Does Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma?Workers who work with asbestos could carry asbestos fibers home on their skin, clothing, and hair. Families of those exposed face an increased risk of illness due to mesothelioma or other forms of lung disease.Mesothelioma can be described as a cancer of the lung's membrane and chest cavity (pleura) or the membrane lining the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). The only cause that has been confirmed for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.What is Asbestos?Asbestos is one of the fibrous minerals that are utilized for soundproofing and protection against fire. material. It was popular in many industries throughout the 20th century due to its durability and low cost. Asbestos is now a toxic material that can cause many health issues including mesothelioma.Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissue that lines the lungs, stomach, heart and other organs. It typically develops in the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma) however, it may be found in the lining of the chest wall and abdominal cavity, or the testicles. The symptoms of mesothelioma usually don't appear until years after exposure to asbestos.When asbestos fibers are exposed, they can become airborne. Asbestos fibers may enter the lungs, cause irritation to the lung tissue and cause irritation. Asbestosis can result from irritation of lung tissue. In extreme cases, asbestosis fibers can become trapped in the lungs and form tumors. The tumors could develop into malignant mesothelioma over time.The mesothelioma cancerous cells grow and damage the linings of the stomach or lungs, among other organs. This causes fluid buildup which causes discomfort and breathing difficulties. Cancer cells can spread to different areas of the body in certain instances. This can cause more pain and signs.Exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of cancers as well as respiratory diseases. Mesothelioma patients typically have high asbestos levels in their blood. This is known as mesothelioma asbestos and can help doctors recognize the condition.People who are at high risk of developing mesothelioma should be advised to consult their GP about their work history and potential asbestos exposure. It is important to follow any guidelines that are set by the employer in order reduce the chance of contracting asbestos-related illnesses. This includes wearing protective gear, and showering prior leaving work. It is important to ensure that family members aren't also exposed to asbestos. They are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma as a result of secondary exposure.How is Asbestos Exposed?Asbestos is a risk when inhaled into the lung. The fibers may cause scarring in the lung tissue, making breathing difficult. This may cause asbestosis. They may also accumulate in the pleura, which is the lung's protective layer. Pleural disease may be non-cancerous, such as pleural plaques (or the pleural effusion) or cancerous like mesothelioma. The chance of developing an asbestos-related disease increases with higher amounts of exposure over longer periods of time. Some people have developed mesothelioma despite relatively low levels of exposure.It can take 10 to 40 years after exposure for signs of an asbestos-related disease to appear. The first signs include a feeling of numbness in the fingers as well as breathing difficulties and a persistent cough. Secondhand exposure to asbestos can occur when family members of those exposed to asbestos bring particles home on their skin or clothing. This is known as paraoccupational exposure and is more common in mesothelioma than other asbestos-related illnesses.Most mesothelioma sufferers were exposed to asbestos during work in industrial settings. These jobs included many in shipyards and construction facilities that employed asbestos-containing materials. Residential homes near asbestos mines or factories can be a source of exposure.Mesothelioma, the only malignant cancer that is directly related to asbestos. It can also cause other types of cancers which include laryngeal, lung and Ovarian cancers. It can also cause benign conditions, such as asbestosis and pleural diseases.Although it is not known for sure how asbestos is responsible for these diseases but the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified all forms of asbestos as carcinogenic for humans. The agency is a member of the World Health Organization.Due to its toxicity, asbestos is no longer used by the United States. Asbestos fibers are bound to building materials so that they can't escape or be inhaled. There is no limit to the amount of exposure to asbestos, but most cases of mesothelioma are linked to a long-term exposure to asbestos at work.What are what is mesothelioma caused by of Asbestos Exposure?Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the skin linings that surround the organs of the chest (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Even though asbestos was banned in the year 1999, asbestos remains present in older buildings. People who have worked with these materials in the past, or relatives who worked with them are at risk. Symptoms of mesothelioma usually don't show up until at least 30 years after asbestos exposure.Asbestos fibres can enter the human body via two routes: ingestion or inhalation. Inhalation is more hazardous than ingestion of asbestos since asbestos fibers can remain in the lungs for a longer period of time. This can lead to irritation, scarring, and eventually, cancerous tumors. Mesothelioma can be caused by any type of asbestos but the most frequent are chrysotile and amphibole.Asbestos inhalation can cause damage to the heart, intestines and larynx. The pleura may also develop a form of asbestosis, causing inflammation and scarring. Smokers are more likely to develop asbestosis and other illnesses related to asbestos. This is because cigarette smoke causes irritation to the lungs.Asbestos-related symptoms include breathing problems, chest pain and difficulty breathing. If these symptoms persist and you are experiencing chest pain, consult a doctor to discuss your experience with asbestos exposure. To determine if there is mesothelioma, doctors can request testing for blood or imaging. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed to be another malignancy or disease and therefore it is essential to get a specialist diagnosis.If mesothelioma has been diagnosed A specialist will recommend treatment to stop the condition from becoming worse. Treatment options include chemotherapy and surgery. Some patients are directed to mesothelioma specialists further tests. This may include a positron-emission tomography scan (PET) and an electronic tomography scan (CT).Certain mesothelioma patients are entitled to compensation if been exposed to asbestos working. This could help them pay for medical bills and replace lost income due to the mesothelioma treatment they received. It is recommended that people speak with mesothelioma lawyers about filing an asbestos claim to find out more about the legal process. Visit the National Patient Compensation Center to find a mesothelioma attorney.What are the signs and symptoms of MesotheliomaMesothelioma can be described as a cancer that is characterized by the mesothelium. This is a lining that protects the internal organs of most people. Exposure to asbestos causes cells that make up the mesothelium, to grow abnormally and eventually develop into tumors. The cancer could be spread to other areas of the body and may affect different organs. Mesothelioma is a variety of types, including pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma.The symptoms of pleural cancer include breathing issues, chest pain and a constant dry cough. People with peritoneal mesothelioma may experience abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed as the symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, like pneumonia or lung cancer. To avoid a misdiagnosis, asbestos sufferers must inform their doctor about their exposure to asbestos to receive the right treatment.After exposure to asbestos, symptoms could be noticed between 20 and 50 years after exposure. This is known as the latency time. Mesothelioma is one of the most frequent cancer in people who have been exposed to asbestos chrysotile. This is because chrysotile asbestos has smaller, less fragile fibers that are easier to swallow and inhale. People who been in the military are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. All branches of the military used asbestos, but Navy veterans have the highest levels of exposure. Asbestos was extensively used on ships, bases and in equipment and vehicles.The cause of mesothelioma remains largely unknown, but is believed to be a combination. Asbestos exposure, smoking and certain genetic factors increase the chance of developing mesothelioma.Patients who have a genetic mutation that makes them more prone to asbestos exposure should pay particular attention. If they notice mesothelioma-like symptoms, they should consult their physician and request medical tests. These tests can be used to diagnose the condition and determine the extent of the condition. The earlier mesothelioma is diagnosed, the better. Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma have much more to lose if they delay treatment.