Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers the 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 form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue, may appear.
There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common 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 has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is detected, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents 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 at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lung.
Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to begin showing symptoms. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will ask about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and conduct an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.
The doctor may also suggest blood tests and imaging scans for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
In an examination, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue that can lead to tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other illnesses. It is crucial to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. hayward asbestos attorneys will do an examination and physical exam. They may also request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when the cells of the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. Then, they can become lodged in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members can inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence It is still important to see a doctor if you have symptoms that could be related to the condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a recurring cold are all indications. The doctor will ask about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.
The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask an experienced nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your family members receive the compensation you deserve.