Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at greatest danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that protect various organs in the body known as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of cars, homes, and buildings. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue may appear.
There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has a different 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 are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. fishers asbestos lawyer has its own distinct symptoms, however all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and interferes with their function.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the contrary, accounts for less than 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. The asbestos-related workers, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among the groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs in the internal, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to begin showing symptoms. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this stage, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical exam, 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. A biopsy can be requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine what mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.
In a biopsy, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium 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 type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry where it was employed for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles, and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to build up and can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect various parts of the body. The most common mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious the family members of those exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin, and. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when the cells of the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
Exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous material used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They may then get lodged in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members may inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases however, it is essential to see a physician for any symptoms that may be related to the condition. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and a chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests could include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about possible treatment options. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.
Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can increase the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this condition and the available treatments. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.