Is Mesothelioma Only Caused by Asbestos?
Mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer, that affects the thin layer of tissue lining many internal organs, but most often the lung (pleural mesothelioma), intestines and heart. People exposed to asbestos are at higher risk.
Asbestos is composed of a group minerals that form long and thin fibers. It was used for commercial, military, and residential products during the 20th century. Manufacturers knew about the dangers, but they hid them to increase profits.
Causes
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral is abrasive to heat and chemicals. In the past, asbestos was used in the production of various commercial and household products, such as insulation, floor tiles and brake linings. However, asbestos is a danger because it is broken into tiny needle-like fibers that may irritate the tissue around organs, which can cause cancerous cells to develop.
Mesothelioma is more frequent for those who work with asbestos, or are exposed to it on the job or at home. 70% to 80% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma had an asbestos-related exposure history. The symptoms usually manifest between 20 and 50 years after the first asbestos exposure. A higher risk is for those with a mesothelioma-affected family member.
When exposed to asbestos the fibers are able to be inhaled into the lungs. The fibers then move to the pleura, which is the lung lining and can cause irritation. Over time, this can result in pleural diseases that can lead to an accumulation of fluid in the lungs, a condition called pleural effusion. This can cause breathing difficulties.
Mesothelioma may also develop in tissues that line the abdomen, the heart, or intestines. The majority of mesothelioma sufferer has been exposed to asbestos while at work. This kind of asbestos exposure differs from a person who is exposed at home to asbestos, such as when family members remove asbestos containing insulation from their walls and ceilings.
Researchers are studying whether certain genes can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. Even with these asbestos-related genes, exposure is still necessary for the development of mesothelioma. Rare cases of mesothelioma are linked to minerals such as silica and Erionite which are related asbestos. It is also possible that certain people are more susceptible to developing mesothelioma due to the way that their bodies break down asbestos. This is not a known risk factor however, and it doesn't explain why one person would be more susceptible to the disease while another may not.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma tumor to grow in any of the body's linings. It can also develop in the lungs, abdomen or in the heart (pleural mesothelioma). In some cases it may develop in the testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma).
Mesothelioma symptoms are usually seen in small amounts over a long time. The first signs of mesothelioma could be misinterpreted as signs of other diseases. It can take between 20 and 50 years for symptoms to manifest, meaning one could have experienced asbestos exposure for decades before mesothelioma developed. The cancer spreads to different areas of the human body in about the same time.
Chest pain, coughing and breathing problems are all signs of pleural mesothelioma. Patients may also experience other signs, too, including fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain. Fluid in the lungs is the most frequently reported sign (pleural effusion). Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity, also known as the pleura. The cancer thickens the lining and makes it difficult for the lungs expand when breathing.
A biopsy, along with other tests, can help doctors diagnose the pleural msothelioma. A biopsy can identify the type of mesothelioma malignant and how widely it's spread, and whether it's benign or malignant.
If doctors suspect that the patient is suffering from mesothelioma, they may refer them to specialist who will conduct more tests. The specialist may perform the biopsy as an outpatient. This means the patient can be admitted and out of the hospital the same day without having to wait long periods of recuperation.
Mesothelioma is still uncommon however it is vital to be diagnosed as early as possible. There is no cure for the disease, but treatment can ease symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is triggered by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals containing thin, flexible fibers. Asbestos is strong, fire-resistant and doesn't conduct electricity, therefore it was used in various industrial applications like insulation, building materials, ships, brakes and flooring of various kinds. Exposure can be caused by these products breaking down and become dusty. Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers can cause irritation which can lead to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't show up until a few decades after the initial exposure. It can affect the lung linings, stomach, and the heart.
Only medical tests can identify mesothelioma. The doctor of the patient will examine them and inquire about their past work background. They may also conduct imaging tests to examine the chest or abdomen for any signs of abnormalities. These tests could include X-rays or CT scans.
If mesothelioma diagnoses are possible, doctors will take a sample of the tissue or fluid to conduct further tests. They will search for cancerous cells under a microscope to see what kind of mesothelioma patient has. does asbestos always cause mesothelioma There are three types of mesothelioma namely epithelioid (most frequent), the sarcomatoid (second most frequent) and biphasic. The epithelioid type accounts for 70 percent of mesothelioma cancer cases. The sarcomatoid is the least common type. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two types previously mentioned and is harder to treat than either one separately.
The treatment options for mesothelioma rely on factors like the nature, stage and severity of the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more aggressive than others, and the prognosis is generally poorer for those with late-stage mesothelioma.
Patients with mesothelioma could also be treated by chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. These treatments can be uncomfortable and can cause side effects such as nausea fatigue, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. These side effects can be treated with medication or other methods. Certain patients also undergo radiation therapy following surgery to kill cancer cells that surgeons did not see.
Prognosis
Despite its widespread use in industries and its reputation for being an extremely durable and cost-effective material asbestos is known to cause several kinds of serious medical conditions. Mesothelioma is among these diseases. It manifests on the linings of organs and structures such as the lungs or heart. Mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. Treatments can help manage and reduce symptoms.
Asbestos fibers are tiny and can be absorbed by the body. They can then become trapped within certain tissues. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral is used in everything from textiles to insulation for a long time.
When asbestos is disturbed, it transforms into airborne and is able to be breathed in or inhaled. Inhaling asbestos fibers are deposited in the lungs where they irritate cells until they damage DNA, and develop into malignant. Asbestos fibers get digested by the stomach, and then travel into the lining of the stomach (peritoneum) and can cause mesothelioma or inflammation.
Secondhand exposure to asbestos can also occur when you live in a house where someone has been exposed to asbestos. Workers may expose their family members to asbestos fibers when they bring home stray fibers from their clothing, skin or hair. A family history of mesothelioma increases the risk of developing the disease.
There are two types of mesothelioma, pleural and peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the tissues of the lungs and chest. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the outer lining of the abdominal cavity and organs. This type of mesothelioma affects the tummy's lining (abdomen) and is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a very poisonous mineral that could cause several different types of cancers, as well as other illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. The dangers of asbestos were not widely known until the beginning of the 1980s when companies began to realize asbestos's dangers. Up until then asbestos was primarily used by blue-collar industry and the military in products like flooring, roofs and brake Linings.