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Three Greatest Moments In Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma History Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is usually diagnosed between 20 to 60 years after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are typically minimal and are difficult to detect. Asbestos is a mineral that was used in thousands industrial commercial, domestic and industrial products. It releases fibers into the air when disturbed and is dangerous if breathed in. Occupational Exposure Many people who suffer from mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos during their work. Up to 80% are caused by previous occupational exposure. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that affects the lining of organs like the lungs and abdomen, is a rare form cancer. The most affected are those who worked in industries such as shipbuilding, construction, manufacturing, and other industries that utilized asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be a risk for those who live with someone who has been exposed to asbestos for a long time. Asbestos, a mineral that is naturally occurring is extremely hard and withstands high temperatures. It was widely used in shipbuilding, construction and other industrial activities before the dangers were identified. It was also found in homes and other residential buildings because of its fire-resistant properties. When asbestos is manipulated or disturbed when it is disturbed or handled, it releases tiny fibers into the air. These fibers can be inhaled, or swallowed. The irritation of the lungs and stomach can lead to mesothelioma. It can take decades for mesothelioma to develop from asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is usually caused by asbestos exposure in mining, shipbuilding manufacturing and other industrial occupations. However, veterans and people who reside with someone who was exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are also at risk for developing mesothelioma on a regular basis. A family history of asbestos-related cancers as well as mesothelioma could increase the risk. The most frequent mesothelioma forms are pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. As asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can embed themselves in the lung's protective lining. The mesothelium consists of cells that react to the asbestos and turn into cancerous tumors. Researchers have discovered that the rates of pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal asbestosis increase in proportion over time. The rate of latency is believed to flatten at approximately 45 years for both men & women. The type of asbestos may also have an effect on the latency of mesothelioma. Crocidolite appears to cause more peritoneal cancer than pleural mesothelioma. Amosite also has a higher incidence of pleural mesothelioma than chrysotile or mixed fibres. Secondary Exposure Asbestos is a hazardous mineral that can be found in many household items. When people who are exposed to asbestos bring it home, their family members could be exposed unknowingly to asbestos-containing fibers. This is called secondary exposure. In some cases, the family members may even have directly contacted asbestos workers and inhaled them. Mesothelioma victims are often women whose husbands or fathers worked in asbestos-related industries. These women could have brought home fibers from their skin or clothing, or from the contaminated clothes they used to wear to work. Their children could have then worn those clothes while playing, further exposing themselves. The asbestos fibers that accumulate on clothing or the skin can also become airborne in homes, making them an immediate danger to anyone who is present. Studies have shown that the fibers can remain in homes for as long as 20 years, creating an hazard to residents. Mesothelioma sufferers have reported that they were often coughing and sneezing in their homes and that asbestos dust was accumulating on furniture and other surfaces. Because the time of latency for mesothelioma can be so long the majority of people who have had para-occupational exposure to asbestos don't know about it until they begin to develop mesothelioma symptoms that are serious. The symptoms can be misinterpreted as symptoms of other diseases, such as asthma, COPD or lung cancer. The signs of mesothelioma could also be mistaken for ovarian and bowel cancers, as well as heart conditions. Patients suffering from mesothelioma frequently claim that their doctor was not aware about their asbestos exposure, since these cancers are not visible in standard laboratory tests. A patient's doctor must be thorough when examining the medical history of a patient to determine if mesothelioma was due to occupational or secondary exposure. Studies that focus on a particular community or region with a specific industrial source of para-occupational asbestos exposure have proven more effective in measuring mesothelioma risk than those which focus on individuals who were exposed to asbestos. For example the study that was conducted in Casale Monferrato, northwest Italy revealed that those who lived within 2000m of an asbestos cement plant had a higher risk than those who were not close to the facility. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, develops in the tissue lining the outside of many internal organs. It can affect the linings of the lungs as well as the chest cavity and abdominal cavity (peritoneum), or membranes that surround internal organs. The disease begins in mesothelial cells. Mesothelioma is a cancerous condition in which cells grow uncontrollably, and eventually form tumors. It takes a long while for symptoms to manifest following asbestos exposure and can take longer to diagnose. The initial symptoms may be mild and difficult to diagnose. Mesothelioma primarily affects the respiratory system, but can also affect other organs such as the stomach, the heart, and the larynx. In most cases, the asbestos fibers that cause mesothelioma become trapped in the lung. mesothelioma and asbestosis enter the bloodstream of the lungs, where they cause damage to the cells that line the lung. This can cause a number of symptoms including chest pain, breathing difficulties and coughing. The symptoms of advanced mesothelioma may be more severe. These include fluid accumulation in the chest (pleural effusion) and weight gain, fatigue, fever, and anemia. A person who has been exposed to asbestos should visit an expert as soon as possible to undergo a thorough physical exam and lab tests, including an x-ray of the chest as well as lung function tests. The doctor will want to know about the individual's working history and any family history of asbestos-related ailments. If a patient is experiencing early mesothelioma-like symptoms A biopsy is recommended to confirm the diagnosis. The doctor should utilize a technique which reduces the possibility of pain and discomfort. In many cases an expert can perform the biopsy in an outpatient procedure and then give a tissue sample for laboratory testing. If the results of the test are positive for mesothelioma, additional tests will be needed to determine the severity of the disease and to plan treatment. Depending on the stage of the cancer patients may undergo a number of surgical and nonsurgical treatments. A lung transplant can help certain people breathe more easily and chemotherapy has also helped some patients live longer. Diagnosis When someone experiences chest pain, breathlessness or other symptoms of mesothelioma from asbestos exposure, they should seek medical advice immediately. They should also inform their doctor about any exposure to asbestos they've had in the past. The asbestos fibres are believed to cause mesothelioma through altering the genes of lung cells. Mesothelioma can also affect the linings of the heart and testicles. Mesothelioma may take a long time to develop, meaning that people who suffer from asbestos exposure may not be aware of mesothelioma until they are extremely sick. Many patients are unable to recognize mesothelioma since the symptoms are usually gradual and are often confused with other conditions such as influenza or pneumonia. It can also be difficult for doctors to know if the patient's mesothelioma is caused by work-related exposure. Mesothelioma is diagnosed by performing imaging tests to detect lung tumours or other parts of the body. X-rays and computed tomography scans (CT) and other imaging tests are frequently used as the first test. They can detect tumors or lumps and help doctors determine if there are other illnesses. If the tests aren't conclusive mesothelioma can be detected by performing a biopsy to see whether cancerous cells are present. This is accomplished by inserting tubes into the lung through a small cut in the chest. The doctor can then make use of tools to remove a tissue sample and send it to be tested to look for mesothelioma and other cancers. A blood test known as the mesothelioma-specific marker can help detect cancerous cells. The blood marker isn't always precise and does not always detect mesothelioma. If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed the treatment can be initiated. This can include chemotherapy and surgery however, patients with mesothelioma should discuss their treatment options with their doctor. Contact a U.S. Veterans' Compensation Specialist to claim to receive VA benefits. Click here to get a free VA claims form.