Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that protect various organs in the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.
There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own unique symptoms, however all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma in their family. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed during work. brockton asbestos lawsuit , the most frequent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors develop. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins before it shows its first signs. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this point, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
In the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mix of the two types and accounts between 30 and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma typically 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 is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings cars, and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue that can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma that may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases, it is important to visit your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform an examination and order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are evident in your body.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. This is due to the fact that 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 asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to develop.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or consumed. Then, they can become stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers and relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to see a physician if you have symptoms that may be related to the condition. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.
The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can also ask nurses any questions. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.