Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that surround different organs of the body known as the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other illnesses like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue may appear.
There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is discovered, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary, accounts for less than 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. Workers in asbestos and military veterans and those with mesothelioma history are among the groups. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that protect and line internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed at work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors form. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. Symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.
The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.
During the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a mix of the two kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. chino asbestos lawyer can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were among those most at risk for exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time irritation causes scar tissue to build up which can lead to tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity and lung. This is the most frequent mesothelioma that can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases, it is important to see your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma related changes are evident in your body.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those exposed to asbestos are at greater risk for developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed 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 develops when cells in the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body causing the formation of tumors.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral that was used in construction, as well as other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. They may then get lodged in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members could inhale these fibers when they clean their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare however, it is essential to consult a doctor for any symptoms that may be related to the disease. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a recurring cold are all indications. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct a physical exam and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests can include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, 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 yet, the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and what treatments are available. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.