Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and Other Asbestos-Related Illnesses
A prolonged exposure to asbestos can result in a range of serious, potentially life-threatening diseases. Mesothelioma, asbestosis and other asbestos-related illnesses can take decades to develop and are often misdiagnosed or misinterpreted with other conditions.
Asbestos-related diseases can occur in people with any degree of exposure. However, the risk of pleural mesothelioma increases with 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 lung's lining (pleura) and less commonly in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). It is a type of cancer that can be fatal. It is believed that asbestos-containing materials or products cause, usually at work. The victims of mesothelioma are usually construction workers, firefighters and veterans, as well as other people who were exposed to asbestos-contaminated products.
It can take between 20 and 50 years following asbestos exposure before the symptoms of mesothelioma begin to manifest. The disease is named after the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that protects many organs in the body including the chest cavity, lungs (pleura), the stomach (peritoneum) and the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma occurs when
asbestos claim fibers become embedded in the mesothelium and cause irritation, which leads to scarring. As time passes the damaged cell develops abnormal genetic mutations, which transform them into cancerous tumors.
There are four types of mesothelioma. Each affects a different part of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent type, accounting for around 80percent of cases diagnosed each year. Other types include peritoneal mesothelioma, pleural effusion and testicular mesothelioma.
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, chest pain and fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). Certain patients may also experience swelling of the feet or hands (finger clubbing) and fatigue, weight loss and fever. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify, as the symptoms that first manifest are similar to other conditions such as lung diseases or cancer.
It is, therefore, essential that anyone who has been exposed to asbestos inform their doctor of their past exposure. They should then be monitored regularly for signs of mesothelioma and other
asbestos-related diseases. Regular checkups can lead to quicker and more accurate diagnosis. This will also lower the risk of complications, like latency. This means that symptoms won't get ignored and could be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses for example, a change in the shape of fingers and nails, known as asbestosis or a normal sign of ageing.
What is Asbestosis?
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral is extremely durable and resistant to high temperatures. In the past it was utilized for a variety industrial processes and consumer products, including insulation and brakes. It was also used in floor tiles, shingles and a few types of cement. Exposure to asbestos fibres for the course of a long time can cause serious health issues, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Individuals who work in certain industries could be at a higher risk of exposure to asbestos fibres, such as those who work in the mining or manufacturing of asbestos-containing products.
Asbestosis is caused by exposure to asbestos fibres which can lead to swelling and stiffening of lung tissue. Symptoms usually don't appear until several years after exposure, also known as the latency period. This is why it's crucial to report any
asbestos legal-related history to your doctor so they can conduct regular screenings.
Those most susceptible to developing asbestosis are those who worked in construction, shipbuilding or other fields where exposure to
asbestos law was common prior to its prohibition. However anyone exposed to high levels of asbestos at work can develop this condition. The signs of asbestosis differ in severity, and it is difficult to determine the cause.
The diagnosis of asbestosis is established by analyzing the medical history of a patient, and performing a variety of diagnostic tests. An X-ray of the chest can identify asbestosis that is advanced, since it can show areas of the lung that are white that resemble honeycombs. CT scans are more detailed than X-rays and can also reveal indications of asbestosis. A lung biopsy may be carried out to confirm the diagnosis. This involves the removal of small amounts of lung tissue to be examined under a 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).
Asbestosis is a progressive illness, which can worsen as time passes. It can cause breathing difficulties and cause pressure on the body's organs, including the heart. Certain patients may require an operation to stop fluid from getting back into the lungs (pleurodesis) or a tube to rid the lung at home on a regular basis (pleurectomy). These procedures can improve breathing and quality of life.
What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma and Asbestosis?
It can take years after exposure to asbestos for the symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestosis to be evident. This is referred to as the latency time, and it differs from patient to patient, based on the site of the tumors and other factors.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the mesothelium the lining that surrounds your organs. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the membrane around your chest wall and lungs (the pleura). It can also be found in the diaphragm and peritoneum.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma usually begin with shortness of breath and a dry cough. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue and abdominal pain. As the cancer progresses, it may spread to other areas of the body, causing distinct symptoms in each of the areas.
Asbestosis isn't a form of cancer, but it's a respiratory condition that can cause similar symptoms as mesothelioma. Both diseases are caused by inflammation that results from
asbestos case exposure. The inflammation results in scarring of the lungs which makes breathing difficult. Asbestosis sufferers also experience a buildup of fluid around their lungs that can aggravate symptoms.
Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are linked to a myriad of other health issues, including fatigue, memory loss, headaches depression, anxiety and stress. In a few instances, mesothelioma patients have experienced digestive or heart issues as well.
If you believe you may have mesothelioma in your body, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and look over your work history to determine whether or whether you were exposed to asbestos. The blood tests are conducted to assess the health of your liver, kidneys and blood cells. Chest X-rays are used to determine if there are any fluids or thickenings of the pleura.
Mesothelioma is incredibly rare, and it can be difficult to diagnose. This is due in part to the fact that early mesothelioma symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other common illnesses, such as pneumonia and influenza. Additionally, mesothelioma has an extended period of latency that makes it difficult to recognize in its early stages. Consequently, it is often misdiagnosed.
What is the treatment option for Mesothelioma and Asbestosis?
A doctor can identify mesothelioma or asbestosis by taking the tissue sample, which is also known as a biopsy. It is important to get a mesothelioma diagnosis as early as possible, since the disease has long latency periods, meaning symptoms don't show up until years after exposure to asbestos.
A biopsy can be carried out using a variety of methods, such as a bronchoscopy or needle biopsy. In a bronchoscopy, doctors insert a tube in the breathing passages to see the tissue and take one small sample to be examined for pathological reasons. In a needle biopsies procedure, a doctor inserts needles into the chest wall or lungs to remove a small amount fluid to examine using a microscope.
The most popular treatment for mesothelioma is surgery, however radiotherapy and chemotherapy can be used as well. However, mesothelioma can be difficult to cure and many patients experience relapses after receiving first-line treatments.
The people who are at the highest risk of developing
mesothelioma include miners, shipyard workers insulation contractors, and construction workers. However, people who work in schools and hospitals can be affected when they have experienced prolonged exposure to asbestos-based building materials. Teachers, nurses, and former pupils of schools constructed with asbestos-containing material have also been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
The best way to treat asbestosis is to manage the symptoms. This includes breathing exercises and medications to treat coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain. Pleural effusion, which is also known as fluid buildup around the lungs, can worsen symptoms. This is a result of inflammation and death of cells in the lung's lining. It can be reduced by the procedure known as VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments).
Mesothelioma is a rare, yet serious cancer that develops in the linings of organs. It typically begins in the lungs, but can be found in the peritoneum and the heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals made of microscopic fibres previously used extensively in the construction and other industries. The symptoms typically manifest between 20 and 50 years after exposure. Men are more likely than women to contract the disease after exposure.
