Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the protective linings that cover various organs in the body, referred to as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each 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 cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
The initial signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to the symptoms of other diseases, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.
There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has an individual prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that surrounds the vital organs.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope. If cancer is found, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for only 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed at work. The most common 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 cause them to become malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and trouble swallowing. rio rancho asbestos lawyer is a rare type of cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma to 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 a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
The doctor might also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine what mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with heat-resistant properties. For a long time it was employed in many American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were most at risk for exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as pain, swelling 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 consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will do a physical examination 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 there is any changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, 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 may inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it's essential to seek out a physician in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. This includes chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray of the chest and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about treatment options. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma, the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this condition and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation about the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.