Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs before it was banned in 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the protective linings that protect different organs of the body called the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of automobiles, homes, and structures. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.
The initial signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.
There are four types of mesothelioma and each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on contrary, accounts for just 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma lawsuits. However, certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this point the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.
The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma lawyers and to determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.
When they perform an examination, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma lawyers cells can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mix of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30 and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. For many years it was employed in many American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulating material in ship construction, buildings, cars and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue that can result in tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can assist doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. 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 asbestos exposure secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, is a result of cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and ingested. Then, they can become trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members can inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.
While mesothelioma attorneys can be rare, it's essential to seek out a physician to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about 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 boost the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out 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 call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to an experienced nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (learn this here now). We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.