Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a liner that protects the organs of the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. 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 due to its inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct cars, homes, and buildings. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.
It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma lawyer they may request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is found, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary, accounts for just 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
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. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma in their family. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. It is often mistaken for other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until mesothelioma lawsuit that is in late-stage. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma attorney and rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive process.
During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. For many years, it was used in a variety of American industries because it is inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. Workers in the construction industry were most at risk for exposure to asbestos.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time irritation causes scar tissue to grow, leading to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most common mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other diseases. It is essential to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can 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 was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and ingested. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members may inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.
Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's important to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examinations and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include 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 diagnosed. These might include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.
The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also contact us by calling 1-888-3146906. You can ask a nurse any questions. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.