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Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and Other Asbestos-Related Illnesses A prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause a variety of life-threatening illnesses. Mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases can take years to develop and are often mistakenly diagnosed or confused with other conditions. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos may develop diseases caused by it. However the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma increases by four times the time since the first exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, is found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It is a highly aggressive, potentially fatal cancer. It is believed that asbestos-containing substances or products cause, usually in the workplace. The mesothelioma victims are usually firefighters, construction workers, veterans and other people who worked with asbestos that was contaminated. 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 and lungs (pleura) as well as the stomach (peritoneum) and the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers become embedded within the mesothelium, creating irritation and scarring. Over time the cells that are irritated develop abnormal genetic mutations and transform into cancerous tumors. There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type affects a specific part of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent type, accounting for about 80% of the cases diagnosed every year. Other types include peritoneal mesothelioma, pleural effusion and testicular mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the area of the body affected. They can range from respiratory problems like breathing difficulties and coughing to abdominal pain heart palpitations, and fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). Some patients may also experience swelling of the hands or feet (finger clubbing) and fatigue, weight loss and fever. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose, since the early symptoms are similar to those of other conditions such as lung diseases and cancer. It is therefore essential that anyone who has been exposed to asbestos inform their doctor of the exposure they have had in the past. maine asbestos lawsuit should be checked regularly for signs of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses. Regularly scheduled checkups can lead to quicker and more accurate diagnosis. This also decreases the risk 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 a finger or nail is referred to as asbestosis, or a normal ageing sign. What is Asbestosis? Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, is extremely strong and resistant to high temperatures. It was previously used in a variety of industrial processes and consumer goods, including insulation, brakes, shingles, floor tiles and some kinds of cement. The exposure to asbestos fibers over a period of time may result in serious health issues, such as mesothelioma or asbestosis. Workers in certain fields may be at a greater risk of exposure to asbestos fibres, such as those who work in the mining and manufacturing of asbestos-containing products. Asbestosis is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres, which can cause swelling and stiffening of lung tissue. Symptoms typically don't show up until several years after exposure, also known as the latency period. This is why it's crucial to inform any asbestos-related history to your doctor so that they can conduct periodic screenings. The people most susceptible to developing asbestosis include those who worked in construction, shipbuilding or other fields where exposure asbestos was common before its prohibition. However anyone who was exposed to high levels of asbestos in their workplace may develop this disease. The symptoms of asbestosis can differ in severity, and it can be difficult to diagnose. The diagnosis of asbestosis is determined by examining the medical history of a patient and performing a variety of tests for diagnosis. They could include an X-ray of the chest, which can reveal advanced asbestosis through the appearance of white lung areas which look like honeycombs. CT scans can show asbestosis symptoms more clearly than X-rays. A lung biopsy may be performed to confirm a diagnosis. It involves removing a tiny portion of lung tissue for examination under a microscope. The test will reveal the extent of lung fibrosis and often will reveal the presence of ferruginous bodies and asbestos bodies, rod-like structures with beaded beads that are coated in iron-containing proteins. It is possible to live with asbestosis but it's a progressive disease that gets worse as time passes. It can cause breathing problems and cause pressure on the rest of the body's organs and tissues, including the heart. Certain patients may require an intervention to stop fluid from flowing back into the lungs (pleurodesis) or a tube to drain the lungs at home on regular basis (pleurectomy). These procedures can improve breathing and the quality of life. What are the signs of Mesothelioma? After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestosis may not manifest for a long time. This is called the latency period and it differs from patient to patient based on the site of the tumors and other factors. The cancerous mesothelioma develops on the mesothelium a lining that surrounds 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 chest wall and lungs (the pleura). It can also develop in the diaphragm or peritoneum. Shortness of breath and dry cough are the most obvious signs of pleural asbestosis. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue and abdominal pain. As the cancer progresses it can be spread to other parts of the body, causing different symptoms in each region. Asbestosis isn't a cancer however it is a respiratory illness that can cause similar symptoms to mesothelioma. Both diseases result from inflammation that results from exposure to asbestos. The inflammation can lead to scarring of the lungs which can make breathing difficult. Asbestosis patients also experience the buildup of a fluid in the lung space, which can aggravate most symptoms. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis, are linked to a number of other health issues, such as fatigue and memory loss. They can also trigger headaches, depression, and anxiety. In a few instances mesothelioma patients have had digestive or heart issues as well. If you think you have mesothelioma in your body, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and review your work history to see whether or whether you were exposed to asbestos. The blood tests are conducted to determine the health of your kidneys, liver and blood cells. Chest X rays can be used to determine if there are any thickening or fluids in the pleura. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize and is extremely rare. Mesothelioma that is early in its development can mimic other illnesses like influenza or pneumonia. Mesothelioma also has an extended latent phase, which makes it difficult to diagnose at the earliest stage. This is why it is often misdiagnosed. What is the Treatment of Mesothelioma? A doctor can determine mesothelioma or asbestosis by taking the tissue sample, which is also called biopsy. It is important to diagnose mesothelioma as early as possible, as the disease has a long latency period which means that symptoms may not be evident for a long time after asbestos exposure. A biopsy can be done using several methods, including the bronchoscopy procedure or needle biopsy. In a bronchoscopy, doctors insert a tube in the breathing passages to visualize tissue and then take tiny samples to be examined for pathological reasons. When a needle biopsy is performed, a doctor sticks an instrument into the lung or chest wall to remove some fluid for examination under microscope. Surgery is the most popular treatment, but radiotherapy and chemotherapy are also used. However, mesothelioma can be difficult to treat and a lot of patients experience relapses after receiving first-line treatments. People who are at greatest the risk of developing mesothelioma include shipyard workers, miners, insulation contractors and construction workers. However, people who work in schools and hospitals can be affected if they have had 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. In cases of asbestosis the most effective treatment is managing symptoms. This involves breathing exercises and medication to help manage symptoms such as wheezing and chest pain, breathlessness and coughing. The symptoms are usually aggravated due to the accumulation of fluid around the lung, which is known as the pleural effusion. This is caused by inflammation and loss of cells in the lung's lining. A procedure called VATS can reduce the symptoms. Mesothelioma is an uncommon and serious cancer that affects organ linings, is a rare disease. It is typically found in the lungs but can also affect the peritoneum and heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals made of microscopic fibres once commonly used in construction and other industries. It can take between 20 and 50 years after exposure before symptoms start. People who have been exposed are typically diagnosed with the disease in their later years, with men more likely to be affected than women.