Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. 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 price and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.
It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, may develop.
There are four types of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is found patients are diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those with a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which line and protect internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lung.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins before it shows its first signs. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. At this stage, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgical procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
During a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a mixture of the two primary types and accounts between 30 and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For a long time, it was used in many American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of exposure to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct an examination and physical exam. They may also order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present within your body.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin, and. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, like other cancers is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They can then become lodged in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.
Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's important to seek out a physician in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examinations and a chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. These could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has progressed will determine what treatments are available.
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this disease and the treatment options available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. tustin asbestos law firm can speak to a nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.