Is Mesothelioma Only Caused by Asbestos?Mesothelioma, a deadly cancer can affect the thin layer lining many organs. It is most prevalent in the lung (pleural sarcoidosis), intestines, and heart. People who are exposed to asbestos are at greater risk.Asbestos is a class of minerals that make thin, long fibers. It was used in commercial, military and residential items during the 20th century. Manufacturers were aware of its dangers, but concealed them in order to maximize profits.CausesAsbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, is resistant to chemicals and heat. It was used in manufacturing a variety of commercial and household items in the past, such as floor tiles, insulation and brake linings. Asbestos is a risk however, as it is broken down into tiny, needle-like fibers, which can irritate organ tissues and cause cancerous cell growth.The people who work with asbestos or are exposed to asbestos at workplace or at home are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to those who have not. 70 percent to 80% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma had a history of asbestos exposure. It can take between 20 and 50 years for symptoms to develop following the initial exposure. Anyone with mesothelioma-related relatives also have a higher risk of developing it.If exposed to asbestos, the fibers can be inhaled into the lungs. These fibers then travel into the pleura, or lining that surrounds the lungs and may cause irritation to it. This can lead to the development of pleural disease as well as fluid accumulation within the lungs. This can make it difficult to breathe.Mesothelioma can also occur in the tissues that connect the abdomen, intestines and heart. In the majority of cases, a person with mesothelioma is exposed to asbestos in the workplace. This type of asbestos exposure differs from those who are exposed at home to asbestos, for example when family members remove asbestos containing insulation from their ceilings and walls.Scientists are investigating whether certain genes could increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. Even with these asbestos-related genes, exposure is still required to develop mesothelioma. A few rare cases of mesothelioma have been connected to other minerals such as silica and erionite that are related to asbestos. Certain people are more prone to mesothelioma due to the way they break down asbestos. This isn't a recognized risk factor, however, and does not explain why one person could be more susceptible to the disease while another might not.SymptomsAsbestos exposure may cause mesothelioma that is cancerous in any of the body linings. It may also develop in the abdomen, lungs or the heart (pleural mesothelioma). It may also develop in the testicles.Mesothelioma symptoms typically manifest in sporadic ways over a long time. The first signs of mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as signs of other illnesses. It can take between 20 and 50 years for symptoms to manifest, meaning someone could have been exposed to asbestos exposure for decades before the mesothelioma disease was discovered. The cancer spreads to different areas of the human body in roughly the same time.Coughing, chest pain, and breathing problems are all signs of pleural Mesothelioma. Patients may also experience other symptoms also, including fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain. Lung fluid is the most frequently reported symptom (pleural effusion). Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lung lining and chest cavity known as the pleura. The cancer causes the lining to become thicker, making it difficult for the lungs to expand during breathing.Doctors can diagnose pleural mesothelioma by taking a sample of tissue from the affected area and doing certain tests. A biopsy can determine the type of mesothelioma malignant and the extent to which it has spread, and whether it's benign or malignant.If doctors suspect that a patient has mesothelioma they may refer them to specialist who will conduct more tests. The specialist can perform a biopsy in an outpatient setting. The patient can leave the hospital the same day.Mesothelioma is still rare, but it is important to be diagnosed as soon as is possible. There is what causes mesothelioma for mesothelioma, however, treatment can ease symptoms and slow the disease.TreatmentMesothelioma can be caused by asbestos, a clustering of minerals with thin and flexible fibers. Asbestos is a strong, fire-resistant material and doesn't conduct electricity so it was used in various industrial applications including insulation, building materials, ships, brakes and some kinds of flooring. Exposure can occur when these products become dusty and break down. If inhaled or consumed, asbestos fibers can cause irritation which causes mesothelioma. The signs of mesothelioma generally do not manifest until a long time after exposure. It can affect the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma) or the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the lining of the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).The only way to identify mesothelioma is to test it with medical tests. The doctor of the patient will examine them and ask questions about their previous work history. They may also conduct imaging tests to check the abdomen or chest for any signs of abnormalities. These tests could include X-rays as well as CT scans.If mesothelioma is a possibility doctors will collect an in-depth sample of the affected tissue or fluid to conduct further tests. They will look for cancer cells under a microscope to determine what kind of mesothelioma the patient has. There are three kinds of mesothelioma: epithelioid (most popular), the sarcomatoid (second most common) and biphasic. 70 percent of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid is the less common type. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two types above and is more difficult to treat than either one individually.The treatment options for mesothelioma rely on factors like the type, stage and severity of the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more aggressive than other. Patients suffering from late-stage disease are more likely to suffer from a poor prognosis.Patients with mesothelioma can also be treated with chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. These treatments can be painful and cause adverse effects like nausea fatigue, vomiting, and breathing difficulties. These side effects can be managed with medication or other methods. Certain patients also undergo radiation therapy following surgery to kill any cancer cells that surgeons missed.PrognosisDespite its use in many industries and its reputation as extremely durable and cost-effective material asbestos is known to be the cause of several types of serious medical conditions. Mesothelioma is among these diseases. It manifests on the linings of organs and structures like the lungs and the heart. The symptoms of mesothelioma can take a long time to manifest however treatment can manage the disease and reduce symptoms.Asbestos is comprised of microscopic fibers that may be absorbed into the body and then become embedded in the linings of certain tissues. Asbestos is a mineral found naturally that has been used for centuries in various products, from textiles to insulation.When asbestos is disturbed it is then airborne. It can be consumed or inhaled. Inhaling the asbestos fibers get deposited in the lungs where they irritate cells until they damage DNA and develop into malignant. Asbestos fibers are digested in the stomach, and then travel to the lining of the outside (peritoneum) and can cause mesothelioma or inflammation.Secondhand exposure to asbestos is also possible if you live in a home where someone has been exposed to asbestos. Family members can be exposed when workers bring home stray asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and. The risk of mesothelioma is also increased if you have a family history of the disease.There are two types of mesothelioma: pleural and peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma is found in the linings of the lungs and chest. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type. Peritoneal Mesothelioma results from asbestos fibers that penetrate the linings that surround the abdominal organs or cavity. This kind of mesothelioma is more prevalent than pleural and affects the lining of the abdomen.Asbestos is a toxic mineral that can lead to several different types of cancers, as well as other illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Unfortunately, the dangers of asbestos were not widely recognized until the beginning of the 1980s when companies began to realize that asbestos was a risk. Before that, asbestos was used by blue-collar industry as well as the military in items like flooring, roofs and brake linings.