Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that protect various organs in the body known as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances may cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.
It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue, may appear.
There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has distinct prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, however all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and hinders their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, is responsible for just 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. Workers in asbestos and military veterans and those with a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that protect and line internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. The symptoms are often confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure, and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests could include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
During a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma lawsuits. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the two kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
mesothelioma lawyer is most often found in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 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 occurs naturally has properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in many American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships cars and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation causes scar tissue to build up which can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect various parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. This is the most frequent type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other illnesses. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma lawyers.
Although mesothelioma does not transmit, family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to form.
Asbestos exposure is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They can then become lodged in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers and were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare however, it is essential to see a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be linked to the condition. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor your doctor will discuss with you about possible treatment options. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.
The right treatment can improve the chance of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this disease and the treatments available. We'll send it to you at no cost, with no obligation. You can also contact us by dialing 1-888-3146906. You can ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.