Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.
Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations before it was banned in 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that protect various organs in the body known as the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, however all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and disrupts their function.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope. If cancer is discovered, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those with a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. 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 to show its first symptoms. Often, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure, and then perform an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.
The doctor might also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
In a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and is more likely to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a 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 typically found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) however it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in many American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry, where it was used for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ship construction, buildings cars and many 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 problems. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. Over time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other diseases, it is important to visit your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will do a physical examination and may require 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 are any changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, like other cancers begins when 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 to develop.
Asbestos exposure is the most significant risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a fibrous material used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They can then become lodged in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members could inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.
While mesothelioma can be rare, it's essential to consult a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. nebraska asbestos law firm , breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all indications. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can increase the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll send it to you free of cost, with no commitment. You can also reach us by calling 1-888-3146906. You can also ask nurses any questions. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We're committed to helping you and your family members receive the compensation you deserve.