Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran workers are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that protect various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances may cause mesothelioma for a long time 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 difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue may develop.
There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most common form is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, however all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and interferes with their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for just 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. People who work in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma history are among these groups. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgical procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors take small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mix of the two types and accounts between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. For a long time it was employed in a variety of American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings, cars, and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue, which could lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma that can cause symptoms like breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can 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 pains or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is essential to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. 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 can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming in your body.
washington asbestos attorney may not be contagious but relatives of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin and hair. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was utilized in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers and family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes.
While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to consult a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.
The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this condition and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also contact us by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation on the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.