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Mesothelioma From Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura), heart and abdominal cavity. It is caused by asbestos exposure, which typically happens in the workplace. Symptoms can take 10 – 50 years to appear and are often mistaken for other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. The earlier detection is essential for mesothelioma treatment, since it can increase survival rates and improve quality of life. Risk Factors Asbestos, a naturally occurring material, has many uses. In the past people used it for construction insulation, fireproofing, and insulation. It was also used in the manufacture of electrical wiring and pipes. People who worked with these materials or in factories that made them are at risk of mesothelioma. Secondhand exposure to asbestos is also possible. This is when workers bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing or skin. Family members who live with these workers are exposed to the fibers, too. This type of exposure to fibers is known as para-occupational. Men and older people are more likely to develop mesothelioma. This is likely because men are more likely to work in industries that use asbestos, and to be involved in accidents at work that involve asbestos. Mesothelioma generally develops between 15 and 40 years after a person first is exposed to asbestos. Several studies indicate that the chance of developing mesothelioma from asbestos exposure is increased over time. The adjusted log relative risk of mesothelioma pleural begins to level out about 40 years after the first exposure however it does not disappear completely at this point. Similar results were observed for peritoneal pleural mesothelioma. However, other factors can contribute to mesothelioma development in addition to asbestos exposure. Smoking, genetic predispositions to cancer, and other diseases can lead to mesothelioma. elgin asbestos lawsuit are typically smokers or have a family history of smoking. The most important factor is exposure to asbestos. Clusters of mesothelioma have been observed in certain communities. They are often linked to industrial exposures and proximity to a former mill or asbestos mine. For example, a mesothelioma cluster in Cirie, New York, was found to be associated with nearby asbestos mining operations. In another cluster, residents living in the region were exposed to asbestos through the waste products of a nearby asbestos-cement plant. Other studies have found mesothelioma clusters that are associated with shipbuilding, asbestos-cement manufacturing, and mining. Certain studies have revealed that the distance between a residence and an asbestos plant is a major factor in mesothelioma risks. One study showed mesothelioma risk increased with distance, reaching a maximum around 10 km away from the asbestos plant. Symptoms Asbestos exposure has been linked to the development of four forms of mesothelioma. Each type affects a different organ's lining, or mesothelium. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary according to how far the cancer has advanced and also the kind of exposure. Pleural mesothelioma, for example, affects the lungs and chest cavity. The symptoms include coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. The symptoms of peritoneal cancer affect the digestive tract. The risk of developing testicular and mesothelioma of the pericardial region is higher for those who have been exposed to asbestos through the heart. The signs of mesothelioma could take years to develop. This latency period makes it difficult to diagnose and treat the cancer. When the first signs first begin to manifest, the cancer is usually at a more advanced stage. If you are concerned about exposure to asbestos, it is important to consult an expert for a physical exam. The doctor will review your medical history and details about asbestos exposure, and perform a simple pulmonary function test. If your doctor suspects that mesothelioma is present, they can conduct imaging scans to look for signs of lung cancer or other organs. These tests could include CT scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. Mesothelioma, one of the rare cancerous tumors can be difficult to identify. The symptoms often mimic other, more common ailments and illnesses. This confusion can make it even more challenging to get a diagnosis and treatment. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should inform their doctor about it. This will assist doctors in recognizing mesothelioma signs more quickly. Mesothelioma can be prevented by avoiding asbestos as well as avoiding exposure at work. For those who have been exposed asbestos in the past, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of mesothelioma and to consult a doctor if they occur. This will allow the doctor to examine your exposure history and determine if mesothelioma is an option. If you have an asbestos-related history discuss with your doctor about how frequently you should be checked for mesothelioma symptoms. Diagnosis Since mesothelioma is a rare cancer it can be difficult for doctors to identify. This is especially true since many symptoms are similar to other diseases which are more common. Therefore, it could take some time to determine if there are other causes before mesothelioma can be diagnosed. However, a thorough medical history can speed up the process. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed, they are embedded in the lining that protects internal organs. In time the tissue gets damaged, irritated and mesothelial cell growth can become uncontrolled. These cells that are abnormal can develop into tumors or spread throughout the body. Patients with mesothelioma should always tell their doctor about their asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed through imaging tests and biopsies. Chest Xrays or CT scans are a few examples. These tests can identify the presence of pleural fluid, as well as other indications of disease. Furthermore, MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET scans can give information on the tumors' location and its spread. 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. After these tests have been completed, a doctor can determine the best treatment options. Since mesothelioma has a wide range of effects on different tissues it is possible to find a range of different treatments available. Some treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation targeted mesothelioma cells while others target the whole body. A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be devastating. Many victims have limited life expectancy, however if diagnosed early, treatments can improve the outlook for certain patients. Victims must be aware of the risk of exposure to asbestos they might be exposed to and talk to a physician immediately if any suspicious symptoms arise. They should also seek compensation from the companies that used and made asbestos products without telling workers about its risks. Treatment Mesothelioma patients have different treatment options based on where the cancer has spread and the type of cancer. People with mesothelioma should consult with specialists who have dealt with this rare condition. Doctors who specialize in mesothelioma are known as oncologists. These doctors can also recommend a combination of treatments to reduce the chance of cancer spreading or to improve the quality of life for patients. Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers are introduced into the body and cause cells to become abnormal and grow into tumors. Those who have been exposed to asbestos at work may be at risk of developing the disease. This could include those who worked as builders, plumbers, electricians, welders, asbestos miners, construction workers or anyone else who handled or came into contact with the mineral. Mesothelioma most commonly affects people older than 60 however, it can strike at any age. Men are more likely to be affected than women, likely due to the fact that men have more occupational exposure to asbestos. The disease is also more common for people belonging to certain ethnic groups, and with relatives who were exposed to asbestos. There are three main kinds of mesothelioma. The two most frequent types are pleural and peritoneal that occur in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. In less frequent instances, patients can develop testicular mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma. Both begin in the tissues surrounding the heart or in the lining of the chest cavity. Researchers are working on new methods to treat mesothelioma. One option is gene therapy that involves adding new DNA to cancer cells, making them more tolerant to chemotherapy and less likely to grow and spread. The other is immunotherapy, which is a strategy to boost the immune system to fight the cancerous cells and eliminate them. Treatments for mesothelioma can be costly, depending on the person's circumstances. Compensation from a mesothelioma case can offset these costs and any financial loss that might be incurred by having to take time off from work. If you've been exposed to asbestos, it is essential to seek legal advice as soon as you can.