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Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and Other Asbestos-Related Illnesses A prolonged exposure to asbestos can result in a range of life-threatening, serious illnesses. Mesothelioma, asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases can take years to develop, and are often mistakenly diagnosed or misinterpreted with other conditions. Asbestos-related diseases can occur in individuals with any amount of exposure. However, the risk of mesothelioma pleural increases by four times the time since the first exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and less often in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum). It is a cancer that could be fatal. It is believed to be caused by exposure to asbestos-containing materials or products that are often used in the workplace. Mesothelioma is most often seen in construction workers, firefighters and veterans who have worked with asbestos. Mesothelioma symptoms might not manifest for 20 to 50 years following asbestos exposure. 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), the stomach (peritoneum) and the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers embed in the mesothelium, causing irritation and scarring. Over time the damaged cell develops abnormal genetic mutations that turn them into cancerous tumors. There are four types of mesothelioma and each is affecting a different part of the body. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma, which accounts for around 80 percent of the cases diagnosed each year. Other kinds include peritoneal mesothelioma the testicular mesothelioma, and pleural effusion. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ based on the region of the affected body. They can range from respiratory issues like breathing difficulties or coughing to abdominal pains and fluid in the lung. Patients may also experience swelling in the feet or hands and fatigue and weight loss. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose, since the symptoms that first manifest are similar to other conditions such as lung diseases or cancer. This is why it is crucial that anyone exposed to asbestos tell their doctor about the previous exposure. Then, they must be regularly monitored for symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses and mesothelioma. Regular checks can lead to quicker and more accurate diagnosis. It can also help lower the chance of complications, such as latency. This can help ensure that symptoms aren't overlooked and misinterpreted as other diseases. For example, a change in the shape of your finger and nail is known as asbestosis, or a normal ageing sign. What is Asbestosis? Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, is extremely strong and resistant to extreme temperatures. In the past it was used in 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. Exposure to asbestos fibres for a long period of time can cause serious health problems, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. People who work in certain fields may be at higher risk of exposure to asbestos, including those involved in the mining or manufacturing of asbestos-containing products. Inhalation of asbestos fibers may cause scarring and stiffening of the 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 that they can conduct periodic screenings. People most at risk of getting asbestosis are those who worked in construction, shipbuilding or other fields where exposure to asbestos was common before its prohibition. However anyone who was exposed to high levels of asbestos at work is susceptible to developing this condition. The symptoms of asbestosis vary in severity, and it is difficult to determine the cause. The diagnosis of asbestosis is typically made by reviewing a patient's medical history and performing several diagnostic tests. fayetteville asbestos attorneys -ray can detect advanced asbestosis because it shows white areas on the lung that look like honeycombs. CT scans are more precise than X-rays, and may show signs of asbestosis. A lung biopsy can be conducted to confirm the diagnosis. This involves removing a small portion of lung tissue for analysis under the microscope. The test will determine the severity 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 difficulty breathing and may put pressure on the rest of the body's organs, including the heart. Certain patients will require an intervention to stop fluid from coming back into the lungs (pleurodesis) or a tube to drain the lungs at home on regular basis (pleurectomy). These procedures can improve breathing and enhance the quality of life. What are the signs of Mesothelioma? It may take decades after asbestos exposure for symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis to begin to appear. This is called the latency period and it varies from patient to patient, based on the site 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 type is pleural mesothelioma which is a form of cancer that forms in the membrane that surrounds your lung and chest wall (the pleura). It can also develop in the diaphragm or peritoneum. The signs of pleural mesothelioma generally begin with shortness of breath and dry cough. They can also include a stomach pain, fever and fatigue. As the cancer progresses to other parts of the body, various symptoms can be experienced in each area. Asbestosis doesn't cause cancer but it is a respiratory illness that can cause similar symptoms to mesothelioma. Both diseases result from inflammation resulting from exposure to asbestos. The inflammation leads to scarring of the lungs, which makes breathing difficult. Asbestosis sufferers also experience an accumulation of fluid around their lungs, which can worsen symptoms. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are linked to a myriad of other health problems such as fatigue and memory loss, headaches, depression and anxiety. In a few instances mesothelioma patients have had digestive or heart issues as well. If you think you have mesothelioma, your doctor will conduct a physical examination and review your work history to see whether or not you were exposed to asbestos. Your doctor might order blood tests to check your kidneys, liver, and blood cells. Chest Xrays can be used to determine the presence of thickening in the pleura, or fluid that is in the space between your lung and chest wall. Mesothelioma is extremely rare, and it can be difficult to diagnose. Early mesothelioma can mimic other illnesses such as influenza or pneumonia. Mesothelioma also has an extended latent period, which makes it difficult to identify in its early stages. Consequently, it is often incorrectly diagnosed. What is the treatment of Mesothelioma? A biopsy is a small amount of tissue that doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma and asbestosis. It is crucial to identify mesothelioma as early as possible, as the disease has a long time of latency, meaning that symptoms may not manifest for years following asbestos exposure. A biopsy can be carried out in several ways, including through bronchoscopy or needle biopsy. In a bronchoscopy, physicians insert a tube in the breathing passages to view the tissues and collect a small sample for pathological analysis. In a needle biopsies, a doctor inserts needles into the lungs or chest wall to remove a small amount fluid for examination using a microscope. The most popular treatment for mesothelioma is surgery, although chemotherapy and radiotherapy may also be used. Mesothelioma can be extremely difficult to treat and a lot of patients relapse after first-line treatment. People who are at greatest risk of developing mesothelioma are shipyard workers, miners, insulation contractors, and construction workers. However, those who work 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 with asbestos-based materials have also been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The best treatment for asbestosis is to control the symptoms. This includes breathing exercises and medications to manage breathing problems, wheezing, coughing and pain in the chest. Pleural effusion, which is also known as fluid buildup around the lungs can exacerbate symptoms. It is caused by inflammation and loss of cells in the lung linings. A procedure called VATS can help reduce the symptoms. Mesothelioma is an uncommon and serious cancer that affects the lining of organs and is a rare illness. It is usually located in the lungs, but can be found in the peritoneum as well as the heart. The exposure to asbestos is the main cause. Asbestos is a class of minerals composed of tiny fibers. It usually takes between 20 and 50 years after exposure before symptoms begin. The people who have been exposed are usually diagnosed with the disease in later years with men more likely to be affected than women.