Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also develop 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 sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, may appear.
There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular 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 order an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma attorneys cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed during work. The most common mesothelioma lawyers type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years to begin showing symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.
The doctor may also suggest blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine which mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has properties that resist heat. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ship construction, buildings automobiles, and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma lawyers affect different areas of the body. The most common mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma attorneys and may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other illnesses so it is crucial to consult your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident in your body.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of asbestos-related exposure have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and 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 kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when the cells of the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to form.
Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or eaten. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may inhale them when they clean the clothing.
Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence however, it is essential to consult a doctor if you have symptoms that could be related to the disease. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been identified. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available.
The right treatment can improve the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments 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 ask a nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.