Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and Other Asbestos-Related Illnesses

Significant exposure to asbestos can cause a number of life-threatening, serious illnesses. It can take a long time for mesothelioma, asbestosis and other asbestos-related ailments to develop. They are often misdiagnosed as other diseases.

People with any level exposure to asbestos law may develop diseases caused by it. The risk of developing pleural mesothelioma is increased by the fourth power of time from the first exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, occurs in the lung linings and abdomen. It is a type of cancer that can be fatal. It is believed to be caused by exposure to asbestos-containing materials or products, often in the workplace. Mesothelioma is most often found in firefighters, construction workers and veterans who have worked with asbestos.

It can take between 20 and 50 years after asbestos exposure before symptoms of mesothelioma begin to manifest. The disease is named after the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that surrounds many organs in the body including the chest cavity and lungs (pleura) as well as the stomach (peritoneum) and the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos fibers that become embedded in the mesothelium and cause irritation, which causes scarring. As time passes, the irritated cells develop abnormal genetic mutations, and then transform into cancerous tumors.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type is specific to a particular part of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent kind, accounting for approximately 80% of the cases diagnosed each year. Other types include peritoneal mesothelioma, testicular mesothelioma and pleural effusion.

The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary according to the part of the body affected and can range from respiratory problems such as coughing and difficulty breathing to abdominal pain, heart palpitations and fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). Patients may also have swelling in their hands or feet (finger clubbing), as well as fatigue, weight loss and fever. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify, as the early symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as lung diseases and cancer.

It is, therefore, essential that anyone who has been exposed to asbestos law (my response) inform their doctor of their previous exposure. Then, they need to be regularly monitored for symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses and mesothelioma. These regular checkups can lead to a faster and more accurate diagnosis. This also decreases the risk of complications, like latency. This means that symptoms won't be ignored and could be mistaken for other diseases for example, a change in the shape of fingers and nails, also known as asbestosis or even as a normal sign of ageing.

What is Asbestosis?

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral is extremely durable and resistant to ext heart. Certain patients may require a procedure (pleurodesis) that stops fluid from returning to the lungs, or a tube (pleurectomy) to drain their lungs regularly at home. These procedures can ease breathing and improve the quality of life.

What are the signs of Mesothelioma?

After exposure to asbestos claim, the symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestosis may not manifest for a long time. This is referred to as the latency period and it varies from person to patient depending on the site of the tumors and other factors.

The mesothelioma cancerous form develops on the mesothelium - an enveloping lining that surrounds a lot of your internal organs. The most common form is pleural. It is a result of the lining that surrounds your chest and lungs (the pleura). It can also be found in the diaphragm, peritoneum or testicles.

Shortness of breath and dry cough are the most obvious signs of asbestosis pleural. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue and abdominal pain. As the cancer progresses it can spread to other areas of the body, causing distinct symptoms in each region.

Asbestosis isn't a form of cancer but it is a respiratory illness that can cause similar symptoms as mesothelioma. Both diseases are caused by inflammation that occurs from asbestos exposure. The inflammation can cause scarring to the lungs that can make breathing difficult. Asbestosis patients also experience accumulation of fluid in the space around their lungs, which can aggravate most symptoms.

Asbestosis, as well as mesothelioma are associated with various other health issues, like fatigue and memory loss. They can also trigger headaches as well as depression and anxiety. In a few instances mesothelioma patients have had digestive or heart issues as well.

If you think you have mesothelioma, your physician will conduct a physical exam and review your work history to see whether or you were exposed to asbestos. Blood tests may be conducted to check the health of your kidneys, liver and blood cells. Chest X-rays can be used to determine if you have any thickening or fluids in the pleura.

Mesothelioma is often difficult to detect and is extremely rare. The early mesothelioma may be a sign of other illnesses, such as pneumonia or influenza. In addition, mesothelioma suffers from a long latency period that makes it difficult to diagnose in its earliest stages. Consequently, it is often incorrectly diagnosed.

What is the treatment of Mesothelioma?

A doctor can diagnose asbestosis or mesothelioma by taking a tissue sample, also called a biopsy. It is essential to obtain an early mesothelioma diagnosis as possible, since the disease can have long latency periods, meaning symptoms don't show up until several years after exposure to asbestos.

A biopsy can be performed using a variety of methods, such as a bronchoscopy or needle biopsy. In a bronchoscopy, doctors insert a tube in the breathing passages to see the tissue and take one small sample to be examined for pathological reasons. When a needle biopsy is performed, a doctor sticks a needle through the lung or chest wall to extract some fluid for examination under microscope.

The most popular treatment for mesothelioma is surgery, however radiotherapy and chemotherapy can also be utilized. However, mesothelioma can be difficult to cure and many patients experience relapses after receiving first-line treatments.

Miners, shipyard workers and construction workers are at highest risk of developing mesothelioma. People who work in schools or hospitals may be at risk too in the event that they've had exposure to asbestos-based products for a long period of time. Teachers, nurses, and former pupils of schools built with asbestos-based materials have also been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

The best way to treat asbestosis is to manage the symptoms. These include breathing exercises as well as medications to manage breathlessness, wheezing, coughing and chest pain. Symptoms are typically exacerbated by the build-up of fluid around the lung, which is known as pleural effusion. This is the result of inflammation and cell death within the lung's lining and can be reduced by the procedure known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery).

Mesothelioma is a rare, yet serious cancer that develops in the lining of the organs. It is usually located in the lungs, but can also affect the peritoneum or heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres previously used extensively in construction and other industries. The symptoms typically manifest between 20 and 50 years after exposure. Those who have suffered exposure are often diagnosed with the disease later in life and men are more likely to be affected than women.