10 Myths Your Boss Has Regarding Asbestos Disease Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma – A Rare Asbestos Disease Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is found in the interior organs' linings, most commonly the lung (pleura) and, less frequently the abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos can result in an increased risk of developing this disease. The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos, a heat- and fire-resistant mineral fiber. The symptoms may not show up until decades after exposure. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that forms in the tissue that lines the lungs, stomach and heart. It usually occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled and are absorbed into the organ's lining. Those who have worked with asbestos, like plumbers, miners, and carpenters, are most at risk. It is also seen in those who were asbestos workers who brought it home on their clothes or the skin. Some people are at risk include those who work in a place in which asbestos is present or disturb asbestos when they are renovating or maintaining. There are four mesothelioma stages. Patients in the early and mid-stages do not have symptoms and can go on for a long time before being diagnosed. When they are diagnosed, the cancer is more advanced and difficult to treat. The signs of mesothelioma do not typically appear until decades after exposure. The disease can last a long time because asbestos fibers need to travel from the lungs to other parts of the body before they can cause mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases start in the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) but it can be found in the lining of the stomach or heart. It can also appear in the linings of the reproductive organs. A biopsy of the area affected is the most effective way to help doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. The specimen is examined under a microscope to determine if the cells are of mesothelioma or another kind. Doctors can also order x-rays, CT scans or MRI to determine the cause and determine if there is a tumor, a thickening or enlargement of the lining in the abdomen or chest and fluid in the chest cavity. They can also request an examination of lung function to determine how well a person's lungs are functioning. A mesothelioma misdiagnosis could be dangerous because it may delay the start of treatment that could improve the prognosis of a patient. It is imperative to seek out a physician when you notice any signs. sugar land asbestos attorneys can assess the symptoms and signs and examine a person's history of exposure to asbestos. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the lining that protects organs in the body including the chest and abdominal cavity. The most common mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lung's outer layer (pleura). Mesothelioma is less common in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) as well as the heart sac (pericardium) as well as in the testicles. A doctor can diagnose the disease by taking a sample of the tissue for imaging tests or biopsy. The doctor can determine the grade of mesothelioma. This is a measure of how aggressive and likely it is to expand. The exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring resistant to heat and fire fiber that was used in construction and manufacturing activities up to the late 1970s. People who worked in occupations like asbestos mining, milling, pipefitters, insulators plumbers, pipefitters, and those who renovated homes are at higher risk than other people of developing mesothelioma. Inhaling tiny asbestos fibers could cause mesothelioma. These tiny fibers can get trapped in the lungs and cause inflammation that leads to lung scarring. Asbestos exposure can also increase the risk of a person smoking, which increases their risk of developing mesothelioma. A person's risk for mesothelioma increases with the length of time they've been exposed to asbestos. Those who have been exposed to the highest levels of asbestos are at greatest chance of developing mesothelioma. Certain risk factors can be modified for example, the age of a person or whether they smoke. However, most mesothelioma risks are related to exposure to asbestos. Certain risk factors aren't changeable like the history of a family member or genetics. The risk of mesothelioma in a person is also elevated if they have certain health conditions or illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease. Treatment Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the mesothelium, which is the line that runs through the abdomen, lungs and heart. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The disease usually develops for decades after exposure. It is often difficult to identify, since symptoms often mimic other conditions and can change. Mesothelioma patients can receive compensation via lawsuits or trust funds. There is no cure for mesothelioma, however there are options to manage the disease and improve your quality of life. Patients should seek out doctors who are experts in treating the disease. Doctors will examine the patient's medical history to identify any signs and mesothelioma-related risks, such as asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos is the most frequent cause mesothelioma. It is typically caused by breathing asbestos fibers that float in the air. These fibers can get stuck in the lungs, and could cause genetic mutations that cause cancer. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the linings of the lungs and is the most common type of mesothelioma. It can also affect the chest lining (pericardium), abdomen, and testicles (peritoneal peritoneal cancer). Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by DNA changes in cells. These mutations lead the cell to expand in uncontrolled ways, resulting in an increase in the size of the tumor. Mesothelioma is most commonly found in men over 75 and those who have served in the U.S. military. There are many types of mesothelioma and each has a different rate of survival. Patients should be aware that a mesothelioma diagnosis can be grave and difficult to treat. There is hope, however, as research continues to make advances in prolonging survival. Veterans who have mesothelioma could be eligible for VA benefits. The following is a list of preventions. Mesothelioma Although rare, it is highly preventable. Asbestos is a mineral that is naturally occurring that was once used widely in shipbuilding, construction, and other industries due to its unique properties of durability, strength as well as heat insulation, and fire resistance. However, the tiny asbestos fibers are able to become airborne if disturbed, and if breathed in, they can cause serious health conditions such as mesothelioma. The only way to avoid mesothelioma is to not be exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is the primary reason for mesothelioma and the majority of people diagnosed with the disease have been exposed to asbestos at one point in their lives. Other factors can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. These include smoking, age and genes. Mesothelioma typically affects the abdomen and lungs. (tummy). It is extremely rare for mesothelioma to develop in any other part of the body. Mesothelioma can take a long time to develop and may not show up until 20 or 40 years after asbestos exposure. It is important that people who have been exposed to asbestos regularly visit their physician if they are experiencing any unusual symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath. Asbestosis symptoms include tightness in the chest, frequent coughing, and a blue appearance to the skin because the body is struggling to get enough oxygen. Inhaling asbestos fibers can also irritate lung tissue and cause scarring, called fibrosis. This can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, and other organs including the heart. Inflammation can cause genetic changes that can cause cancerous growth to the lungs. There is no cure for asbestosis but there are treatments to alleviate the symptoms. These treatments can improve the quality of life and breathing for patients. Mesothelioma typically occurs in the tummy and lungs but can also affect the stomach, heart and testicles. It is not usually possible to prevent mesothelioma from occurring, however there are steps that people can take to reduce the risk of being exposed. Ask your employer for safety guidelines and make sure you examine the workplace for asbestos. It is also an excellent idea to wear protective gear and wash their workplace clothes outside of their home to ensure that they are not carried home on the clothing of family members.