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Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and Other Asbestos-Related Illnesses A prolonged exposure to asbestos can result in a range of life-threatening diseases. Mesothelioma, asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases can take years to develop and are often misdiagnosed or misinterpreted with other conditions. Asbestos-related diseases can affect those who have had any degree of exposure. The risk of developing pleural mesothelioma is increased by the fourth power of 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, potentially fatal cancer. It is believed to be the result of exposure to asbestos-containing substances or products, often in the workplace. The victims of mesothelioma are typically firefighters, construction workers and veterans, as well as other people who were exposed to asbestos-contaminated products. Mesothelioma symptoms might not manifest for 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. The disease is named for the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that covers many organs in the body including the chest cavity and the lungs (pleura), the stomach (peritoneum) and the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers embed within the mesothelium, creating irritation and scarring. As time passes the irritated cells undergo abnormal genetic mutations and change into cancerous tumors. There are four types of mesothelioma and each is affecting a different part of the body. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which accounts for approximately 80 percent of the cases diagnosed every year. Other types include testicular, pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the area of the body affected and may range from respiratory issues such as coughing and difficulty breathing to abdominal pain heart palpitations, chest pain and fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). Some patients also experience swelling in their feet or hands and fatigue and weight loss. The initial symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to other diseases, like lung cancer and lung disease. It is, therefore, essential that anyone who has been exposed to asbestos inform their doctor about their previous exposure. They should then be screened regularly for the presence of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses. These regular checkups can lead to an earlier and more precise diagnosis. It can also help lower the risk of complications such as latency. This means that the symptoms won't be ignored and could be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses like an alteration in the shape of fingers and nails, also known as asbestosis or an indication of aging. What is Asbestosis? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, is extremely strong and resistant to high temperatures. It was used in the past in various industrial processes and consumer goods, such as insulation, brakes and shingles flooring tiles, as well as some kinds of cement. The exposure to asbestos fibers over an extended period of time could result in serious health issues like mesothelioma and asbestosis. People who work in certain fields may be at higher risk of exposure to asbestos for asbestos-related diseases, such as those involved in the mining and manufacturing of asbestos-containing products. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause scarring and stiffening in the lung tissue. Symptoms typically don't show up until several years after exposure, also known as the latency period. It is essential to inform your doctor about any asbestos exposure so that they can conduct regular screenings. Those most at risk of developing asbestosis include those who worked in shipbuilding, construction or other fields where exposure to asbestos was common prior to its removal. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos at work is susceptible to developing the condition. The symptoms of asbestosis can vary in severity and can be extremely difficult to determine. A diagnosis of asbestosis is typically determined by examining the medical history of the patient and performing several diagnostic tests. An X-ray of the chest can identify advanced asbestosis because it can show white areas on the lung that resemble honeycombs. CT scans can show asbestosis signs more clear than X-rays. A lung biopsy could be carried out to confirm the diagnosis. This involves removing a small amount of lung tissue to examination under microscope. The test can reveal the extent of lung disease and 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 however, it's a chronic disease that gets worse as time passes. It can cause breathing problems and cause pressure on the rest of the body's organs, including the heart. Some patients will need an operation 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 ease breathing and improve the quality of life. What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma? After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestosis might not show up for years. This is referred to as the”latency” period and varies from one patient to the next, depending on their location of tumors and other factors. Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, the lining that surrounds your organs. The most frequent form is pleural. It occurs in the lining that surrounds your lungs and chest (the pleura). It may also occur in the diaphragm or peritoneum. Dry cough are the most obvious signs of pleural asbestosis. They can also manifest as a stomach pain, fever and tiredness. As the cancer progresses it may spread to other areas of the body, causing distinct symptoms in each area. Asbestosis, which isn't a cancer, but rather a respiratory condition that can cause symptoms similar to mesothelioma but is not a cancer. Both diseases are caused by inflammation resulting from exposure to asbestos. The inflammation can cause scarring to the lungs which can make breathing difficult. Asbestosis patients also experience accumulation of fluid in the space around their lungs and can worsen the symptoms. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis, are linked to many other health issues, such as fatigue and memory loss. They can also cause headaches as well as depression and anxiety. Some mesothelioma sufferers experience heart or digestive problems. If you suspect mesothelioma to be present in your body, your doctor will conduct a physical examination and examine your work information to determine if you were exposed or not to asbestos. Blood tests may be conducted to check the health of your liver, kidneys and blood cells. Chest X-rays are used to determine if there is any fluids or thickenings in the pleura. Mesothelioma can be difficult to detect and is extremely rare. The early mesothelioma may mimic other illnesses like influenza or pneumonia. In addition, mesothelioma suffers from an extended period of latency, making it challenging to diagnose in its earliest stages. It is therefore often incorrectly diagnosed. What is the treatment for Mesothelioma and Asbestosis? A doctor can identify asbestosis or mesothelioma through taking an in-person tissue sample, also known as biopsy. It is important to get an early mesothelioma diagnosis as possible, since the disease has prolonged latency periods, which means symptoms don't begin to appear until years after exposure to asbestos. A biopsy can be performed using several methods, including the bronchoscopy procedure or needle biopsy. In a bronchoscopy doctors insert a tube in order to view the tissue and then take the smallest amount of tissue to conduct a pathological analysis. In a needle biopsy the doctor inserts a needle into the lung or chest wall to take some fluid for examination under a microscope. north carolina asbestos lawyer used treatment for mesothelioma is surgery, although chemotherapy and radiotherapy may also be utilized. However, mesothelioma can be difficult to treat and many patients experience relapses after receiving first-line treatment. Miners, shipyard workers and construction workers are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However, people who work in hospitals and schools can also be affected by the disease if they have had prolonged exposure to asbestos-based building materials. Nurses, teachers, and former pupils of schools constructed with asbestos-containing materials have all been diagnosed with the disease. When it comes to asbestosis the most effective method of treatment is managing symptoms. This includes breathing exercises and medication to help manage breathlessness, wheezing, coughing and pain in the chest. Pleural effusion, also referred to as fluid buildup around the lungs, can worsen symptoms. This is a result of inflammation and cell death within the lung's lining and can be controlled with a procedure known as VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure). Mesothelioma is an uncommon and serious cancer that affects the lining of organs, is a rare disease. It is usually located in the lungs, but can be found in the peritoneum as well as the heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals made of microscopic fibres that were often used in construction and other industries. Symptoms usually appear 20 to 50 years following exposure. People who have been exposed are often diagnosed with the disease later in life and men are more likely to be affected than women.