Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct homes, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to diagnose. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue may appear.
There are four types of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. north carolina asbestos law firm is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, however all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and hinders their function.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is detected, the patient can be diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is responsible for only 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma in their family. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which line and protect internal organs. This includes the lungs (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. It affects the lining of the lung.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its 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 stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases.
The doctor might also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30 and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For decades it was utilized in many American industries due to its affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were the 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 inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect various parts of the body. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity and lung. This is the most frequent type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other illnesses. It is crucial to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to form.
The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They can then be encased in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.
Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's important to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been identified. These might include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.
The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this disease and the available treatments. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, without obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.