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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 and asbestosis are among the most serious. asbestos-related diseases can take years to develop and are often misdiagnosed or confused with other conditions. Asbestos-related diseases can affect those who have had any amount of exposure. The risk of developing pleural msothelioma is increased by the fourth power of time since the first exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, is found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It is a highly aggressive, potentially fatal cancer. It is believed to be the result of exposure to asbestos-containing substances or products that are often used in the workplace. Mesothelioma can be found in construction workers, firefighters and veterans who have worked with asbestos. It may take between 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure before the symptoms of mesothelioma begin to manifest. The disease is named for the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that protects numerous organs in the body including the chest cavity, the lungs (pleura) and stomach (peritoneum) and the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers become embedded in the mesothelium and cause irritation, which causes scarring. Over time the irritated cells undergo abnormal genetic mutations, and then transform into cancerous tumors. There are four types of mesothelioma. Each affects a different part of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common kind, accounting for approximately 80% of the cases diagnosed each year. Other types include peritoneal mesothelioma, the testicular mesothelioma, and pleural effusion. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ depending on the area of the body affected. They can range from respiratory issues like coughing or difficulty breathing to abdominal pains and fluid in the lungs. Certain patients also experience swelling in their hands or feet, as well as fatigue and weight loss. The early signs of mesothelioma are similar to other diseases, like lung cancer and lung disease. It is therefore important that anyone who has been exposed to asbestos inform their doctor of the exposure they have had in the past. Then, they must be monitored regularly for any symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses and mesothelioma. Regularly scheduled checks can lead to an earlier and more precise diagnosis. It also reduces the chance of complications, such as latency. This means that symptoms won't get missed and may be mistaken for a different illness for example, changes in the shape of the fingers and nails, which is known as asbestosis or a normal sign of ageing. What is Asbestosis? Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that is very strong and resistant to heat. In the past it was used in various industrial processes and consumer products, such as insulation and brakes. It was also used in shingles, floor tiles and some types cement. Exposure to asbestos fibres for an extended period of time can lead to serious health issues, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. People who work in certain areas like those involved in mining or manufacturing asbestos-containing products, may be more susceptible to exposure. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause scarring and stiffening of the lung tissue. Symptoms typically don't show up until a few years after exposure, also known as the latency period. It is essential to inform your doctor about any asbestos exposure so they can perform periodic screenings. People most at risk of getting asbestosis are those who worked in shipbuilding, construction or other industries where exposure to asbestos was common before its removal. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos in the workplace can develop the condition. The symptoms of asbestosis can vary in severity, and it isn't always easy to identify. A diagnosis of asbestosis is usually established by reviewing a patient's medical history and conducting a variety of diagnostic tests. This could include an X-ray of the chest, which can reveal advanced asbestosis by showing white lung areas that resemble honeycombs. CT scans can show asbestosis signs more clear than X-rays. A lung biopsy can be conducted to confirm the diagnosis. It involves removing small portions of lung tissue to be analyzed under a microscope. The test reveals the extent of lung fibrosis. It also detects ferruginous and asbestos bodies, beaded rod-like structures that are covered 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 difficulty breathing and may cause pressure on the body's organs, including the heart. Some patients may need a procedure (pleurodesis), which prevents fluid from returning to the lungs or a tube (pleurectomy) to drain their lungs regularly at home. These procedures can improve breathing and quality of life. What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma and Asbestosis? After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestosis may not appear for decades. This is referred to as the”latency” period and differs from one patient to the next, depending on the location of their tumors and other factors. The mesothelioma-related cancer is found on the mesothelium, a lining that surrounds many of your internal organs. The most frequent form is pleural mesothelioma which is a form of cancer that forms in the membrane around your chest wall and lungs (the pleura). It may also develop in the peritoneum, diaphragm or testicles. alameda asbestos law firm of breath and dry cough are the first symptoms of pleural asbestosis. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue and abdominal pain. As the cancer progresses it can spread to other areas of the body, causing different symptoms in each area. Asbestosis isn't a form of cancer but it is a respiratory illness that can cause similar symptoms to mesothelioma. Both diseases are caused from inflammation that results from asbestos exposure. The inflammation leads to scarring of the lungs which makes breathing difficult. Asbestosis sufferers also experience an accumulation of fluid around their lungs that can aggravate symptoms. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma are linked to a range of other health problems such as fatigue and memory loss, headaches and depression as well as anxiety. In some cases, mesothelioma patients have experienced digestive or heart problems 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 see whether or you were exposed to asbestos. Blood tests can be performed 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 extremely rare and it can be difficult to recognize. The early mesothelioma may be a sign of other illnesses, such as pneumonia or influenza. Mesothelioma also has a long latent period, making it difficult to recognize at its earliest stages. This is why it is often mistakenly diagnosed. What is the treatment of Mesothelioma? A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma or asbestosis by taking a tissue sample, also called a biopsy. It is important to get a mesothelioma diagnosis as early as possible, as the disease is known to have long latency periods, meaning symptoms don't begin to appear until several years after exposure to asbestos. A biopsy can be done in various ways, including by bronchoscopy as well as needle biopsy. In a bronchoscopy procedure, doctors insert a tube into breathing passages to view the tissue and then take tiny samples to be examined for pathological reasons. In a needle biopsies, the doctor inserts needles into the lungs or chest wall to remove a small amount fluid to be examined under a microscope. The most common treatment for mesothelioma is surgery, however radiotherapy and chemotherapy may also be used. Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to treat and many patients relapse after first-line treatment. Those who are most at risk of developing mesothelioma include shipyard workers, miners, construction workers and insulation contractors. 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 constructed using asbestos-based materials have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The best way to treat asbestosis is to control the symptoms. This can be achieved through breathing exercises and medications to manage symptoms like wheezing, breathlessness, chest pain and coughing. Symptoms are typically exacerbated due to the accumulation of fluid around the lungs, which is known as pleural effusion. It is caused by inflammation and cell death within the lung's lining and can be controlled with the procedure known as VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments). Mesothelioma, a rare and serious cancer that affects the organ's lining it is a rare condition. It is typically located in the lungs, but can be found in the peritoneum as well as the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the reason. Asbestos is a class of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. The symptoms typically manifest between 20 and 50 years after exposure. Men are more likely than women to develop the disease after exposure.