Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at the highest risk of being exposed.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.
The first signs of mesothelioma typically resemble the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.
There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumour 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 taken from the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is discovered and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on contrary, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma in their family. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. It is often mistaken for other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire 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 illnesses.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.
In a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. carrollton asbestos lawsuit can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity and lung. This is the most common mesothelioma that may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is crucial to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will do a physical examination and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that may be related to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells in the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to form.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was utilized in construction and other industries before being 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 the most frequent cancer among those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may inhale them when they clean the clothing.
Although mesothelioma is rare however, it is essential to see a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be linked to the condition. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform a physical exam and a chest Xray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed-tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma, the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.