Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only reason that has been identified for 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 homes, buildings and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses, including lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue could develop.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, however all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and hinders their function.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, is responsible for just 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. Symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.
The physician may also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.
In an examination, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. For a long time, it was used in a variety of American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes irritation can lead to scar tissue that can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases so it is crucial to consult your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform an examination and conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma related changes are present in your body.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but family members of asbestos-related patients are more likely to developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, like other cancers begins when cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous employed in construction, and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
richardson asbestos attorneys who were exposed to asbestos particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.
Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's important 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 ask about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray of the chest and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.
The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also reach us by calling 1-888-3146906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. A lawyer can be contacted to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your family get the amount of compensation you deserve.