Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at greatest danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs of the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs 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, including fatigue and weight loss, may develop.
There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and disrupts their function.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A sample of the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). riverside asbestos lawyer of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it shows its first signs. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and conduct an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.
In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
During the procedure, doctors take out small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis 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 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 commonly found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with heat-resistant properties. For a long time it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes irritation can lead to scar tissue that can cause tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma that can cause symptoms like breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to consult your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform an examination and physical exam. They may also order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, like other cancers is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
The exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or ingested. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members may breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.
While mesothelioma can be rare, it's essential to consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor, your doctor will talk with you about treatment options. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll send it to you free of cost, without obligation. You can also reach us by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the compensation you deserve.