Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at risk the most of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that surround different organs of the body called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other illnesses such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.
There are four types of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and interferes with their function.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. The asbestos-related workers, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to begin showing symptoms. asbestos cancer lawsuit lawyer mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and conduct an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process.
During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two primary types and accounts between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. For decades, it was used in a variety of American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships cars and many other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue that can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that could be related to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but family members of those exposed to asbestos are more likely to developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when the cells of the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to form.
Exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then become lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to see a physician if you have symptoms that could be related to the disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. These could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.
The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll deliver it to you at no charge, no obligation. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve.