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Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and Other Asbestos-Related Illnesses Significant asbestos exposure can lead to a number serious illnesses that can be life-threatening. College Station asbestos lawsuit can take years for mesothelioma, asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases to develop. They are often misdiagnosed as other illnesses. Asbestos-related diseases can occur in individuals with any level of exposure. The risk of developing pleural mesothelioma is increased by the fourth power of the time since the first exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It is a serious cancer that could be fatal. It is believed to be the result of exposure to asbestos-containing substances or products, often in the workplace. Mesothelioma sufferers are usually firefighters, construction workers and veterans, as well as other people who worked with contaminated asbestos. It may take between 20 and 50 years after asbestos exposure before symptoms of mesothelioma appear. The disease is named for the mesothelium. This thin layer of tissue is found around numerous organs, including the lungs and chest cavity (pleura) and stomach (peritoneum) and the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers are absorbed into the mesothelium and cause irritation, which leads to scarring. As time passes the damaged cell develops abnormal genetic mutations that turn them into cancerous tumors. There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each one has a specific effect on a particular area of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common kind, accounting for approximately 80percent of cases diagnosed every year. Other types include testicular, mesothelioma peritoneal and pleural. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary according to the part of the body affected and may range from respiratory issues like breathing difficulties and coughing to abdominal pain heart palpitations, chest pain and fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). Patients may also experience swelling in the hands or feet, as well as fatigue and weight loss. The initial symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to other diseases, like lung disease and cancer. This is why it is important that anyone who has been exposed to asbestos tell their doctor about their previous exposure. They should then be screened regularly for the presence of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases. Regular checkups can help to identify the disease faster and provide an accurate diagnosis. This can also reduce the chance of complications like latency. This will help to ensure that symptoms are not ignored and interpreted as other diseases. For example the change in finger and nail shape is referred to as asbestosis, or an indication of aging. What is Asbestosis? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is extremely strong and resistant to heat. It was utilized in the past in various industrial processes and consumer products, such as insulation, brakes, shingles flooring tiles, as well as some types of cement. Exposure to asbestos fibres for a long period of time could cause serious health issues, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. Individuals who work in specific fields, such as those who are involved in mining and the production of asbestos-containing products, could be at greater risk of exposure. Asbestosis is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres, which can lead to swelling and stiffening of lung tissue. Symptoms usually don't appear until several years after exposure, also known as the latency period. It's crucial to inform your doctor about any asbestos exposure so that they can conduct regular screenings. The people most susceptible to developing asbestosis are those who worked in shipbuilding, construction or other fields where exposure to asbestos was common before its removal. However, anyone who was exposed to a significant amount of asbestos in their workplace can develop this condition. The symptoms of asbestosis vary in severity and can be quite difficult to diagnose. The diagnosis of asbestosis is determined by examining the medical background of a patient and performing a number diagnostic tests. These may include a chest X-ray which can identify advanced asbestosis by revealing white lung areas that look like honeycombs. CT scans can show asbestosis symptoms more evidently than X-rays. A lung biopsy can be performed to confirm a diagnosis. This involves the removal of small amounts of lung tissue to be examined under a microscope. The test will reveal the extent of lung fibrosis. It also shows the presence of ferruginous bodies and asbestos bodies, rod-like structures with beaded beads which 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 issues and cause pressure on other organs of the body, like the heart. Certain patients may require a procedure (pleurodesis) which 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 symptoms of Mesothelioma? After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestosis may not manifest for a long time. This is known as the latency period. It differs from one patient to the next, based on the location of tumors, as well as other factors. The cancerous mesothelioma develops on the mesothelium the lining that covers many of your internal organs. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which is a form of cancer that forms in the membrane that surrounds your chest wall and lungs (the pleura). It can also be found in the peritoneum, diaphragm or testicles. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma typically begin with shortness of breath and a dry cough. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue and abdominal pain. As the cancer progresses to other parts of the body, different symptoms may be observed in each part. Asbestosis doesn't cause cancer but it is a respiratory illness that may cause similar symptoms to mesothelioma. Both diseases result from inflammation that results from exposure to asbestos. The inflammation causes scarring of the lungs which makes breathing difficult. Asbestosis sufferers also experience a buildup of fluid around their lungs that can aggravate symptoms. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis, are linked to a number of other health issues, like fatigue and memory loss. They can also trigger headaches, depression, and anxiety. Some mesothelioma sufferers also experience heart or digestive problems. If you believe you may have mesothelioma, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and review your work history to determine whether or whether you were exposed to asbestos. The blood tests are conducted to assess the health of your liver, kidneys and blood cells. Chest Xrays can be used to determine the presence of thickening in the pleura or fluid in the space between the chest wall and the lungs. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify and is extremely rare. Early mesothelioma can mimic other illnesses such as pneumonia or influenza. Mesothelioma has a lengthy latent phase, which makes it difficult to identify in its early stages. Therefore, it is frequently mistakenly diagnosed. What is the treatment of Mesothelioma? A doctor can identify asbestosis or mesothelioma through taking a tissue sample, also known as biopsy. It is important to diagnose mesothelioma as early as possible, as the disease has a long time of latency and symptoms might not manifest for years following asbestos exposure. A biopsy can be carried out in several ways, including through bronchoscopy 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 biopsies procedure, a doctor inserts a needle in the chest wall or lungs to take a small amount of fluid to be examined under a microscop. The most popular treatment for mesothelioma involves surgery, however radiotherapy and chemotherapy may also be used. Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to treat, and many patients relapse after first-line treatment. Miners, shipyard workers and construction workers are at the most risk of developing mesothelioma. Students who work in schools or hospitals could also be at risk in the event that they've had exposure to asbestos-based products for a long period of time. Teachers, nurses and former pupils of schools constructed with asbestos-containing materials have all been diagnosed with the disease. The best treatment for asbestosis is to manage the symptoms. This can be achieved through breathing exercises and medication to treat symptoms like wheezing, chest pain, breathlessness and coughing. The symptoms are usually aggravated by the build-up of fluid around the lung, which is referred to as pleural effusion. This is a result of inflammation and death of cells in the lung's lining and can be controlled with a procedure called VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments). Mesothelioma, a rare and serious cancer that affects the organ's lining, is a rare disease. It typically begins in the lungs, but can also be found in the peritoneum and heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres once commonly used in the construction and other industries. It typically takes 20 to 50 years after exposure before symptoms appear. Those who have suffered exposure are often diagnosed with the disease later in life with men more likely to suffer than women.