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Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and Other Asbestos-Related Illnesses A prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause a number of life-threatening illnesses. Mesothelioma and asbestosis are among the most serious. asbestos-related diseases can take a long time to develop, and are often mistakenly diagnosed or misinterpreted with other conditions. People who have any exposure to asbestos can develop diseases associated with it. However, the risk of pleural mesothelioma increases by the fourth power of the time from the initial exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and less commonly in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum). It is a cancer that can be fatal. It is believed that asbestos-containing substances or products are the cause typically at work. Mesothelioma can be seen in firefighters, construction workers and veterans who have been exposed to asbestos. It could take between 20 and 50 years after asbestos exposure before the symptoms of mesothelioma begin to manifest. The disease is named after the mesothelium which is a thin layer of tissue that protects various organs of the body, including the chest cavity, lungs (pleura) as well as the stomach (peritoneum) and the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma arises when asbestos fibers are absorbed into the mesothelium, causing irritation, which results in scarring. Over time the affected cell develops genetic mutations that transform them into cancerous tumours. There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each one has a specific effect on a particular area of the body. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent type, accounting for about 88% of cases diagnosed every year. Other types include peritoneal mesothelioma, the testicular mesothelioma, and pleural effusion. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the part of the body affected. overland park asbestos attorney may range from respiratory issues like coughing and difficulty breathing to abdominal pain heart palpitations, chest pain and fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). Certain patients also experience swelling in the feet or hands as well as fatigue and weight loss. Early symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to other conditions, such as lung disease and cancer. This is why it is important that those who have been exposed to asbestos tell their doctor about their past exposure. They should be checked regularly for signs of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses. Regular checkups can help to identify the disease faster and provide an precise diagnosis. It also reduces the risk of complications, such as latency. This will help to ensure that symptoms are not overlooked and misinterpreted as other conditions. For example, a change in the shape of a finger or nail, which is known as asbestosis, or a normal ageing sign. What is Asbestosis? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is very strong and resistant to heat. In the past it was utilized for various industrial processes as well as consumer products, such as insulation and brakes. It was also used in shingles, floor tiles and some types cement. The exposure to asbestos fibers over some time can result in serious health issues like mesothelioma or asbestosis. Workers in certain industries may be at higher risk of exposure to asbestos, including those involved in the mining and manufacturing of asbestos-containing products. Asbestosis is caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers, which can lead to swelling and stiffening of lung tissue. Symptoms usually don't appear until a few years after exposure, known as the latency period. This is why it's crucial to inform any history of asbestos exposure to your doctor, so they can conduct regular screenings. Those most susceptible to developing asbestosis include those who worked in construction, shipbuilding or other industries where exposure to asbestos was common before its prohibition. However anyone who was exposed to high levels of asbestos in their work environment can develop this condition. The symptoms of asbestosis differ in severity, and it isn't always easy to identify. A diagnosis of asbestosis is typically made by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing several diagnostic tests. These may include a chest X-ray which can detect advanced asbestosis by revealing white lung areas that look like honeycombs. CT scans are more detailed than X-rays, and may reveal evidence of asbestosis. A lung biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. This involves the removal of small amounts of lung tissue to be analyzed under microscope. The test will reveal the extent of lung disease and the presence of ferruginous bodies (golden yellow rods that are beaded and coated with iron-containing proteins). It is possible to live with asbestosis but it's a progressive illness that gets worse with time. It can cause breathing difficulties and cause pressure on the body's organs and tissues, including the heart. Some patients may need an operation (pleurodesis), which prevents fluid from returning to the lungs or a tube (pleurectomy) to eliminate their lungs frequently 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 and asbestosis to be evident. This is referred to as the latency time, and it varies from person to patient based on the site of the tumors and other factors. The mesothelioma cancerous form develops on the mesothelium – the lining that covers many of your internal organs. The most common form is pleural. It occurs in the membrane that surrounds your lungs and chest (the pleura). It may also occur in the peritoneum or diaphragm. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma typically start with a breathlessness and a dry cough. They can also manifest as a fever, abdominal pain and tiredness. As the cancer progresses it may spread to other areas of the body, causing distinct symptoms in each region. Asbestosis isn't a cancer, but it's a respiratory condition which can trigger similar symptoms as mesothelioma. Both of them are caused by inflammation that results from asbestos exposure. The inflammation leads to scarring of the lungs, which makes breathing difficult. Asbestosis sufferers also experience an accumulation of fluid around their lungs that can cause a worsening of symptoms. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis, are linked to a number of other health issues, such as fatigue and memory loss. They can also trigger headaches, depression, and anxiety. Certain mesothelioma patients also suffer from heart or digestive problems. If you believe you may have mesothelioma, your physician will perform a physical examination and review your work history to determine whether or not you were exposed to asbestos. Blood tests may be conducted to determine the health of your liver, kidneys and blood cells. Chest X-rays are used to determine if there is any fluids or thickenings of the pleura. Mesothelioma is extremely rare and it can be difficult to recognize. Early mesothelioma can be a sign of other illnesses, such as influenza or pneumonia. In addition, mesothelioma suffers from an extended latency time, making it challenging to diagnose in its earliest stages. This is why it is often mistakenly diagnosed. What is the treatment for Mesothelioma? A doctor can determine asbestosis or mesothelioma through taking a tissue sample, also called a biopsy. It is essential to obtain an early diagnosis of mesothelioma as possible, since the disease is known to have long latency periods, meaning symptoms don't start to manifest until several years after exposure to asbestos. A biopsy can be performed in several ways, including by bronchoscopy and needle biopsy. In a bronchoscopy, doctors insert a tube into the tissue and take the smallest amount of tissue for pathological analysis. In a needle biopsy, a doctor inserts a needle in the chest wall or lungs to extract a small amount of fluid to examine under a microscope. The most popular treatment for mesothelioma is surgery, however radiotherapy and chemotherapy may also be used. However, mesothelioma is very difficult to treat and a lot of patients experience relapses after receiving first-line treatment. Those who are most at risk of developing mesothelioma include shipyard workers, miners, insulation contractors, and construction workers. However, people who work in hospitals and schools could be affected after prolonged exposure to asbestos-based building materials. Teachers, nurses, and former pupils of schools constructed with asbestos-containing materials have all been diagnosed with the disease. In the case of asbestosis, the most effective treatment is to manage symptoms. These include breathing exercises and medications to manage coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and pain in the chest. Symptoms are typically exacerbated by the build-up of fluid around the lungs, which is referred to as Pleural effusion. This is a result of inflammation and cell death within the lining of the lungs and can be reduced by the procedure known as VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments). Mesothelioma is a rare, yet serious cancer that is found in the linings of organs. It is typically found in the lungs, but can be found in the peritoneum as well as the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the cause. Asbestos is a class of minerals that are composed of tiny fibers. The symptoms typically manifest between 20 and 50 years following exposure. People who have been exposed are usually diagnosed with the disease in later years with men more likely to be affected than women.