Does Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is linked to exposure to asbestos fibers. These fibers can be inhaled or swallowed. They may cause inflammation and scar tissue, which can lead to cancer.
Most people who get mesothelioma have a history of asbestos exposure. Exposure could be occupational or environmental. Mesothelioma may develop for up to 50 years after exposure.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is fibrous minerals that are resistant to heat, corrosion and are naturally occurring. In the past, asbestos was widely used in construction due to its toughness, resistance to fire and insulation properties. Unfortunately, the health hazards associated with asbestos caused its use being reduced.
When asbestos is exposed to the air, it releases tiny fibers into air that can be inhaled by those working or living near by. Asbestos particles are absorbed into the lungs following inhalation. This can lead to respiratory illnesses, including mesothelioma and cancers of larynx, ovary and other respiratory organs.
Asbestos is so durable it can stay in the environment for a long period of time. It is a health hazard for workers who handle asbestos and the families of those who work with asbestos. It can also be dangerous for those who live near industrial sites.
Asbestos can be released into the atmosphere by mining and manufacturing processes. It can also be released through accidental disturbances or demolition work, or through improper disposal of asbestos-containing products.
Once asbestos is present in the environment, it can contaminate water, air and soil. This can impact the health of humans, animals and plants. It can be inhaled or consumed and cause sickness. Asbestos is able to remain suspended in the air for extended periods, allowing it to be transported over long distances.
Asbestos inhalation increases your risk of developing diseases like mesothelioma or lung cancer. These diseases can take years to develop after exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos should speak to their doctor about regular tests, including x-rays and CT scans. Smoking increases the risk of asbestos-related diseases.
The most frequent way to get exposed to asbestos is through occupational exposure. Asbestos is a risk for many workers in industries like mining, manufacturing, and repair of ships. Other dangers are being in close proximity to asbestos during renovations or home improvements, and being close to mining sites. Although asbestos is present in a small amount in the environment, a lot of people are not affected by this exposure.
How is Asbestos exposed?
The primary cause of mesothelioma is past occupational exposure to asbestos, it is possible for people to also be exposed through secondhand exposure. Exposure can occur when fibres are released into air due to the disturbance of materials, such as when a product is used demolition, construction work, or home maintenance repairs or renovations. Inhalation of these fibres can increase the chance of developing lung diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and cancers of the lungs and larynx (voice box) and peritoneum.
Asbestos fibers are small and can be easily inhaled. They can also be trapped in the lungs over a long period of time. Asbestosis results from an incredibly thick scar tissue that develops in the lung. The scar tissue doesn't behave as healthy lung tissue, which makes it harder and makes it more difficult to breathe. The scar tissue can cause inflammation in the lungs that can cause breathing problems. Asbestosis can be a chronic, progressive disease. The symptoms typically manifest several years after exposure, and the damage that results to the lungs is permanent.
Tell your doctor if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The breath is short bloody coughs, chest pains are often mistakenly interpreted as other illnesses. Regular visits to a physician who is familiar with asbestos symptoms will increase the likelihood of a diagnosis early.
In a number of studies, mesothelioma has been reported among family members of asbestos-exposed workers such as those employed in shipbuilding, mining and asbestos cement manufacturing. In one report that included ten of the 52 cases were women whose husbands or fathers were exposed to asbestos in their work. Another mesothelioma case study looking at mesothelioma cases in communities with industrial and residential exposures identified elevated standardized mortality ratios in communities that were exposed to vermiculite treatment from the Libby, Montana, mines.
Asbestos lawsuits caused the US to phase-out asbestos use in the 1980s. Many countries have since eliminated asbestos completely. Those who have been exposed to asbestos will continue to suffer until they die. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos are entitled compensation and should consult with mesothelioma attorneys about filing a lawsuit.
What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the kind and location of the tumor, and also the stage of cancer. Some signs, like chest discomfort, breathing problems and abdominal swelling, can be observed in all forms of mesothelioma. Other symptoms, such as the pleural effusion (a buildup of fluid in the lung), are more specific to pleural mesothelioma. Asbestos-related peritoneal cancer may also be a problem for asbestos-related victims. This can result in abdominal discomfort, bowel obstruction, and the accumulation of fluid.
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or swallowed if they are released. They become embedded in the lung's linings or other organs. These fibers can cause mesothelioma scarring.
The symptoms of the condition are similar to those of other illnesses like pneumonia, influenza, and chronic obstructive lung disease. Patients may also experience fatigue, cough, fever as well as weight loss and pain in the abdomen or ribs. Patients with what causes pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma of the peritoneal region may experience nausea abdominal pain, vomiting and trouble digesting food.
Most people diagnosed with mesothelioma are those with had a history of exposure to asbestos. Exposure usually occurs when people are working with or around substances that contain asbestos, such as construction sites, shipyards and power plants. Workers who work with asbestos materials are at the highest risk such as insulation workers, plumbers, electricians, and construction workers. Shipyard workers or military bases are at greater risk, as are those who were exposed to asbestos by family members who brought home asbestos-contaminated clothes and tools.
Asbestos can cause cancers that are different than mesothelioma. It increases the risk of developing colorectal, stomach cancers, ovarian, and colorectal as also gastrointestinal and lung tract diseases, including lymphoma and leukemia.
People who have been exposed to asbestos may be able to lower the risk of mesothelioma by being aware of the risk factors, seeking regular medical checkups and submitting any symptoms that are unusual or persistent to a physician. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should also have their doctor refer them to mesothelioma specialists to prevent misdiagnosis.
What is the Treatment for Mesothelioma
If you or someone you care about has recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be confused as to what is happening to your body. Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to many other illnesses, therefore early diagnosis is essential. You should describe your asbestos exposure to your doctor and ask for an appointment with a specialist. Mesothelioma specialists have the training and expertise to help you receive a proper diagnosis.
Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs in the thin layer of protective tissue that covers the interiors of many internal organs, such as the chest (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos can cause these cells to develop malignancy and expand beyond their limits. The resulting growths can be similar to tumors or not. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can be fatal if it develops within the abdominal cavity and lungs.
Asbestos fibres can be released into the air when they are disturbed and they can be inhaled, or swallowed by people. The fibers can cause irritation to tissues, causing scarring that can result in mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can also affect the tissue of the heart, as well as the reproductive organs.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may differ based on the type and location. Most often, the cancer develops in the lining of the lungs, however, it can also be found in the lining of the stomach or the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. In some instances, mesothelioma may spread to other parts of the body, including the brain.
Mesothelioma is classified into three types depending on the cell type where the cancer forms. Epithelioid is the most common type, accounting for 80% of all mesothelioma cases, and it responds well to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is present in 10% of cases and it grows more rapidly. It's also more difficult to treat.
The only known mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma may develop between 20 and 60 years after asbestos exposure. It is important to know your asbestos history and be aware of any possible signs. Veterans should be aware of the risks. Asbestos is used in military bases, ships and other parts of the armed forces. This puts those who have served in the Navy and other branches at a greater risk of mesothelioma.