Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the protective linings that cover various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is affordable and fire-proof. It was employed in the construction of houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.
It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.
There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumour that is located around vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is discovered and the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a poorer prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma in their family. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). 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 lung.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins before it shows its first signs. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and conduct an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases.
The physician may also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine which mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is typically found in the lining of the lungs (pleura), though it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings cars and many other products. People who worked in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform an examination and request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious but relatives of asbestos-related patients have a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when the cells of the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body, causing the formation of tumors.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and consumed. They can then become stuck in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk 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 home on their clothing. Family members could inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this disease. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray of the chest and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. palatine asbestos lawsuit include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been identified. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.
Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can increase the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll ship it to you at no cost, without obligation. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma suit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.