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Mesothelioma From Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma affects the lung linings and the heart as well as the abdominal cavity. It is caused by asbestos exposure, which typically occurs in the workplace. The symptoms can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years to manifest and they are frequently misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. It is vital to detect the disease early because mesothelioma treatments may improve survival rates and quality-of-life. Risk Factors Asbestos is an organic substance that has many uses. In the past it was used in construction insulation, fireproofing, and construction. It was also used to create pipes and electrical wiring. Mesothelioma can pose a danger to people who work with these materials, or in factories that manufacture them. People may also be exposed to asbestos through secondhand exposure. This happens when workers take asbestos fibers home on their skin or clothing. Family members who live with workers are then exposed to asbestos fibers, too. This type of exposure is called para-occupational. Older and males are more likely to develop mesothelioma. It is likely that men are more likely to work in industries that use asbestos and be involved in asbestos-related industrial accidents. Mesothelioma typically develops 15-40 years after a person first becomes exposed to asbestos. A number of studies suggest that the risk of developing mesothelioma following asbestos exposure is increased over time. The adjusted log relative risk of pleural cancers begin to decline after 40 years of initial exposure. However they don't disappear completely after this stage. Similar findings can be observed for peritoneal mesothelioma. However, other factors may contribute to mesothelioma development in addition to asbestos exposure. Smoking, genetic predisposition for cancer, and other conditions can cause mesothelioma. Smokers or people with an antecedent of smoking are more likely to develop mesothelioma. The most important aspect, however, is exposure to asbestos. In certain communities, mesothelioma has been seen in clusters. They are often linked to industrial exposures and proximity to an mill or asbestos mine. For example mesothelioma-related clusters in Cirie, New York, was associated with the nearby asbestos mining operations. In another cluster, residents in the area were exposed to asbestos through waste products from a nearby asbestos-cement plant. Other studies have found clusters of mesothelioma that are associated with shipbuilding and asbestos-cement manufacturing. Some studies have found that the distance between a residence and an asbestos plant is a major factor in mesothelioma-related risk. One study found mesothelioma risk increased with distance, reaching a peak at around 10 km from the asbestos plant. Signs and symptoms Asbestos exposure is linked to mesothelioma in four forms. Each type has a different effect on the mesothelium, the lining of an organ. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on how far the cancer is advanced and the type of exposure. Pleural mesothelioma, for example, affects the lungs and chest cavity. They include coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. The symptoms of peritoneal cancer affect digestive tract tissue. The risk of developing testicular and pericardial mesothelioma is higher for those who have been exposed to asbestos through the heart. It could take years for mesothelioma symptoms to appear. This latency period makes it difficult to detect and treat the cancer. By the time the symptoms first start to appear, the disease is usually at a more advanced stage. If you are concerned about asbestos exposure it is crucial to consult a doctor for a physical exam. The doctor will review your medical history and details about asbestos exposure and will perform a simple pulmonary function test. If your doctor suspects you have mesothelioma, they can request imaging scans to look for signs of the disease in your lungs and other organs. These tests may include CT scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to those of other more common diseases and conditions. This confusion makes it more difficult to determine and treat. It is vital for those who have an asbestos-related history to inform every doctor of their exposure. This will assist doctors in recognizing mesothelioma signs more quickly. You can prevent mesothelioma by avoiding asbestos and avoiding exposure at work. For those who have been exposed to asbestos, it is crucial to be aware of the symptoms of mesothelioma. It is also important to see a doctor when they appear. This will allow the doctor to examine your exposure history and determine if mesothelioma is a possibility. If you have a history of asbestos exposure, talk to your doctor about how often you should be checked for mesothelioma-related symptoms. Diagnosis Because mesothelioma can be rare it can be difficult for doctors to recognize. This is particularly true because many of the symptoms are similar to other ailments which are more common. Therefore, it could take an extended time to determine if there are other causes before mesothelioma is diagnosed. A thorough medical history may aid in speeding up the process. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers are absorbed into the lining of internal organs following their being inhaled. As time passes, the tissue becomes damaged, irritated and mesothelial cell growth can be uncontrolled. These cells may create tumors or spread throughout the body. Portland asbestos attorneys should always disclose their asbestos exposure to a physician. Usually, mesothelioma is diagnosed using biopsies and imaging tests. Chest X-rays and CT scans are examples. These tests can detect pleural fluid or other symptoms of disease. MRIs and PET scans are also able to reveal the location and extent of tumors. If a biopsy is performed, the cells can be examined under a microscope for mesothelioma-specific features that distinguish this cancer from other types of tumors. A doctor can then determine the best treatment option after these tests. There are a myriad of treatment options because mesothelioma affects multiple tissues. Certain treatments, like radiation and chemotherapy targeted mesothelioma cells, while others treat the whole body. A mesothelioma diagnosis could be a devastating diagnosis. Many victims have limited life expectancy, but if diagnosed early, treatment options can improve the outlook for some patients. Victims must be aware of the possibility of exposure to asbestos they might be exposed to and talk to a doctor immediately whenever they experience any suspicious symptoms. They should also seek compensation from the companies who used and manufactured asbestos products without informing workers about the dangers. Treatment Mesothelioma patients have a variety of treatment options depending on where the cancer has spread and the type. Patients with mesothelioma should seek out specialists who have treated this rare disease. Oncologists are doctors who specialize in mesothelioma. These doctors can also recommend a combination of treatments to decrease the possibility of cancer spreading or to improve the quality of life of patients. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers enter the body and cause cells to become abnormal and grow into tumors. People who have experienced exposure to asbestos in the workplace could be at risk for developing the disease. This includes people who worked as electricians, plumbers welders or construction workers or asbestos miners. Mesothelioma is typically seen in people over the age of 60, but it can occur at any time. The condition is more prevalent in men than women probably because more men worked in occupations with heavy asbestos exposure. The disease is more common among people of certain ethnicities as well as those who have family members that worked with asbestos. There are three main kinds of mesothelioma. The two most common types are peritoneal and pleural that are found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. Less commonly, people can develop testicular mesothelioma or pericardial mesothelioma. Both begin in the tissues surrounding the heart or the lining of the chest cavity. Researchers are in the process of developing new ways to treat mesothelioma. One method is genetherapy, which involves the addition of DNA to cancerous cells in order to make them more resistant to chemotherapy and less likely develop and spread. The other option is immunotherapy which is a strategy to boost the immune system to fight the cancerous cells and eradicate them. Depending on a person's situation mesothelioma treatments can be very expensive. Compensation from a mesothelioma suit will help to offset these costs and any financial losses that come with having to take off from work. It is important to seek legal counsel as soon as you can if you have been exposed asbestos.