Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings that cover different organs of the body known as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries due to its affordable and fire-proof. It was employed in the construction of houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. 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 develop.
There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope. If pasadena asbestos attorneys is discovered, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more responsive 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. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs in the internal including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this point the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.
The doctor may also suggest imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process.
In a biopsy, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. For decades, it was used in many American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulating material in buildings, ships, cars and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue, which can result in tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most frequent type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases so it is crucial to see your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are evident within your body.
Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, like other cancers starts when the cells of the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to form.
Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They may then get trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is most common in those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may inhale them when they clean the clothes.
While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to consult a doctor if your symptoms are related to this disease. Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a persistent cold are all indications. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been identified. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.
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 the disease and what treatments are available. We'll send it to you at no cost, without commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask nurses any questions. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.