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Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and Other Asbestos-Related Illnesses A significant exposure to asbestos can result in a variety of serious diseases that could be life-threatening. Mesothelioma, asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases can take a long time to develop and are often misdiagnosed or misinterpreted with other conditions. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can develop diseases related to it. However, the risk of mesothelioma pleural increases by the fourth power of the time since the first exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, develops in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It is a highly aggressive cancer that could be fatal. It is believed to be the result of exposure to asbestos-containing products or materials that are often used in the workplace. The victims of mesothelioma are typically firefighters, construction workers and veterans, as well as other people who worked with asbestos that was contaminated. It may take between 20 and 50 years following asbestos exposure before the symptoms of mesothelioma develop. The disease is named after the mesothelium. This thin layer of tissue surrounds various organs including the lungs, the chest cavity (pleura) and stomach (peritoneum) and the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos fibers that become embedded in the mesothelium, causing irritation, which causes scarring. Over time, the irritated cells develop abnormal genetic mutations, and then transform into cancerous tumors. There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each affects a different area of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common kind, accounting for approximately 88% of cases diagnosed each year. Other types include peritoneal mesothelioma the testicular mesothelioma, and pleural effusion. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary according to the part of the body affected and can range from respiratory issues such as coughing and difficulty breathing to abdominal pain, heart palpitations and fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). Certain patients may also experience swelling of the hands or feet (finger clubbing) as well as weight loss, fatigue and fever. The early signs of mesothelioma are similar to other conditions, such as lung disease and cancer. It is therefore essential that anyone who has been exposed to asbestos informs their doctor of their past exposure. Then, they must be regularly monitored for symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses and mesothelioma. Regular checks can help provide a faster and more accurate diagnosis. This also decreases the chance of complications such as latency. This can help ensure that symptoms aren't missed and misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses. For example the change in the shape of a finger or nail is known as asbestosis, or as a normal ageing sign. What is Asbestosis? Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, is extremely strong and resistant to high temperatures. It was utilized in the past in a variety of industrial processes and consumer goods, such as insulation, brakes and shingles floor tiles, and other types of cement. el monte asbestos law firm to asbestos fibres for a long period of time can lead to serious health issues, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Individuals who work in certain fields such as those who are involved in mining and manufacturing asbestos-containing products, are at greater risk of being exposed. Asbestosis is caused by the exposure to asbestos fibres which can cause swelling and stiffening of lung tissue. The latency period is the amount of time it takes for symptoms to show after exposure. It is essential to inform your doctor about any asbestos exposure, so they can perform periodic screenings. People most susceptible to developing asbestosis include those who worked in construction, shipbuilding or other industries where exposure to asbestos was common prior to its ban. However anyone exposed to a significant amount of asbestos in their workplace is susceptible to developing this condition. The symptoms of asbestosis differ in severity and are extremely difficult to determine. A diagnosis of asbestosis is usually made by reviewing the medical history of a patient and conducting a variety of diagnostic tests. These may include a chest X-ray which can detect advanced asbestosis through the appearance of white areas on the lungs which look like honeycombs. CT scans may show asbestosis symptoms more clear than X-rays. A lung biopsy can be conducted to confirm the diagnosis. This involves removing small amounts of lung tissue that is examined under microscope. The test reveals the extent of lung fibrosis. It also shows the presence of ferruginous bodies and asbestos bodies, beaded rod-like structures that are covered in iron-containing proteins. It is possible to live with asbestosis but it's a progressive disease that can get worse over time. It can cause difficulty breathing and may put pressure on the body's organs, including the heart. Some patients may need an operation (pleurodesis) that stops fluid from returning to the lungs, or a tube (pleurectomy) to eliminate their lungs frequently at home. These procedures can improve breathing and the quality of life. What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma and Asbestosis? After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of asbestosis or mesothelioma 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 is found on the mesothelium, an enveloping lining that surrounds a lot of your internal organs. The most common form is pleural. It occurs in the lining that surrounds your chest and lungs (the pleura). It can also occur in the diaphragm, peritoneum or testicles. The signs of pleural mesothelioma generally start with a shortness of breath and a dry cough. Other symptoms include fatigue, fever and abdominal pain. As the cancer progresses, it can spread to other areas of the body, causing distinct symptoms in each of the areas. Asbestosis isn't a form of cancer however it's a respiratory condition that can cause similar symptoms to mesothelioma. Both diseases are caused by inflammation resulting from asbestos exposure. The inflammation can cause scarring in the lungs that can make breathing difficult. Asbestosis sufferers also experience an accumulation of fluid around their lungs, which can aggravate symptoms. Both mesothelioma, and asbestosis, are linked to many other health issues, like fatigue and memory loss. They can also trigger headaches depression, anxiety, and headaches. Some mesothelioma sufferers experience heart or digestive problems. If you suspect mesothelioma is present in your body, your physician will conduct a physical examination and look over your employment background to determine if you were exposed or not to asbestos. The blood tests are conducted to check the health of your liver, kidneys and blood cells. Chest Xrays can be used to determine if there is thickening of the pleura, or fluid that is in the space between the lung and chest wall. Mesothelioma can be difficult to detect and is extremely rare. Mesothelioma that is early in its development can mimic other illnesses like influenza or pneumonia. Mesothelioma also has an extended latent phase, which makes it difficult to diagnose at its earliest stages. It is therefore often mistakenly diagnosed. What is the Treatment for Mesothelioma and Asbestosis? A doctor can determine mesothelioma or asbestosis by taking the tissue sample, which is also called biopsy. It is essential to recognize mesothelioma as quickly as is possible since the disease has a long latency which means that symptoms may not be evident for a long time after asbestos exposure. A biopsy can be carried out in various ways, including through bronchoscopy or needle biopsy. In a bronchoscopy doctors insert a tube to visualize the tissue and collect the smallest amount of tissue to conduct a pathological analysis. In a needle biopsy, doctors insert an instrument into the chest wall or lungs to remove a small amount fluid to be examined under a microscope. The most popular treatment for mesothelioma is surgery, however radiotherapy and chemotherapy can also be used. Mesothelioma can be extremely difficult to treat and many patients return after the initial treatment. Those who are most at risk of developing mesothelioma include miners, shipyard workers insulation contractors and construction workers. However, people working in hospitals and schools can be affected if they have had prolonged exposure to asbestos-based building materials. Teachers, nurses, and former pupils of schools constructed using asbestos-based materials have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. In cases of asbestosis the most effective method of treatment is managing symptoms. These include breathing exercises as well as medication to help manage coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain. The symptoms are often exacerbated by the build-up of fluid around the lung, which is known as Pleural effusion. It is caused by inflammation and death of cells in the lung's lining. It can be reduced by the procedure known as VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure). Mesothelioma, an uncommon and serious cancer that affects the lining of organs and is a rare illness. It is most often found in the lungs, but it can also occur in the peritoneum and the heart. The exposure to asbestos is the cause. Asbestos is a grouping of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibers. It can take between 20 and 50 years after exposure before symptoms appear. Men are more likely than women to contract the disease after exposure.