Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.
Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at the greatest danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries due to its inexpensive and fireproof. It was employed in the construction of houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
The first signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other illnesses like lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue, could develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is detected the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a poorer prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over gastonia asbestos law firm , cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to show its first symptoms. Symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. For many years it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Those who worked in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could result in tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique 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 an examination of your body and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that could be related to mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and even their 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 uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
The exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members could inhale these fibers when they clean their clothes.
While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests can include computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. These could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.
Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. No obligation, we'll email it to you for free. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed to helping you and your family get the amount of compensation you deserve.