Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. The primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at most risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that protect various organs in the body known as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these materials could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, could develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under a microscope. If cancer is found, the patient can be diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, accounts for less than 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma in their family. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to begin showing symptoms. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure and conduct an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.
The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process.
During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. indio asbestos attorneys is not as responsive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction sector where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships, cars and many other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lung. This is the most frequent mesothelioma that 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 issues. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other illnesses. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there is any changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious but relatives of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They can then become trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members may inhale them when they clean the clothing.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases however, it is essential to consult a doctor when you experience symptoms that may be related to the condition. Chest pain, breathing difficulties, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor your doctor will discuss with you about possible treatment options. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has progressed will determine what treatments are available.
The right treatment can increase the chances of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll ship it to you at no charge, no commitment. 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 regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.