Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at the highest danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that protect different organs of the body, referred to as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. However, it can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries due to its affordable and fire-proof. It was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. Initial symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue may develop.
There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has distinct prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and hinders their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on contrary, accounts for less than 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma in their family. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs in the internal, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine which type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the two first kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung's lining (pleura), though it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos compensation. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. For many years it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Those who worked in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate and can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect various parts of the body. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to see your doctor if you experience 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 can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that may be related to mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to form.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or ingested. They may then get trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos settlement, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of those who worked with asbestos legal are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members may breathe asbestos case fibers when cleaning their clothes.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms that could be linked to the condition. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examinations and a chest Xray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.
The right treatment can boost the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this condition and the available treatments. We'll deliver it to you at no charge, no commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to an experienced nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family get the amount of compensation you deserve.