How much asbestos exposure does it take to get mesothelioma?

How much asbestos exposure does it take to get mesothelioma?

An exposure of as little as one or two months can result in mesothelioma 30 or 40 years later and in some cases, as much as 70 years later.

How long does it take after asbestos exposure for mesothelioma to show up?

People exposed in the 1940s, '50s, '60s, and '70s are now being diagnosed with mesothelioma because of the long latency period of asbestos disease.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Mesothelioma is diagnosed by pathological examination from a biopsy. Tissue is removed, placed under the microscope, and a pathologist makes a definitive diagnosis and issues a pathology report. This is the end of a process that usually begins with symptoms that send most people to the doctor: a fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusions), shortness of breath, pain in the chest, or pain or swelling in the abdomen. The doctor may order an X-ray or CT scan of the chest or abdomen. If further examination is warranted, the following tests may be done:

    * Thoracoscopy

      For pleural mesothelioma, the doctor may look inside the chest cavity with a special instrument called a thoracoscope. A cut will be made through the chest wall and the thoracoscope will be put into the chest between two ribs. This test is usually done in a hospital using a local anesthetic or painkiller.

      If fluid has collected in your chest, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body by putting a needle into your chest and using gentle suction to remove the fluid. This is called thoracentesis.


    * Peritoneoscopy

      For peritoneal mesothelioma, the doctor may also look inside the abdomen with a special tool called a peritoneoscope. The peritoneoscope is put into an opening made in the abdomen. This test is usually done in the hospital under a local anesthetic.

      If fluid has collected in your abdomen, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body by putting a needle into your abdomen and using gentle suction to remove the fluid. This process is called paracentesis.


    * Biopsy

      If abnormal tissue is found, the doctor will need to cut out a small piece and have it looked at under a microscope. This is usually done during the thoracoscopy or peritoneoscopy, but can be done during surgery.

      Unfortunately, in some cases, tumor cells can grow along the tract where the biopsy is taken. This can be minimized with the use of radiation to the area.

    By: http://www.medicinenet.com/mesothelioma/page2.htm

Risk Factors for Mesothelioma

Risk Factors for Mesothelioma

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.

There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.

Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing lung cancer (see Causes of Lung Cancer).

Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s; its use greatly increased during World War II. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust.

If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were unknown. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among:


    * Shipyard workers
    * People who work in asbestos mines and mills
    * Producers of asbestos products
    * Workers in the heating and construction industries
    * Other tradespeople.
      

Today, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases.

By: http://mesothelioma.emedtv.com/mesothelioma/mesothelioma.html#

Treating Mesothelioma: An Overview

Treating Mesothelioma: An Overview

There are several different mesothelioma treatment options available for someone diagnosed with the disease.

Some factors that may influence the treatment options recommended include:


    * The stage of the cancer (see Mesothelioma Stages)
    * The type of cancer cells (how they look under a microscope)
    * The person's age and general health
    * Whether the mesothelioma is newly diagnosed or has come back (recurred).
      

In general, treatment options for mesothelioma include:


    * Surgery (see Mesothelioma Surgery)
    * Chemotherapy (see Mesothelioma Chemotherapy)
    * Radiation therapy (see Mesothelioma Radiation).
      

Your doctor can describe your treatment choices and the expected results of each. The two of you can work together to develop a treatment plan that meets your medical needs and personal values. Choosing the most appropriate treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, family, and healthcare team.

Mesothelioma treatment generally begins within a few weeks after the diagnosis. There will be time for people to talk with their healthcare provider about treatment choices, get a second opinion, and learn more about the disease.

By: http://mesothelioma.emedtv.com/mesothelioma/mesothelioma-treatment.html

Remembering Questions and Answers

Remembering Questions and Answers


Many people with mesothelioma want to take an active part in making decisions about their medical care. They want to learn all they can about the disease and their treatment choices. However, the shock and stress after a mesothelioma diagnosis can make it hard to think of everything to ask the doctor. Often, it helps to make a list of questions before an appointment.

To help remember what the doctor says, people may take notes or ask whether they may use a tape recorder. Some also want to have a family member or friend with them when they talk to the doctor -- to take part in the discussion, to take notes, or just to listen.

Getting a Second Opinion
Sometimes it is helpful to have a second opinion about the diagnosis and the treatment plan. Some insurance companies require a second opinion; others may cover a second opinion if the affected person or doctor requests it. Gathering medical records and arranging to see another doctor may take a little time. In most cases, a brief delay to get another opinion will not affect treatment for mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Treatment Options
The doctor is the best person to describe the treatment choices and explain the expected results. The doctor and the affected person can work together to develop a mesothelioma treatment plan that fits the person needs.
Depending on the type and extent of mesothelioma, options may include:

(You can read more about treatment options based on the stage of mesothelioma by going to the eMedTV article Mesothelioma Treatment by Stage.)
By: http://mesothelioma.emedtv.com/mesothelioma/mesothelioma-treatment-p2.html

Side Effects of Treatment for Mesothelioma

Side Effects of Treatment for Mesothelioma

Because treatment for mesothelioma may damage healthy cells and tissues, unwanted side effects are common. Specific side effects depend on many factors, including the type and extent of the treatment. Side effects may not be the same for each person, and they may even change from one treatment session to the next. Before treating mesothelioma, healthcare providers will explain possible side effects and suggest ways to manage them.

Nutrition and Mesothelioma Treatment
People need to eat well during mesothelioma treatment. They need enough calories to maintain a good weight and protein to keep up strength. Good "mesothelioma nutrition" often helps people with cancer feel better and have more energy.

But eating well can be difficult. People may not feel like eating if they are uncomfortable or tired. Also, the side effects of treatment, such as poor appetite, nausea, or vomiting, can be a problem. Foods may taste different. Nevertheless, people should try to eat enough calories and protein to control weight loss, maintain strength, and promote healing. Also, eating well often helps people with cancer feel better and have more energy. The doctor, dietitian, or other healthcare provider can suggest ways to maintain a healthy diet.

Careful planning and checkups are important. Mesothelioma and its treatment may make it hard for people to digest food and maintain their weight. The doctor will check the person for weight loss, weakness, and lack of energy.

Clinical Trials
Mesothelioma can be hard to control with current treatments. For that reason, many doctors encourage people with mesothelioma to consider taking part in a clinical trial. These mesothelioma research trials are meant to help improve current treatments or obtain information on new treatments for mesothelioma. When clinical trials show that a new treatment is better than the standard treatment, the new treatment may become the standard treatment. Clinical trials are an important option for people with all stages of mesothelioma.

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The Importance of Follow-up Care When Treating Mesothelioma

The Importance of Follow-up Care When Treating Mesothelioma

Follow-up care after mesothelioma treatment is an important part of the overall treatment plan. People should not hesitate to discuss follow-up care with their doctor. Regular checkups ensure that any changes in health are noticed. Any problem that develops can be found and treated. Checkups after treatment may include a physical exam, laboratory tests, and imaging procedures.

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