Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a liner that protects the organs of the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is inexpensive and fireproof. It was used in the construction of houses, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has an individual prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under the microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is responsible for just 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. People who work in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma history are among these groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. Often, the symptoms are confused with 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 diseases.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this point the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. glendale asbestos attorneys might also request a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.
During a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a mix of the two first kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.
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. About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that is heat-resistant, has properties. For a long time it was utilized in a variety of American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings automobiles and many other products. People who worked in the construction industry were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. 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 heart's lining and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses so it is crucial to see your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will do an examination and physical exam. They may also order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be related to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of those exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to develop.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or ingested. They can then be encased within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is most common in those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.
While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. Chest pain, breathing difficulties, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, and ask if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests can include 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 possible treatment options. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can improve the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll ship it to you free of charge, no commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation about the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.