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Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and Other Asbestos-Related Illnesses Significant asbestos exposure can result in a variety of serious illnesses that can be life-threatening. Mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related illnesses can take decades to develop, and are often mistakenly diagnosed or confused with other ailments. Asbestos-related diseases can affect people with any degree of exposure. However the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma increases by the fourth power of the time since the first exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, develops in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It is a type of cancer that can be fatal. It is believed to be the result of exposure to asbestos-containing substances or products that are often used in the workplace. Mesothelioma can be seen in firefighters, construction workers and veterans who have worked with asbestos. Mesothelioma symptoms may not appear for 20 to 50 years following asbestos exposure. The disease is named after the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that protects various organs of the body, including the chest cavity, lungs (pleura), the stomach (peritoneum) and the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers become embedded within the mesothelium, creating irritation and scarring. As time passes the cells that are irritated develop abnormal genetic mutations and transform into cancerous tumors. There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each affects a different area of the body. brownsville asbestos lawsuit encountered kind is pleural mesothelioma which accounts for about 80% percent of all cases diagnosed each year. Other types include testicular mesothelioma peritoneal and pleural. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the area of the body affected. They may range from respiratory issues like breathing difficulties and coughing to abdominal pain, heart palpitations and fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). Patients may also experience swelling in their feet or hands, as well as fatigue and weight loss. Early symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to other diseases, like lung cancer and lung disease. This is why it is crucial that anyone who has been exposed to asbestos inform their doctor about the previous exposure. Then, they should be checked regularly for signs of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. Regular checks can lead to quicker and more accurate diagnosis. This will also lower the risk of complications, like latency. This means that the symptoms won't be overlooked and could be mistaken for other diseases for example, a change in the shape of the fingers and nails, which is known as asbestosis or an ordinary sign of aging. What is Asbestosis? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is extremely strong and resistant to heat. In the past it was used in various industrial processes as well as consumer products, such as insulation and brakes. It was also used in shingles, floor tiles and certain types of cement. Exposure to asbestos fibres over an extended period of time could cause serious health issues, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. People who work in certain areas like those involved in mining or manufacturing asbestos-containing products, may be more susceptible to exposure. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause stiffening and scarring in the lung tissue. The latency period is the amount of time it takes for symptoms to appear after exposure. This is the reason it's essential to report any asbestos-related history to your doctor so that they can conduct regular screenings. Those most susceptible to developing asbestosis are those who worked in construction, shipbuilding or other fields where exposure asbestos was common prior to its removal. However anyone exposed to significant levels of asbestos at work is susceptible to developing this condition. The symptoms of asbestosis differ in severity and are quite difficult to diagnose. A diagnosis of asbestosis is usually made by reviewing a patient's medical history and performing several diagnostic tests. They could include an X-ray of the chest, which can detect advanced asbestosis through the appearance of white lung areas that look like honeycombs. CT scans are more precise than X-rays and can also reveal indications of asbestosis. A lung biopsy may be carried out to confirm the diagnosis. It involves removing small portions of lung tissue to be examined under a microscope. The test determines the severity of lung fibrosis and often shows the presence of asbestos bodies and ferruginous bodies rod-like structures with beaded beads which are coated with iron-containing proteins. Asbestosis is a progressive illness, which can worsen as time passes. It can cause breathing difficulties and may cause pressure on the rest of the body's organs, including the heart. Some patients may require an operation (pleurodesis) that stops fluid from returning to the lungs, or a tube (pleurectomy) to drain their lungs regularly at home. These procedures can improve breathing and quality of life. What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma? It can take years after asbestos exposure for symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestosis to begin to appear. This is referred to as the”latency” period and varies from one patient to the next, based on the location of tumors, as well as other factors. The mesothelioma-related cancer develops on the mesothelium a lining that surrounds many of your internal organs. The most frequent form is pleural mesothelioma which is a form of cancer that forms in the membrane that surrounds your chest wall and lungs (the pleura). It can also be found in the peritoneum, diaphragm or testicles. The signs of pleural mesothelioma generally begin with shortness of breath and dry cough. They can also manifest as a stomach pain, fever and fatigue. As the cancer progresses it may expand to other parts of the body, causing distinct symptoms in each region. Asbestosis doesn't cause cancer however it is a respiratory illness which can trigger similar symptoms as mesothelioma. Both diseases result from inflammation resulting 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. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are linked to a myriad of health issues, including fatigue, memory loss, headaches, depression and anxiety. Certain mesothelioma patients also suffer from heart or digestive problems. If you suspect mesothelioma in your body, your physician will conduct a physical exam and look over your employment history to determine whether you were exposed to asbestos. Your doctor may order blood tests to check your kidneys, liver, and blood cells. Chest X-rays are used to determine if there are any fluids or thickenings in the pleura. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize and is extremely rare. This is due in part to the fact that early mesothelioma symptoms are often similar to symptoms of more common diseases, such as pneumonia and influenza. Mesothelioma also has an extended latent phase, which makes it difficult to diagnose at its earliest stages. This is why it is often incorrectly diagnosed. What is the treatment for Mesothelioma and Asbestosis? A biopsy is a sample of tissue that is used by a doctor to diagnose mesothelioma and asbestosis. It is important to diagnose mesothelioma as soon as possible because the disease has a long time of latency, meaning that symptoms may not be evident for a long time after asbestos exposure. A biopsy can be done by a variety of methods, including the bronchoscopy procedure or needle biopsy. In a bronchoscopy doctors insert a tube to visualize the tissue and collect an insignificant amount of it to conduct a pathological analysis. In a needle biopsies, a doctor inserts needles into the lungs or chest wall to extract a small amount of fluid to examine under a microscope. The most commonly used treatment for mesothelioma is surgery, however radiotherapy and chemotherapy can also be utilized. Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to treat and a lot of patients develop relapses after treatment with the first line. Miners, shipyard workers and construction workers are at most risk of developing mesothelioma. School employees or hospitals may also be at risk in the event that they've had exposure to asbestos-based materials for a long 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 control the symptoms. This includes breathing exercises and medication to help manage breathlessness, wheezing, coughing and pain in the chest. Pleural effusion, also known as fluid accumulation around the lungs, can cause symptoms. This is a result of inflammation and death of cells in the lung's lining and can be reduced by a procedure called VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). Mesothelioma is a rare but serious cancer that occurs in the linings of organs. It is typically found in the lungs but can also affect the peritoneum and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the cause. Asbestos is a grouping of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. It usually takes between 20 and 50 years after exposure before symptoms begin. The people who have been exposed are often diagnosed with the disease later in life and men are more likely to suffer than women.