Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at highest danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is a liner that protects the organs in the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other lung cancer. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.
There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has a different prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural. It affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own unique symptoms, however all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and disrupts their function.
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 the microscope. If cancer is found, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. The asbestos-related workers, veterans of the military and those with a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent mesothelioma attorney type. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. At this point, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.
The doctor may also suggest scans for blood and imaging for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine what mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma attorneys. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. mesothelioma lawsuit usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that is heat-resistant, has properties. For decades, it was used in a variety of American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation causes scar tissue to build up and can cause tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other diseases and other illnesses, it is essential to see your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct an examination and physical exam. They may also require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when the cells of the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to expand 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 to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was utilized in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. Then, they can become 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 responsible for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence however, it is essential to consult a doctor if you have symptoms that may be related to the disease. They may include chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about the treatment options. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has progressed will determine what treatments are available.
Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, with no commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family get the amount of compensation you deserve.