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Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and Other Asbestos-Related Illnesses A prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause a number of serious, potentially life-threatening diseases. It can take a long time for mesothelioma, mesothelioma and other asbestos-related ailments to develop. They are often misdiagnosed as different diseases. Asbestos-related diseases can affect those who have had any level of exposure. The risk of developing pleural msothelioma is increased by the fourth power of the time since the first exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is found in the lung linings and abdomen. It is a highly aggressive and potentially fatal cancer. It is believed to be caused by exposure to asbestos-containing products or materials that are often used in the workplace. Mesothelioma is usually found in firefighters, construction workers and veterans who have been exposed to asbestos. It can take between 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure before the symptoms of mesothelioma appear. 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, lungs (pleura), the stomach (peritoneum) and the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers embed in the mesothelium, causing irritation and scarring. Over time the damaged cell develops abnormal genetic mutations that turn them into cancerous tumours. There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each is affecting a different part of the body. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which accounts for approximately 80% percent of all cases diagnosed each year. Other types include peritoneal mesothelioma, pleural effusion and testicular mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ based on the region of the body that is affected. They can range from respiratory issues such as difficulty breathing or coughing, to abdominal pain and fluid in the lung. Certain patients may also experience swelling of the feet or hands (finger clubbing) and weight loss, fatigue and fever. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose, since the early symptoms are similar to those of other diseases like lung diseases and cancer. This is the reason it is vital that anyone exposed to asbestos inform their doctor about their past exposure. They should then be monitored regularly for signs of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses. Regular checks can help provide a faster and more accurate diagnosis. This will also lower the chance of complications, such as latency. This can help ensure that symptoms are not overlooked and misinterpreted as other diseases. For instance changes in the shape of a finger or nail, which is known as asbestosis, or as a normal ageing sign. What is Asbestosis? Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that is extremely durable and resistant to heat. In the past it was used in various industrial processes as well as consumer products, including brakes and insulation. It was also used in floor tiles, shingles and some types cement. Exposure to asbestos fibres for a long period of time can lead to serious health issues, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. People who work in specific fields such as those who are involved in mining and manufacturing asbestos-containing products, are at greater risk of exposure. Inhalation of asbestos fibers may cause scarring and stiffening of the lung tissue. The symptoms usually do not manifest until a few years after exposure, referred to as the latency period. It's important that you tell your doctor about any asbestos exposure, so they can conduct regular screenings. The most susceptible to developing asbestosis are those who worked in the construction, shipbuilding or other industries that were exposed to asbestos before its prohibition. austin asbestos law firm who has been exposed to asbestos while at work is susceptible to developing the condition. The symptoms of asbestosis vary in severity and it isn't always easy to identify. A diagnosis of asbestosis is typically established by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing several diagnostic tests. A chest X-ray can reveal asbestosis that is advanced, since it reveals white areas on the lung that resemble honeycombs. CT scans can reveal asbestosis signs more evidently than X-rays. A lung biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. This involves the removal of a small amount of lung tissue for examination under the microscope. The test reveals the extent of lung fibrosis. It also will reveal the presence of ferruginous and asbestos bodies golden yellow, rod-like structures with beaded beads that are covered in iron-containing proteins. Asbestosis is a chronic disease, which can worsen as time passes. It can cause breathing problems and cause pressure on other organs of the body, like the heart. Some patients may need an operation (pleurodesis) that stops fluid from returning to the lungs, or a tube (pleurectomy) to remove their lungs on a regular basis at home. These procedures can help ease breathing and improve the quality of life. What are the signs of Mesothelioma? It could take a long time after exposure to asbestos for the symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestosis begin to appear. This is known as the latency period, and it varies from person to patient based on the location of the tumors as well as other factors. The mesothelioma cancerous form develops on the mesothelium the lining that covers many of your internal organs. The most frequent form is pleural, which is found in the membrane that covers your chest and lungs (the pleura). It may also occur in the diaphragm and peritoneum. Dry cough are the primary signs of pleural asbestosis. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue and abdominal pain. As the cancer progresses, it can expand to other parts of the body, causing varying symptoms in each of the areas. Asbestosis isn't a cancer but it's a respiratory condition that can cause similar symptoms as mesothelioma. 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 which can cause a variety of symptoms. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are associated with a variety of health issues that include fatigue and memory loss, headaches depression, anxiety and stress. In some cases mesothelioma patients have had digestive or heart issues as well. If you suspect mesothelioma is present in your body, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and look over your employment history to determine whether you were exposed to asbestos. Your doctor may order tests for your blood to examine your kidneys, liver, and blood cells. Chest X-rays can help identify the presence of thickening in the pleura or fluid in the space between your chest wall and the lungs. Mesothelioma is often difficult to detect and is extremely rare. This is due in part to the fact that mesothelioma's initial symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other common illnesses, such as influenza and pneumonia. Additionally, mesothelioma has an extended period of latency which makes it difficult to detect in its earliest stages. This is why it is often incorrectly diagnosed. What is the treatment of Mesothelioma? A biopsy is a piece of tissue that is used by a doctor to determine if mesothelioma or asbestosis is present. It is essential to recognize mesothelioma as quickly as is possible, as the disease has a long time of latency which means that symptoms may not manifest for years following asbestos exposure. A biopsy can be performed using a variety of methods, such as a bronchoscopy or needle biopsy. In a bronchoscopy procedure, doctors insert a tube into the tissue and take an insignificant amount of it to be examined for pathological reasons. In a needle biopsy, the doctor inserts needles into the chest wall or lungs to extract a small amount of fluid for examination under a microscop. Surgery is the most common treatment, however chemotherapy and radiotherapy are also used. However, mesothelioma is very difficult to treat and many patients experience relapses after receiving first-line treatments. Those who are most at risk of developing mesothelioma are shipyard workers, miners, insulation contractors, and construction workers. People who work in schools or hospitals could also be at risk when they've been exposed asbestos-based products for a long time. Teachers, nurses and ex-pupils of schools constructed using asbestos-based materials have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The best treatment for asbestosis is to control the symptoms. This includes breathing exercises and medication to help manage breathlessness, wheezing, coughing and chest pain. The symptoms are usually aggravated by the build-up of fluid around the lungs, which is known as Pleural effusion. This is the result of inflammation and death of cells in the lung's lining. It can be reduced by a procedure called VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments). Mesothelioma is an uncommon and serious cancer that affects organ linings and is a rare illness. It usually begins in the lungs, but can be found in the peritoneum and the heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals made of microscopic fibres that were often used in the construction industry and other fields. It usually takes between 20 and 50 years after exposure before symptoms appear. Men are more likely than women to contract the disease after exposure.