Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers various organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. However, it also can be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could be observed, including fatigue and weight loss.
There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and the peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that surrounds the vital organs.
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 a microscope. If cancer is found, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma in their family. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs in the internal, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. brooklyn park asbestos attorneys include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. Often, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process.
During an examination, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two primary kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with heat-resistant properties. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry in which it was utilized for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles, and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests could 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 however, relatives of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
Exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They can then become trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to seek out a physician in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about the treatment options. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can increase the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the treatment options available. We'll send it to you at no cost, with no obligation. You can also contact us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma suit. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve.