Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the protective linings that surround various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to build homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.
The initial signs of mesothelioma usually resemble the symptoms of other diseases such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.
There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has a different prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumour that encircles vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under the microscope. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos and military veterans and those who have mesothelioma history are among these groups. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent 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 make them malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain, and breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it shows its first signs. It is often mistaken for other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.
The doctor may also suggest imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. atlanta asbestos attorneys can be requested by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors take small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cells could be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and is more likely to have 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 first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is typically found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also form in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulating material in ship construction, buildings cars, and other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health problems. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body. The most common type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other illnesses. It is essential to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are present in your body.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells in the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
Exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They may then get trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases however, it is essential to see a physician when you experience symptoms that may be related to the condition. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a 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 surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this disease 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 available to answer your questions. You can also reach an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed to helping you and your family receive the amount of compensation you deserve.