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Mesothelioma Caused by Asbestos Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops on the protective linings of organs. It affects the pleura (the lining of the lungs) as well as the peritoneum and the pericardium. The exposure to asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma. Exposure can take decades to develop, especially if the exposure was prolonged. Some people exposed to asbestos brought the fibres back to their home, smearing the fibres on their clothing. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the most frequent cause mesothelioma. It is a cancer that affects mesothelium, which protects and covers organs within the body. Mesothelioma is associated with several risk factors, such as occupation, location and family history. The symptoms of mesothelioma typically appear several decades after exposure to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can cause DNA mutations that affect a person's DNA. This causes cells to develop abnormalities and grow out of control. The mutated cells eventually form tumors that can spread to other parts of the body. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in the chest wall and lungs. It can also show up in the testicles, the heart abdomen, and other organs. There are various kinds of asbestos and each has a different risk level. For instance, chrysotile asbestos is generally less hazardous than amphibole asbestos. Even asbestos is less dangerous but mesothelioma risk is still higher for those who are exposed to asbestos. Some people develop mesothelioma even after minimal exposure to asbestos or without contact with asbestos directly. This is called indirect or secondary exposure. Examples include having someone you worked expose you to asbestos through their clothing or other materials, being in a building that was constructed with asbestos and leaving the building and inhaling asbestos fibers in the air. Certain industries are most at risk of developing mesothelioma. Construction, shipbuilding and the energy sector are just a few of those industries. Workers could be exposed to asbestos during the manufacture and installation of roofs, pipes and other products. Other workers are at a lower risk, but they should be cautious and aware of asbestos-related risks. Painters and employees working in power plants, or other areas that require extensive use of asbestos are at risk. Some researchers have discovered that an inherited mutation called BAP1 gene can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This gene is responsible for the body's immune response to asbestos. It isn't clear why the gene would alter to make a person more susceptible to diseases linked to asbestos. Symptoms When asbestos is employed in industrial processes tiny fibres are released into the air. The fibres can be breathed in by workers or swallowed. The fibres stick to linings surrounding organs like the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen, or the heart (peritoneal mesothelioma) and can cause irritation. Cancer cells form, causing them to grow and expand. It can be accompanied by breathing problems or chest pain. Other symptoms include abdominal discomfort. berkeley asbestos lawyer is important to be able to report any of these symptoms to your doctor. However, since these signs aren't specific to mesothelioma doctors often mistake them for other ailments. This could lead to a delayed diagnosis and a worse prognosis. It can be difficult for your doctor who is an expert in this disease to determine if you have it without having a history of asbestos exposure. You should always tell your doctor about your asbestos exposure history. This will help your doctor diagnose mesothelioma faster and more accurately. Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma tend to appear gradually. They usually appear between 20 to 60 years after your last exposure to asbestos. The long time between exposure and latency makes it difficult to attribute any health problems to asbestos exposure, particularly when symptoms are mild. There are many different types of mesothelioma, but the most common is pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs. The second most common form is peritoneal. It develops in the lining around the abdomen. Less common types of mesothelioma are the pericardial mesothelioma or a type that occurs in the sac that surrounds the heart, and the tunica vaginalis mesothelioma, a rare type that develops in the lining of a woman's reproductive tract. A variety of tests can be performed to detect mesothelioma. This includes imaging scans, such as X-rays and CT scans. Doctors can test for tumors or fluids that are related to mesothelioma with ultrasound or MRI. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it may look similar to other illnesses, like cancer and pneumonia. Inform your doctor of any asbestos-related symptoms you may be experiencing and ask for a referral. Diagnosis Mesothelioma can be difficult to detect. It usually develops many years after exposure to asbestos and does not manifest symptoms until the late stages. If you notice any signs you should consult a physician. Mesothelioma can be treated if it is detected early. Your doctor will ask you questions regarding your exposure to asbestos and will take a full medical history. They may ask about relatives who have suffered from mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related diseases. If you have a history of asbestos exposure your doctor might recommend you to an expert for further tests. Asbestos is made up of minerals that are extremely thin and strong fibres. It was used in many consumer products, building materials, and car parts in the 20th century before manufacturers realized it could cause health issues. Most cases of asbestos-related mesothelioma can be traced to exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to the lung linings and stomach (peritoneal) or heart. It is not yet known how mesothelioma forms. It is believed that asbestos fibers are in the body and cause irritations and scarring of healthy cells. This can cause cancer. If you notice a buildup of fluid in your abdomen or chest cavity the doctor can take an ounce of this fluid for further analysis. The fluid can be examined for a biopsy to determine if it contains cancerous cells of mesothelioma. If mesothelioma is found the doctor will confirm that it is mesothelioma. He can also determine the type you have: 1. Pleural. 2. Peritoneal. 3. Biphasic. Your doctor might suggest imaging tests, including chest X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests can help doctors determine the size and location of the tumour. Your doctor might also recommend 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 certain types of proteins released by dying cells. Treatment Asbestos is comprised of fibrous minerals that were once widely used in construction materials. When it becomes disturbed, tiny particles are released into air and can be breathed in or swallowed. The fibers settle in the lung and cause inflammation. This may lead to formation and alteration of cell structure that can result in mesothelioma. The exposure to asbestos can happen in a variety of ways, such as construction work that alters the substance or removing it. Asbestos can enter the home through clothing or hair. This contact can also cause the disease to be passed on to family members. It can take as long as 60 years for symptoms to develop following the initial exposure. Patients can experience a variety of symptoms once the disease is diagnosed. These include difficulty breathing, a cough and chest pain. A doctor can diagnose pleural mesothelioma through tests of blood and an X-ray. They can also test for certain enzymes that are released when the body is exposed to asbestos. These enzymes can assist doctors determine the mesothelioma type a patient suffers from and the extent to which it has taken over. Doctors can perform surgery to reduce a patient's breathlessness due to fluid build-up. The operation is called VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). During the procedure, a doctor inserts a small tube into the throat and lungs to remove a part of the lining that covers the lungs and chest wall. They can inject a sterile solution that causes the area to close and stop the fluid from building up again. Other treatments include palliative care which assists patients in managing their symptoms and improve their quality of life. This includes medications, support groups and other treatments. This can also include assisted respiration. Avoiding exposure to asbestos is the best way to lower the risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes being cautious in older buildings where asbestos was used for insulation, pipes or other purposes. Consult your physician in case you experience any unusual or persistent mesothelioma symptoms.