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Mesothelioma Caused by Asbestos Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that grows in the lining that protects organs. It affects the pleura (the lung's lining), peritoneum, and the pericardium. Exposure to asbestos is the principal reason for mesothelioma. Exposure can take decades to develop, especially in cases of prolonged exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos could have brought the fibers home on their clothing. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma. It is mesothelium cancer that protects and covers organs inside the body. There are a variety of risk factors associated with mesothelioma, including occupation, location and family history. The signs of mesothelioma are usually seen decades after asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos triggers DNA mutations that affect a person's DNA. The cells become abnormal and expand uncontrollably. The cells that have been altered then create tumors that can then be spread to other areas of the body. Mesothelioma is most often found in the lungs, stomach and the chest wall. It can also affect the testicles, heart and abdomen. There are many kinds of asbestos, and different types are at risk in different ways. For example, chrysotile asbestos is generally less harmful than amphibole asbestos. But a person's mesothelioma risk is still higher if exposed to any form of asbestos even if it's less harmful. Some people develop mesothelioma after just a few minutes of exposure to asbestos or no direct contact. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure. Some examples include having someone with whom you worked expose you to asbestos by wearing their clothing or other materials, or being in a building that was constructed with asbestos, leaving the building and inhaling asbestos fibers in the air. Certain industries are particularly at risk of developing mesothelioma. salt lake city asbestos attorneys include construction, shipbuilding and the energy industry. They could have been exposed to asbestos during the manufacture and installation of roofs, insulation pipes, and other products. Other workers may be at a lower level of risk, but should be aware of the dangers associated with asbestos. Painters and workers in power plants or other areas that require extensive use of asbestos are at risk. Researchers have discovered that a genetic mutation known as the BAP1 gene increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. This gene is responsible the body's reaction to asbestos. It is unclear what causes the gene to alter to make a person more susceptible to diseases linked to asbestos. Signs and symptoms Asbest fibres are released in the air when asbestos is used in industrial processes. The fibres can be breathed in by workers or swallowed. The fibres can cause irritation to the linings of organs such as the abdomen, lungs and the heart. Cancer cells grow, causing them to grow and expand. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and abdominal discomfort are all possible signs. It is important to report any of these symptoms to your doctor. These symptoms are not specific to mesothelioma. As such, doctors may misdiagnose these symptoms as a different condition. This can lead to an undiagnosed condition and a worse prognosis. It is difficult for your doctor who is a specialist in this disease, to determine if you are suffering from it without knowing your asbestos exposure history. Always inform your doctor about your asbestos exposure history. This will allow your doctor to diagnose the disease quicker. Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma tend to show up gradually. They typically appear between 20 to 60 years after the last exposure to asbestos. The long time between exposure and latency makes it difficult to assign any health issues to asbestos exposure, especially when symptoms are mild. There are a variety of mesothelioma types, but the most popular is pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs. The second most common form is peritoneal, which develops in the lining around the abdomen. Less well-known mesothelioma types are the pericardial mesothelioma, or a type that is found in the sac which surrounds the heart, and the tunica vaginalis type mesothelioma. a rare type that develops in the tissue of the female reproductive tract. All kinds of tests can be done to detect mesothelioma. This includes imaging scans like X-rays and CT scans. Doctors can also test for mesothelioma-related fluid and tumors through ultrasound or MRI scans. Mesothelioma is difficult to determine since it can resemble other diseases, like cancer and pneumonia. It is important to inform your doctor if you experience any asbestos-related symptoms and to ask for an appointment with mesothelioma specialists. Diagnosis The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be difficult. It develops years after exposure to asbestos and does not show signs until the later stages. If you experience any symptoms, it is important to consult a physician. Mesothelioma is treatable if it is detected early. Your doctor will ask you questions regarding your asbestos exposure and will take a full medical history. They may inquire about family members who been diagnosed with mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos-related illnesses. If you have an history of exposure to asbestos your doctor might refer you to an expert for further testing. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that are extremely thin and strong fibres. It was used in numerous consumer products, building materials, and automobile parts during the 20th century before manufacturers realized it could cause health problems. The majority of cases of mesothelioma-related asbestos can be traced back to workplace exposure. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma to form in the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (cardiovascular mesothelioma). The reason for mesothelioma is not known. It is believed that asbestos fibres are taken up by the body and cause inflammation and scarring of healthy cells. This may cause cancer. If you are experiencing fluid buildup in the chest cavity or abdomen, your doctor can take an ounce of this fluid for further testing. The fluid may be taken for biopsy to determine whether it contains cancerous cells of mesothelioma. If mesothelioma is found, your doctor will confirm it to be mesothelioma. It is also possible to determine the type you have: 1. Pleural. 2. Peritoneal. 3. Biphasic. Your doctor might suggest imaging tests, like chest X-rays, computed (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests can help doctors see the location of mesothelioma and the extent of the tumor. Your doctor may also suggest additional tests in the lab to identify mesothelioma. These tests could include a cellular staining test which looks for cancer cells, and the blood test which checks for specific types of proteins released by dying cells. Treatment Asbestos is comprised of fibrous minerals, which were previously used extensively in building materials. When it is disturbed, tiny particles are released into the air and can be breathed in or swallowed. These fibers settle in the lungs, creating inflammation. This may lead to formation and alteration of cell structure that leads to mesothelioma. The exposure to asbestos can happen in a variety of ways, such as construction work that disturbs the material or the removal of it. It can also happen due to exposure to asbestos that occurred in the home, as asbestos was often brought home on hair or clothing. The disease may also be passed on to family members through this contact. Mesothelioma is not a common occurrence and it can take anywhere from 20 to 60 years following the initial exposure to develop symptoms. When it does,, patients may suffer from many symptoms. This includes breathing difficulties, a cough and chest pain. A doctor can diagnose pleural cancer using tests of blood and an X-ray. They can also test for certain enzymes released by the body when it is exposed to asbestos. These enzymes are able to help doctors determine the kind of mesothelioma that the patient is suffering from and how far it has been spread. Doctors can perform procedures to relieve a patient of breathlessness that is caused by the build-up of fluid. The procedure is known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). During the procedure, a physician inserts a tube into the lung and throat and removes a portion of the lining around the chest wall and lungs. They can also inject sterilized solution to cause the chest to close, preventing the accumulation of fluid. Palliative care is a different treatment that assists patients in managing symptoms and improve their quality of life. These include medications, support groups and other treatments. This may also include assisted respiration. Avoiding exposure to asbestos is the best method to reduce the chance of developing mesothelioma. This includes being cautious in older buildings where asbestos was used to insulate, pipes or other purposes. Talk to your doctor in case you experience any unusual or persistent mesothelioma-related symptoms.