and a blood test.How is mesothelioma caused?The asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma develops in the tissue that lines certain organs in the body. The most frequent sites for mesothelioma are the lungs, the stomach and the heart. Mesothelioma can also occur in the chest cavity's lining (epicatelia) and the testicles (mesothelium of the scrotum).Exposure to asbestos for a long time increases the mesothelioma risk. This includes those who have worked directly with asbestos and its products. In addition, those who live near asbestos mills or mines are at risk of being exposed to fibers and dust that are released into the air. Families of asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma because they can inhale the particles from their clothing.Mesothelioma is a rare cancer which is more prevalent among women than men. This is probably because asbestos exposure was more prevalent in men more frequently at work. Furthermore, mesothelioma usually takes between 15-40 years after exposure to develop. It is difficult for mesothelioma victims to be diagnosed since their symptoms may not be apparent until they reach 50.Like all cancers, mesothelioma begins when normal cells begin to mutate and expand in an uncontrolled manner. This happens when the genes of the cell are damaged by exposure to a harmful substance or by another factor like genetic mutations or inflammation.Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. Symptoms may take a long time to manifest. The symptoms include shortness of breath (dyspnea) abdominal pain, swelling of the lung (pleural effusion) and other indications of lung disease. Mesothelioma can also affect the skin, kidneys and reproductive organs.Anyone 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 get the best care and find treatment options. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos in the workplace should also be seeking financial compensation from companies who use this harmful material. This compensation could help pay for medical treatment and other expenses.What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?If someone suspects that they might have mesothelioma they should consult with a physician immediately. While there is no cure, treatment can prolong the lifespan of patients and increase their quality of life. It's important to diagnose mesothelioma early, even though it is an uncommon form of cancer.The patient should first see their primary care doctor and describe their symptoms. The doctor will conduct physical examination and take the medical records of the patient in order to determine the risk factors.Many mesothelioma patients will experience chest or abdominal discomfort. This is caused by inflammation caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they adhere to organ linings. They may then turn into cancer over time.The majority of the time, mesothelioma develops in the lungs. This is called pleural mesothelioma. However, it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). This is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. It is less common in just 10 percent of cases, compared to pleural msothelioma.Other types of mesothelioma may be found in the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs. These forms are less common and comprise less than one percent of mesothelioma cases. They are more difficult to identify in comparison to pleural mesothelioma.Mesothelioma generally has a lengthy latency period, meaning it takes decades from date of first exposure until the first signs appear. If they do, they may include difficulty breathing, 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, such as MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays can be used to rule out other diseases out.If a mesothelioma is diagnosed, doctors will create an appropriate treatment plan according to the nature and stage of the mesothelioma. Certain mesothelioma types are more susceptible to certain treatments. They may include surgeries, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Patients are also able to participate in clinical trials that might assist them in receiving more advanced treatments.How is mesothelioma detected?Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma when they cause irritation to organ linings. These irritated areas become thickened and develop tumors in time, which can lead to mesothelioma cancer cells. Mesothelioma can form in the lung lining or intestines, the heart, or testicles. It usually takes between 15 to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma to show up.The majority of patients with mesothelioma receive an diagnosis from their primary physician or an oncologist. Their doctor will conduct a physical examination and look over their medical history and work history. If the doctor suspects mesothelioma, the doctor may order an X-ray of the abdomen or chest. These tests can reveal if there is a fluid buildup in the stomach or lungs and can help determine the source of mesothelioma.After these tests are completed The doctor can then test for mesothelioma by looking at a small amount of fluid or tissue under microscope. They can also perform biopsy, which entails inserting an instrument into the area where the fluid has built up and pulling out the tissue to be examined under a microscope for mesothelioma cells.Mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases like lung cancer or pneumonia. Many patients are misdiagnosed, or never diagnosed. Patients with mesothelioma should consult an expert regarding their asbestos exposure.If mesothelioma is suspected the doctor will request an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for asbestos in the abdomen or the lungs. A chest X-ray can also reveal the presence of fluid between the lung wall and the chest, referred to as an Pleural effusion. To determine the presence of this fluid, the doctor will numb the skin and insert a needle into the affected area. They will then drain the fluid, and then send it to a lab to look for cancer cells.If does asbestos always cause mesothelioma will recommend treatment options. For pleural mesothelioma, treatment may involve surgery to remove the pleura and the surrounding tissue. Surgery is a method to remove the abdominal lining, as well as the part of the diaphragm in the case of peritoneal cancer. In some cases chemotherapy or radiation can be utilized to treat mesothelioma.