Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at the most danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that protect different organs of the body called the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was used to construct structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue may develop.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is found, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma in their family. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). 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 lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the 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 breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to show its first symptoms. It is often mistaken for other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. At this point, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.
The doctor may also suggest blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.
In a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a superior 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 lung lining (pleura) however it can also form in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each 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 mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. In time irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect various parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, like other cancers is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. waco asbestos attorney can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to form.
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They may then get lodged in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members may breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.
Even though mesothelioma may be uncommon, it's vital to seek out a physician if your symptoms are related to this condition. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform a chest X ray and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. These could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.
Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the treatments available. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, without commitment. You can also contact us by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve.