Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran workers are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that surround different organs of the body, referred to as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct houses, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue, may develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has an individual prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and interferes with their function.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is found patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a poorer prognosis.
Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. Workers in asbestos and military veterans and those with mesothelioma history are among these groups. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that line and protect internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this point the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process.
In the procedure, doctors take out small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. elizabeth asbestos attorneys is a mixture of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is typically found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. For a long time it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially 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 greatest risk of exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. As time passes irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other ailments. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will conduct an examination and request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present within your body.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They may then get trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members may inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.
While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to consult a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. These include chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor your doctor will discuss with you about possible treatment options. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.
The right treatment can boost the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the treatments available. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, without commitment. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve.