Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. Early symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue, could develop.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). peoria asbestos attorney to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 year before it shows its first signs. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
The physician may also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the two primary types and accounts between 30% and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung's lining (pleura), though it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. For a long time, it was used in many American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry where it was employed for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ship construction, buildings cars and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time irritation can lead to scar tissue that can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect various parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence and affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma type, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may be related to mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when the cells of the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to develop.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral employed in construction, and other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They can then become stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.
Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence It is still important to consult a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be linked to the condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examination and chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These might include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can increase the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about the disease and the available treatments. No obligation, we'll email it to you for free. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. You can also ask nurses any questions. A lawyer can be contacted to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We're committed to helping you and your family members receive the amount of compensation you deserve.