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Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and Other Asbestos-Related Illnesses Significant asbestos exposure can result in a variety of serious diseases that could be life-threatening. Mesothelioma, asbestosis and other asbestos-related illnesses can take decades to develop, and are often mistakenly diagnosed or misinterpreted with other conditions. Asbestos-related illnesses can be found in individuals with any amount of exposure. The risk of developing pleural mesothelioma is increased by the fourth power of time since the first exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and, less frequently, in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum). It is a serious and potentially fatal cancer. It is believed that asbestos-containing substances or products are the cause typically in the workplace. Largo asbestos lawsuit is usually seen in construction workers, firefighters and veterans who have been exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma symptoms can not be seen for 20 to 50 years following asbestos exposure. The disease is named after the mesothelium. This thin layer of tissue surrounds many organs including the lungs, the chest cavity (pleura) as well as the stomach (peritoneum) and the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers embed within the mesothelium, creating irritation and scarring. Over time the damaged cell develops genetic mutations that transform them into cancerous tumours. There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each one is specific to a particular part of the body. The most commonly encountered kind is pleural mesothelioma which accounts for about 80 percent of the cases diagnosed each year. Other types include peritoneal mesothelioma pleural effusion and testicular mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ based on the region of the affected body. They can range from respiratory issues such as difficulty breathing or coughing to abdominal pain and fluid in the lung. Some patients also experience swelling in the hands or feet and fatigue and weight loss. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify, as the early symptoms are similar to those of other conditions like lung diseases and cancer. This is the reason it is vital that anyone who has been exposed to asbestos inform their doctor about their previous exposure. Then, they should be regularly monitored for symptoms of asbestos-related diseases, and mesothelioma. Regular checks can lead to quicker and more accurate diagnosis. This will also lower the chance of complications such as latency. This means that symptoms won't get overlooked and could be mistaken for other diseases for example, changes in the shape of the fingers and nails, known as asbestosis or a normal sign of ageing. What is Asbestosis? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is very strong and resistant to heat. In the past it was utilized for a variety industrial processes and consumer products, including brakes and insulation. It was also used in floor tiles, shingles and some types cement. Exposure to asbestos fibers for some time can cause serious health problems, such as mesothelioma or asbestosis. People who work in specific fields, such as those involved in mining and manufacturing asbestos-containing products, may be at greater risk of exposure. Asbestosis is caused by the exposure to asbestos fibres which can lead to scarring and stiffening of the lung tissue. Symptoms typically don't show up until several years after exposure, also known as the latency period. This is the reason it's essential to inform any asbestos-related exposure history to your doctor so they can conduct periodic screenings. The people most susceptible to getting asbestosis are those who worked in construction, shipbuilding or other industries where exposure to asbestos was common before its ban. However anyone who was exposed to a significant amount of asbestos in their workplace can develop this condition. The signs of asbestosis vary in severity and it isn't always easy to identify. The diagnosis of asbestosis is typically established by reviewing the medical history of the patient and conducting a variety of diagnostic tests. An X-ray of the chest can identify advanced asbestosis because it reveals areas of the lung that are white that resemble honeycombs. CT scans may show asbestosis symptoms more clearly than X-rays. A lung biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. It involves removing a tiny amount of lung tissue to analysis under the microscope. The test will determine the severity of lung disease as well as the presence of ferruginous bodies (golden yellow rods, beads-like structures that are coated with iron-containing proteins). Asbestosis is a chronic disease that can get worse over time. It can cause breathing difficulties and place pressure on other organs in the body, including the heart. Some patients may need a procedure (pleurodesis), which prevents fluid from returning to the lungs, or a tube (pleurectomy) to remove their lungs on a regular basis at home. These procedures can help ease breathing and improve quality of life. What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma? It can take years after exposure to asbestos for signs of mesothelioma or asbestosis to appear. This is referred to as the latency period and it varies from patient to patient based on the location of the tumors and other factors. The cancerous mesothelioma develops on the mesothelium – the lining that covers many of your internal organs. The most prevalent form is pleural. It is a result of the membrane that covers your lungs and chest (the pleura). It can also be found in the diaphragm and peritoneum. Dry cough are the primary signs of pleural asbestosis. They may also be accompanied by stomach pain, fever and fatigue. As the cancer spreads to other areas of the body, different symptoms can be felt in each part. Asbestosis, which is not a cancer, but rather a respiratory disorder that can cause symptoms similar to mesothelioma. is not a cancer. Both diseases result from inflammation that results from asbestos exposure. The inflammation results in scarring of the lungs, which makes breathing difficult. Asbestosis sufferers also experience an accumulation of fluid around their lungs which can aggravate symptoms. Both mesothelioma, and asbestosis, are linked to various other health issues, like fatigue and memory loss. They can also trigger headaches, depression, and anxiety. In some instances mesothelioma patients have had heart or digestive issues as well. If you suspect you have mesothelioma, your physician will perform a physical examination and review your work history to determine whether or you were exposed to asbestos. Blood tests can be performed 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 can be difficult to detect and is extremely rare. Mesothelioma that is early in its development can be a sign of other illnesses, such as influenza or pneumonia. Mesothelioma also has a long latent period, making it difficult to recognize at the earliest stage. This is why it is often mistakenly diagnosed. What is the Treatment for Mesothelioma and Asbestosis? A biopsy is a small amount of tissue that doctors use to determine the presence of asbestosis and mesothelioma. It is important to get an early diagnosis of mesothelioma as possible, as the disease can have long latency periods, meaning symptoms don't start to manifest until several years after exposure to asbestos. A biopsy can be done in various ways, including by bronchoscopy as well as needle biopsy. In a bronchoscopy doctors insert a tube into the tissue and collect an insignificant amount of it to be examined for pathological reasons. In a needle biopsy, doctors insert needles into the chest wall or lungs to remove a small amount fluid to be examined under a microscop. The most commonly used treatment for mesothelioma is surgery however radiotherapy and chemotherapy can also be used. Mesothelioma can be very difficult to treat and a lot of patients develop relapses after treatment with the first line. The people who are at the highest the risk of developing mesothelioma include miners, shipyard workers construction workers and insulation contractors. School employees or hospitals could 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 constructed with asbestos-containing materials have all been diagnosed with the illness. When it comes to asbestosis the most effective method of treatment is to manage symptoms. These include breathing exercises and medications to treat breathing problems, wheezing, coughing and pain in the chest. Pleural effusion, which is also known as fluid accumulation around the lungs can exacerbate symptoms. It is caused by inflammation and death of cells in the lung's lining and can be controlled with a procedure known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). Mesothelioma, an uncommon and serious cancer that affects the lining of organs, is a rare disease. It is typically found in the lungs but can also affect the peritoneum or heart. The exposure to asbestos is the cause. Asbestos is a class of minerals made up of microscopic fibers. It can take between 20 and 50 years after exposure before symptoms start. Men are more likely than women to develop the disease following exposure.