Mesothelioma - Is Mesothelioma Always Caused by Asbestos?
Asbestos may stick to workers' hair, clothing and skin. Then, they bring it to their homes where family members may also be exposed to the harmful mineral.
Anyone who is exposed has a long-term risk of developing mesothelioma. The risk increases over time however, the rate of increase appears to level off for pleural mesothelioma after 40-50 years from the time of exposure.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the linings of tissue surrounding some internal organs that include the chest cavity (pleura) the abdominal cavity and heart (pericardium). It can be fatal.
The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers are tough, tiny and naturally occurring. Between the 1930s and 1980s, it was used in a variety of products, including vehicles, buildings, and construction materials, due to its resistance to fire, water and sound. When asbestos is disturbed, the fibers expand and can be inhaled or swallowed. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the lungs and stomach and abnormal cells could form. Chrysotile is the most commonly used ingredient in the main cause of mesothelioma. Other forms of asbestos like amphibole and Tremolite can cause mesothelioma too.
Exposure to asbestos usually occurs in the workplace. It can take between 20 and 60 years for mesothelioma-related symptoms to develop. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, a cough that does not go away and fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). The U.S. military used asbestos in its aircraft, ships and barracks. Veterans comprise 33% today of all mesothelioma patients.
Mesothelioma patients may receive treatment to manage their symptoms and improve the quality of their life. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery can ease symptoms. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgi) is a procedure that patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma can undergo. In this procedure surgeons cut off the chest cavity's lining and lung, and then apply sterile talcum powder to irritate the lining, which prevents fluid from building up again.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and can be difficult to diagnose. However, if you've been exposed to asbestos in a significant way and you are experiencing any signs, it is important to consult your physician. They will inquire about your medical history, search for signs of mesothelioma, and test for the root of the symptoms. The earlier treatment is the key to a positive outcome. Only a biopsy can determine if you have mesothelioma. A doctor can detect mesothelioma through a physical exam and an analysis of the blood sample.
What is mesothelioma and how can it be a disease?
The asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma forms in the tissues that line certain organs in the body. The most common locations for mesothelioma to develop are the lung (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma can also develop in the chest cavity's lining (epicatelia) and the testicles (mesothelium of the scrotum).
Long-term exposure to asbestos increases the mesothelioma danger. This includes those who have worked directly with asbestos or its products. In addition those who live close to asbestos mines or mills are at risk of exposure to the dust and fibers that are released into the air. Families of asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that they may inhale the dust particles from their clothing.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, affects more men. This is likely because asbestos was used by men more often at work. Mesothelioma can develop 15-40 years after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult for many victims to get diagnosed as their symptoms may not manifest until they are in their 50s or older.
Like other cancers, mesothelioma develops when normal cells begin to mutate and expand uncontrollably. This occurs when genes are damaged within cells through exposure to harmful substances or other causes that cause genetic mutations and inflammation.
Asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor, and it takes decades for symptoms to show up. Signs of mesothelioma include shortness of breath (dyspnea), abdominal discomfort, fluid on the lungs, and other signs of lung disease. Mesothelioma can also affect the skin and reproductive organs.
Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma should visit one of the leading cancer centers of excellence for an evaluation. They can assist patients and family members in receiving the right care and finding treatment options. Those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace should also think about seeking financial compensation from companies which used the toxic material. This compensation could be used to pay for treatment and other expenses.
What are the signs of mesothelioma?
If someone suspects that they might have mesothelioma they should consult with a physician right away. Although there is no cure, treatment can increase the lifespan of patients and increase their quality of life. It is crucial to recognize mesothelioma as soon as possible, even though it is a rare type of cancer.
The patient should visit their primary care doctor and describe their symptoms. The doctor will perform a physical exam and take down the patient's medical history in order to determine their risk factors.
Many mesothelioma patients will experience chest or abdominal pain. It is caused by inflammation that is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they adhere to organ linings. These can then develop into cancer over time.
The lung is the most frequent place where mesothelioma occurs. This is called mesothelioma pleural. However, it could be found in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). This is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. It is less prevalent in only 10 percent of cases, than pleural msothelioma.
Other types of mesothelioma can occur in the lining of the heart or in the reproductive organs. These types are less prevalent and comprise less than one percent of mesothelioma cases. They are generally more difficult to diagnose than mesothelioma with pleural origins.
The mesothelioma latency period is typically long, taking decades to manifest the first signs. When symptoms do appear they may include chest pain, fatigue and weight loss.
A biopsy is typically required to confirm the presence and type of cancer mesothelioma-related cells in patients. Other tests may be used to determine if there are other conditions, like MRI, CT scans and X-rays.
Doctors will design an action plan for mesothelioma based on its stage and type. Certain types of mesothelioma are more susceptible to certain treatments. They can include chemotherapy, surgeries or radiation therapy. Patients are also able to participate in clinical trials that could aid them in receiving new treatments.
How can mesothelioma be detected?
Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma because they irritate organ linings. Over time, the damaged areas grow thicker and form tumors that can lead to cancer cells. Mesothelioma may develop in the linings of the lungs or intestines, the heart, or testicles. It can take anywhere from 15 to 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest.
Most patients diagnosed with mesothelioma get an diagnosis from their primary physician or an oncologist. Their doctor will conduct a physical exam and will review their medical and work history. If the doctor suspects mesothelioma, he may perform an X-ray of the chest or abdomen. These tests will reveal whether there is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs or stomach and help determine the cause of mesothelioma.
Once these tests are complete, the doctor can test for mesothelioma by looking at a sample of fluid or tissue under a microscope. They can also take a biopsy by inserting an instrument into the region where fluid has accumulated and pulling out a piece of tissue to be examined under microscope.
It is important to note that mesothelioma can often be mistaken for other conditions like lung cancer or pneumonia. Many patients are misdiagnosed or never diagnosed. Patients suffering from mesothelioma should speak with an expert about their exposure to asbestos.
If mesothelioma is suspected and a doctor has ruled it out, they will order a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for asbestos in the abdomen or the lungs. A chest Xray may show a buildup of fluid between the lung and the chest wall. This is called a pleural effusion. To examine this fluid, the doctor will numb is mesothelioma only caused by asbestos the skin and insert a needle into the affected area. They will drain a sample of the fluid and then send it to a lab to search for cancerous cells.
If a doctor diagnoses mesothelioma they will recommend treatments. For pleural mesothelioma treatment may require surgery to remove the pleura as well as the surrounding tissue. For mesothelioma peritoneal, surgery may involve removing the abdominal lining and part of the diaphragm. In some cases, mesothelioma may be treated with radiation or chemotherapy.