Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at the highest risk of being exposed.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs in the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically located in the lungs and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. Early symptoms include breathing problems and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue, could develop.
There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under a microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for only 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma in their family. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. The most frequent mesothelioma lawsuit type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. mesothelioma lawsuits is a rare type of cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. At this point, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
In an examination, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura), though it can also form in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that is heat-resistant, has properties. For decades it was employed in many American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other diseases, it is important to consult your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to see if any mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious but relatives of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for mesothelioma lawsuits
Mesothelioma, like other cancers starts when the cells of the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to form.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or ingested. They can then become lodged in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members can inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes.
While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to consult a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. 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 perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about treatment options. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.
Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can increase the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, with no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to nurses any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your family get the justice you deserve.