Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at risk the most of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that surround various organs in the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The exposure to asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing problems and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.
There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and interferes with their function.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under a microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. The asbestos-related workers or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma history are among the groups. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. It is often mistaken for other diseases, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.
The physician may also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
In an examination, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and has shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mix of the two primary kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. glendale asbestos lawyer was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect various parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most frequent type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease 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 hair, skin and even their hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral that was used in construction, as well as other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. Then, they can become trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members may inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes.
Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all indications. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examinations and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be contacted to arrange a no-cost consultation on filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve.