Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers, and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The exposure to asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. Early symptoms include difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue may develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most prevalent kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive 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 biopsies to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under a microscope. If cancer is found, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a poorer prognosis.
Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that 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 the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.
When they perform an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two first kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung lining (pleura) however it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. For a long time it was employed in many American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulating material in ship construction, buildings automobiles and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of exposure to asbestos.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which can cause tumors.
west palm beach asbestos lawyer of mesothelioma affect various parts of the body. The most common mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses so it is crucial to consult your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are present in your body.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin, and. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when the cells of the body become abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous used in construction, among other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and consumed. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members may breathe them when they clean the clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to see a physician for any symptoms that may be related to the disease. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests could include computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about treatment options. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.
The right treatment can improve the chance of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the treatments available. We'll send it to you free of charge, no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma suit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.