Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that surround different organs of the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. However, it can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.
The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble the symptoms of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, could develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has a different prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is responsible for only 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with a family history of mesothelioma. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors develop. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to begin showing symptoms. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's past asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.
The physician may also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types forming 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 treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mix of the two types and accounts between 30% and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. For decades it was employed in many American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ships, buildings automobiles and many other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue that can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other diseases. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are evident in your body.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, like other cancers begins when cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. asbestos cancer law lawyer mesothelioma settlement can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to form.
Exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or eaten. Then, they can become stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members may inhale these fibers when they clean their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to consult a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be linked to the disease. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, and ask if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.
The right treatment can increase the chances of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the treatment options available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. 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 members receive the justice you deserve.