Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at greatest danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). About 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 is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct homes, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may appear.
There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that surrounds the vital organs.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is found patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. Workers in asbestos, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma history are among these groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs in the internal, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lung.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. kentucky asbestos law firm include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. Symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. 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 with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.
The doctor may also suggest 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 an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mix of the two primary kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence and affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other diseases. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater risk for developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous employed in construction, and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They may then get lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members may inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to see a doctor if you have symptoms that may be related to the condition. These include chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examinations and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, the correct treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma suit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.