external pageMesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at highest danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs in the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include breathing problems or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may appear.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a different prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and interferes with their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is found patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related family history. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 year to begin showing symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.
The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine which kind of mesothelioma lawyer is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
In a biopsy, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos lawsuit. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties. For many years it was employed in many American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ship construction, buildings, cars, and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue that can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence and affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma type and can trigger symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases and other illnesses, it is essential to consult your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will do an examination and physical exam. They may also request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.
Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos lawsuits are at a greater chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. These individuals could inhale asbestos lawyer fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, like other cancers is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to develop.
The primary 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 fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then become trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers and were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.
Although mesothelioma is uncommon, it's vital to consult a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about possible treatment options. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.
The right treatment can boost the chances of survival, even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this condition and the treatments available. We'll send it to you at no cost, with no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (just click the following article). We're committed to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.