Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at the greatest danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the linings that surround various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 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 employed in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances may result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.
antioch asbestos lawyer of mesothelioma are usually similar to the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include breathing problems and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, may develop.
There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has a different prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has unique symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is found, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary, accounts for just 10% of 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 more likely of developing the disease than others. The asbestos-related workers, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma history are among the groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lung.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include coughing, chest pain and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. The symptoms are often confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a mix of the two first types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura), though it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For many years 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, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma type and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other illnesses. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform an examination and request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may be related to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious but relatives of those exposed to asbestos are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, begins when cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They may then get lodged in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have worked with 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 may carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.
Although mesothelioma is uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about possible treatment options. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, with no obligation. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to nurses any questions. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.