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Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and Other Asbestos-Related Illnesses A significant exposure to asbestos can result in a variety of serious diseases that could be life-threatening. Mesothelioma, asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases can take years to develop, and are often misdiagnosed or confused with other conditions. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can develop diseases associated with it. The risk of developing pleural msothelioma is increased by the fourth power of the time since the first exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, develops in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It is a highly aggressive and potentially fatal cancer. It is believed to be the result of exposure to asbestos-containing substances or products, often in the workplace. Mesothelioma is most often seen in construction workers, firefighters and veterans who have been exposed to asbestos. It could take between 20 and 50 years after asbestos exposure before the symptoms of mesothelioma begin to manifest. The disease is named for the mesothelium which is a thin layer of tissue that surrounds numerous organs in the body including the chest cavity, the lungs (pleura) as well as the stomach (peritoneum) and the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma arises when asbestos fibers are absorbed into the mesothelium, causing irritation, which results in scarring. Over time the cells that are irritated develop abnormal genetic mutations and transform into cancerous tumors. There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each one has a specific effect on a particular area of the body. The most commonly encountered type is pleural mesothelioma, which accounts for approximately 80 percent of all cases diagnosed every year. Other types include peritoneal mesothelioma, testicular mesothelioma and pleural effusion. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the part of the affected body. They can range from respiratory problems such as difficulty breathing or coughing to abdominal pains and fluid in the lungs. Some patients also experience swelling in the hands or feet, as well as fatigue and weight loss. Early symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to other conditions, including lung disease and cancer. This is the reason it is vital that anyone who has been exposed to asbestos inform their doctor about the previous exposure. Then, they must be regularly monitored for signs of asbestos-related diseases and mesothelioma. Regular checks can help identify the disease faster and provide an precise diagnosis. It also reduces the risk of complications, such as latency. This will help to ensure that symptoms aren't overlooked and misinterpreted as other diseases. For example the change in the shape of your finger and nail, which is known as asbestosis, or an indication of aging. What is Asbestosis? Asbestos is a mineral found naturally that is extremely strong and resistant to heat. It was used in the past in a variety of industrial processes and consumer products, such as insulation, brakes, shingles floor tiles, and other kinds of cement. Exposure to asbestos fibers over a period of time may cause serious health problems like mesothelioma or asbestosis. Individuals who work in certain areas, such as those involved in mining and manufacturing asbestos-containing products, are at greater risk of being exposed. Inhalation of asbestos fibers could cause scarring and stiffening in the lung tissue. Symptoms usually don't appear until years after exposure, known as the latency period. This is the reason it's essential to report any asbestos-related history to your doctor so they can conduct regular screenings. The people most at risk of getting asbestosis are those who worked in construction, shipbuilding or other fields where exposure to asbestos was common prior to its prohibition. However harlingen asbestos attorneys who was exposed to a significant amount of asbestos at work can develop this condition. The symptoms of asbestosis can vary in severity, and it isn't always easy to identify. The diagnosis of asbestosis is typically determined by examining a patient's medical history and conducting a variety of diagnostic tests. A chest X-ray can reveal advanced asbestosis, as it shows areas of the lung that are white that resemble honeycombs. CT scans can show asbestosis signs more evidently than X-rays. A lung biopsy may be carried out to confirm the diagnosis. This involves removing small amounts of lung tissue to be analyzed under 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). It is possible to live with asbestosis but it's a progressive illness that can get worse over time. It can cause breathing difficulties and put pressure on other organs in the body, including the heart. Certain patients may require an operation to stop fluid from flowing back into the lung (pleurodesis) or a tube to drain the lungs at home on a regular basis (pleurectomy). These procedures can improve breathing and the quality of life. What are the signs of Mesothelioma? It may take decades after exposure to asbestos for signs of mesothelioma or asbestosis to begin to appear. This is referred to as the latency period and is different from one person to the next, depending on their location of cancers and other factors. The mesothelioma cancerous form develops on the mesothelium a lining that surrounds many of your internal organs. The most frequent type is pleural mesothelioma which develops in the membrane around your lung and chest wall (the pleura). It can also be found in the diaphragm, peritoneum or testicles. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma usually begin with shortness of breath and dry cough. They can also manifest as a fever, abdominal pain and fatigue. As the cancer progresses it can be spread to other parts of the body, causing distinct symptoms in each of the areas. Asbestosis, which isn't a cancer, but rather an illness of the respiratory system that can cause symptoms similar to mesothelioma, is not a cancer. Both of them are caused by inflammation that occurs from asbestos exposure. The inflammation can cause scarring to the lungs, which can make breathing difficult. Asbestosis patients also experience the formation of a fluid within the lung space and can worsen the symptoms. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis, are linked to a number of other health issues, such as fatigue and memory loss. They can also cause headaches, depression, and anxiety. Some mesothelioma sufferers experience heart or digestive problems. If you believe you may have mesothelioma, your doctor will conduct a physical examination and examine your work history to determine whether or you were exposed to asbestos. The blood tests are conducted to assess the health of your liver, kidneys and blood cells. Chest X-rays can be used to determine if there are any fluids or thickenings of the pleura. Mesothelioma is extremely rare and it can be difficult to recognize. This is due to the fact that mesothelioma's initial symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other common illnesses, such as pneumonia and influenza. Mesothelioma has a lengthy latent period, which makes it difficult to identify in its early stages. It is therefore often misdiagnosed. What is the treatment for Mesothelioma? A doctor can identify asbestosis or mesothelioma by taking a tissue sample, also called biopsy. It is important to get an early mesothelioma diagnosis as possible, since the disease can have long latency periods, meaning symptoms don't begin to appear until several years after exposure asbestos. A biopsy can be carried out using several methods, including the bronchoscopy and needle biopsy. In a bronchoscopy, doctors insert a tube into the breathing passages to view the tissue and take one small sample for pathological analysis. In a needle biopsy, the doctor inserts needles into the chest wall or lungs to remove a small amount fluid for examination under a microscop. The most commonly used treatment for mesothelioma is surgery, however radiotherapy and chemotherapy may also be used. Mesothelioma can be very difficult to treat, and many patients relapse after first-line treatment. Miners, shipyard workers and construction workers are at the most risk of developing mesothelioma. However, people who work in hospitals and schools could be affected after prolonged exposure to asbestos-based building materials. Teachers, nurses, and former pupils of schools built with asbestos-containing material have also been diagnosed with mesothelioma. In the case of asbestosis the most effective method of treatment is to control symptoms. These include breathing exercises as well as medications to manage coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and pain in the chest. Pleural effusion, also known as fluid accumulation around the lungs, can cause symptoms. This is the result of inflammation and cell death in the lung's lining and can be controlled with a procedure known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). Mesothelioma, one of the rare cancers that affects organ linings it is a rare condition. It is most often found in the lungs, but can also be found in the peritoneum or heart. Exposure to asbestos is the reason. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that are composed of tiny fibers. It can take between 20 and 50 years after exposure before symptoms appear. Men are more likely than women to contract the disease following exposure.